Back to Back is one of the 2 usual options, when goods are shipped via Air Freight, the other being a 'Consol' shipment'. Click here to read an overview of how the 2 systems compare.

Below is a brief explanation of what usually happens to goods being shipped via this method. ukimports.org

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1. Goods, airwaybill and other documents, are lodged with the airline, at the airport of departure.

 

- The paperwork go into the airline's office, to be added to the flight manifest, and to be input onto their computer system for billing and tracking purposes.

 

- The goods are taken to the cargo shed for labeling and then loading onto the next available flight. ukimports.org

 

2. The flight departs from the airport.

 

Please Note.
It is at this point when the Shipper/Freight Forwarder should pre-advise you that the goods have been shipped, and on what flight, date and airport that they are due to arrive at.

 

To minimise any storage or rent, when your goods arrive into the UK, NOW is the time to find a Customs clearance agent / broker and advise them that your goods are due in, on which flight and date, and also provide copies of your documents. ukimports.org

 

3. The flight arrives at the UK airport. ukimports.org

 

4. The cargo and the original paperwork are collected from the plane, by the airline's chosen ground / cargo handling agent.

 

- The goods are then moved and stored at the handling agent's cargo shed, awaiting Customs clearance.

- The original paperwork goes into the office for the airline's computer system to be updated (for tracking purposes), then is sorted as follows:

 

a - Importers already known to the handling agent (regular importers)

Those importers who are already on the airline's computer system, who have previously advised the airline as to who is their preferred Customs clearing agent, will have their documents passed immediately to that agent. That agent is then responsible for arranging clearance of the goods shipped under that airwaybill.

 

b -Importers NOT on the computer system

These importers will be contacted by the handling agent, advising them that goods have arrived for them and that they are awaiting Customs clearance. They will then await your instructions, as to which agent / broker you want to clear your goods on your behalf, and they will then pass the original documents to that agent.

Please note
The handling agent usually requires authorisation in writing, as to the name of your preferred clearing agent / broker and their (airport system) badge code.

'Notify Party' on the airwaybill

 

You can advise the airline which is your preferred agent, BEFORE the goods arrive. How?

 

Not only does the airwaybill show the name and address of the Consignor (shipper), and Consignee (importer), but there is also a section called 'Notify Party', where you can ask the shipper to declare your Customs broker.

 

If you would like us at UK Import Services to Customs clear your goods, please contact a member of our imports team, who can provide you with the necessary details to add to the notify party section of the airwaybill.

 

Please be aware.
Storage / rent usually begins 24 hours after your goods arrival.

 

5. Once your goods have been Customs cleared, and both the airline and your clearance agent / broker have been paid (if applicable), you or your clearing agent can then arrange collection and / or delivery of your goods. ukimports.org

If your goods are not arriving directly with the airline, then read the usual procedures for goods arriving on a Freight Forwarders consolidated service (consol).

Shipping via a Freight Forwarder (Consol)

 

 

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Please Note.
As the HM Revenue and Customs, EU, and different companies are constantly changing and updating their various rules, regulations and operating procedures. The 'usual procedures', described in our website pages, are to be used as a guideline only.
UK Import Services Limited does not take any responsibility for any differences resulting in delays, additional costs or any other problems.