Electronic Air Waybill (eAWB)
What is it?
The electronic Air Waybill (eAWB) is transmitted via a Freight Waybill (FWB) message and replaces the traditional paper Air Waybill.
More than 90% of shipments across our network already travel with an eAWB.
The eAWB should be used wherever available to reduce paperwork, improve handling efficiency and avoid the paper Air Waybill charge of €80/£70.
How to get started
To start using eAWB, follow these three steps:
- Sign the IATA Multilateral Agreement form. This takes just a few minutes.
- Request activation by contacting our team at paperlessoperations@iagcargo.com.
- Once activated, send Freight Waybill (FWB) messages using one of the following three methods:
- Option 1: Send via SITA message using Cargo IMP format version 16 or above.
- Option 2: Contact one of our global message exchange providers, Descartes or CHAMP, to set up message exchange with IAG Cargo.
- Option 3: Enter your eAWB information directly through the IAG Cargo portal.
Need help? Contact paperlessoperations@iagcargo.com.
Stations not accepting eAWB
eAWB is accepted at almost all IAG Cargo online and offline stations. However, the countries below are currently unable to accept eAWB. If you are shipping to one of these locations, you must provide a paper Air Waybill instead.
Station list | |
|---|---|
Andorra | Luxembourg |
Argentina | Macedonia |
Armenia | Moldova |
Azerbaijan | Monaco |
Bangladesh | Montenegro |
Belarus | Philippines |
Bosnia & Herzegovina | San Marino |
Croatia | Serbia |
Colombia | Slovakia |
Egypt | Venezuela |
Georgia | Vietnam |
Indonesia |
The €80/£70 paper Air Waybill charge does not apply to shipments to these countries.
Paper Air Waybill conversion to electronic form
Where a Shipper or Freight Forwarder tenders a paper Air Waybill in circumstances where a paper Air Waybill is not required by any applicable international treaty, national or local law or regulation, or other mandatory requirement, the Carrier may convert, reproduce, record or preserve that Air Waybill in electronic form and treat the resulting electronic record as the record of the contract of Carriage, in accordance with the Carrier Regulations. This right applies whether or not the Shipper or Freight Forwarder is a party to the IATA Multilateral e-Air Waybill Agreement.
The Carrier may perform such conversion itself or through its authorised agents or ground handling agents and may charge the Shipper or Freight Forwarder a fee for the conversion, as published by the Carrier from time to time. Conversion by or on behalf of the Carrier does not relieve the Shipper of responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or validity of the information supplied in the paper Air Waybill. Where applicable law or regulation requires an original paper Air Waybill, the paper Air Waybill shall continue to apply
FHL message (House Air Waybill data)
What is it?
The Freight House List (FHL) message is needed to transmit House Air Waybill (HAWB) information electronically for consolidated shipments.
The use of FHL data supports smoother customs processing and ensures shipment information is available consistently throughout the shipment journey.
How to get started
To submit FHL messages, please use one of the following options:
- Option 1: Send via SITA message using Cargo IMP format version 5 or above.
- Option 2: Contact one of our global message exchange providers, Descartes or CHAMP, to set up message exchange with IAG Cargo.
- Option 3: Send through the IAG Cargo portal.
Need help? Contact paperlessoperations@iagcargo.com.
Electronic Cargo Security Declaration (eCSD)
What is it?
An electronic Cargo Security Declaration (eCSD) is used to communicate the security status of a cargo shipment and confirm that the required security controls have been applied in accordance with regulatory requirements. It replaces the paper Cargo Security Declaration.
Electronic submission improves accuracy, visibility and consistency throughout the shipment process, helping to reduce unnecessary checks and avoid delays.
How to get started
An eCSD can be created in two ways:
- Option 1: Via Freight Waybill (FWB). Include the required security information in the Other Customs, Security and Regulatory Information (OCI) field of the FWB message, in line with IATA regulations.
- Option 2: Via the IAG Cargo portal.
Electronic Dangerous Goods Declaration (eDGD)
What is it?
The electronic Dangerous Goods Declaration (eDGD) is used to communicate dangerous goods information electronically, confirming that dangerous goods have been correctly classified, packed, labelled and declared in accordance with IATA regulations. It replaces the traditional paper Dangerous Goods Declaration.
The use of eDGD improves accuracy and efficiency by enabling dangerous goods information to be created, validated and shared electronically across the supply chain.
How to get started
eDGDs are created through IATA’s eDGD platform.
To get started, complete the online registration form. If you have any questions about the registration process, you can contact IATA via: dgautocheck@iata.org
Once approved by IATA, users can access the platform and begin submitting eDGDs.
Support materials, including IATA’s video tutorials and how-to guides, are available via the IATA eDGD support playlist.
Electronic Phyto for fruit, vegetables and plants
What is it?
Where available, electronic phytosanitary certificates (ePhyto) should be used for shipments of fruit, vegetables, flowers, plants, seeds and other plant products between countries participating in the ePhyto system.
The use of ePhyto simplifies the exchange of phytosanitary certificates, reduces paperwork, improves traceability and helps speed up customs clearance. It replaces the traditional paper certificate.
Without the required phytosanitary certification, shipments may be delayed or refused entry. More information can be found on the IPPC ePhyto website.
Please note that ePhyto is not currently available for shipments from outside the EU into the UK.
How to get started
Check whether ePhyto certificates are accepted for your route. More information is available on the IPPC ePhyto website.
Identify the relevant National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) or competent authority in the exporting country, such as TRACES in the EU or APHIS in the USA.
Upload your shipment data to the relevant NPPO platform to apply for an ePhyto certificate. Once issued, the certificate is transmitted electronically via the IPPC ePhyto Hub to the destination country.
Share a copy of the ePhyto certificate with your importing agent so they can pre-notify the relevant destination authorities.
Certifications for meat, fish and products of animal origin
Electronic certification for meat, fish and other products of animal origin is currently being tested but has not yet been approved by the relevant authorities. Until further notice, the original paper certificates must be securely attached to the shipment.
Live Animal Documentation
What is it?
Before accepting a live animal shipment, IAG Cargo or its local cargo ground handler must verify all documentation required by the origin, transit and destination countries. In addition to the Air Waybill (AWB), this may include:
An animal health certificate dated within 10 days of departure.
A shipper's certification for live animals.
Any applicable import, export or transit permits.
Any applicable CITES import or export permits.
Once verified, all required documentation, including any documents needed for destination clearance, must be securely attached to the animal’s crate.
Complete and accurate documentation helps protect animal welfare, supports a smooth journey and reduces the risk of delays, refusal for carriage, quarantine or rejection by the destination authority.
How to get started
Check the origin, transit and destination-country requirements before booking.
Prepare all required original and copy documentation before delivery.
Securely attach all required documents to the animal’s crate before acceptance.
Human Remains Documentation
What is it?
Before accepting a shipment of human remains, IAG Cargo or its local cargo ground handler must verify all documentation required by the origin, transit and destination countries. In addition to the Air Waybill (AWB), this may include:
A death certificate.
An embalming certificate (for non-cremated remains).
A cremation certificate (for cremated remains).
Once verified, securely attach these documents, together with any additional documentation required for destination clearance, before delivery rather than handing them over separately at acceptance. Alternatively, original documents may be attached before delivery with copies provided at acceptance.
Correct documentation helps ensure the respectful and uninterrupted transport of human remains and reduces the risk of delays, non-acceptance, customs issues, additional inspections or rejection by the destination authority.
How to get started
Check the origin, transit and destination-country requirements before booking.
Prepare the required certificates and confirm whether originals, copies or both are needed.
Attach any documentation required for destination clearance securely before delivery.