Summary of shipment data and compliance requirements

DHL Group emphasizes the importance of timely, complete and accurate shipment data for international logistics, particularly in light of recent regulatory updates affecting air cargo to the UAE, the US, and the European Union.

1. Mandatory FWB/FHL Messaging: DHL Aviation requires electronic submission of FWB and FHL messages to enhance shipment security and visibility prior to tender.
2. Goods Description Guidelines: Detailed and specific goods descriptions are essential. Generic terms must be avoided to ensure compliance with customs regulations.
3. UAE Import Air Waybill Requirements: For shipments arriving in Dubai, it is mandatory to include the consignee's UAE mobile number (in international format) and email address on the Air Waybill (AWB) and a six-digit HS code.
4. US Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS): Updated regulations require that shipments originating outside the US must include shipper and consignee phone numbers in the FWB/FHL.
5. ICS2 Regulation for EU Shipments: The Import Control System (ICS2) mandates complete shipper & consignee addresses, compliant goods descriptions, minimum 6 digit Harmonized System (HS) codes for each line item and where applicable, also the consignee EORI. Customer must include this information in the electronic shipment data.
6. NCTS5 Regulation for Shipments trucked in EU: For non-union / excise shipments, customers must provide: compliant goods descriptions, minimum 6 digit Harmonized System (HS) codes for each line item per line item.

Adhering to these guidelines ensures efficient and compliant handling of shipments, minimizing delays and additional charges.

Export Controls and Sanctions

The United Nations (UN), European Union (EU) and many States have imposed sanctions (also referred to as “country sanctions” or “embargoes”) that restrict trade with certain countries or territories. Sanctions may include arms embargoes and other economic measures such as restrictions on imports and exports.

• It is DHL Aviation's policy to comply with applicable international trade laws including relevant export control and sanctions restrictions.
• Failure to comply may expose both DHL Aviation and its customers to severe criminal and civil penalties, and reputational damage.
• In parallel with our trade compliance measures, DHL Aviation generally does not accept payments for shipments (or other transactions) outside of the United States in U.S. Dollars for U.S. sanctioned countries. (i.e. Belarus, Crimea, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia and Syria).

DHL Aviation therefore does not accept shipments to High-Risk Sanctioned Countries.

DHL Aviation responsibilities

DHL Aviation performs Denied Party Screening for all shipments transported within its network.

• The screening is undertaken to ensure DHL Aviation is compliant with applicable laws and regulations.
• DHL Aviation will not act as the Exporter for Export Control purposes, nor classify goods or apply for export licenses.

Suspension of Controlled Military Item shipments

DHL Aviation does not accept international shipments containing Controlled Military Items, meaning items on the Wassenaar Munitions List and commonly subject to national export controls because they have been designed or modified for military use.

This suspension does not include domestic shipments of Controlled Military Items or international shipments of licensed dual-use items.

If you are uncertain whether your shipment contains Controlled Military Items, please contact your national export licensing authority (and/or the licensing authority in the country of origin and destination of the military items) to verify.

Customer responsibilities
Terms and Conditions of Carriage
Privacy Notice

DNATA: Mandatory update in TACT – Notification requirements on import air waybill for United Arab Emirates bound shipments
 

We have been informed by our ground handling agent DNATA in Dubai of the following update to the notification requirements listed in TACT for all shipments arriving in Dubai (DXB and DWC). Effective 1st August 2025, it will be mandatory for all import shipments to include the following consignee contact details on the Air Waybill (AWB):

• UAE mobile number in the international format e.g. 00 971 XXXXXXXXXX
• Email address of the consignee or notifying party
• These contact details must be correctly entered in the consignee field on the AWB

Failure to comply with the updated guidelines may result in delayed notifications and could lead to storage or overstay charges being applied to your shipments. DNATA remains committed to providing a timely and efficient cargo handling service. If you require further clarification, then please do not hesitate to contact us.

Air Capacity Sales Europe
For Bookings: acsplan.eu@dhl.com
Website: https://aviationcargo.dhl.com

Air Freight Surcharge to reduce on intercon flights
 

The DHL Aviation Air Freight Surcharge (AFS) for intercontinental flights will reduce from €0.25/kg to €0.20/kg on 7 April 2025.

For intra-regional flights, the AFS will remain at €0.10/kg.

Air Capacity Sales Europe
For Bookings: acsplan.eu@dhl.com
Website: https://aviationcargo.dhl.com

Introduction of Aviation Charge & Air Freight Surcharge update
 

DHL Aviation are introducing a mandatory €0.03/kg Aviation Charge (AVC) aligned to the cost of new sustainability regulations.

It comes as European legislation, brought in on 1 January 2025, now requires all flights departing the EU to have a 2% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blend quota.

The AVC will be effective from 1 February 2025 on intercontinental flights departing from all European countries, including Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. It will be applicable on chargeable weight and may be applied to other flights and regions in the future.

The DHL Group utilizes sustainable business practices and is already the leading buyer of SAF. DHL aims to achieve net-zero logistics by 2050 as part of its commitment to society and the environment.

Customers should also be aware that the DHL Aviation Air Freight Surcharge (AFS) will change on 1 February 2025. For intra-regional flights the AFS will go from €0.05/kg to €0.10/kg, and for intercontinental flights €0.20/kg will become €0.25/kg.

Air Capacity Sales Europe
For Bookings: acsplan.eu@dhl.com
Website: https://aviationcargo.dhl.com