China Air Cargo Import/Export: TACT-Style Operations Guide
A comprehensive operations-focused checklist for air cargo import/export to/from Mainland China. IATA TACT structure with China government requirements.
The "TACT Layer" for China
When flying cargo to/from China, you're typically balancing:
- IATA TACT – conditions of carriage / acceptance (plus airline variations)
- IATA DGR / PCR / LAR – for special cargo categories (DG, perishables, live animals)
- China government controls: Customs + security + commodity-specific regulators
EXPORT FROM China (China → world)
Authorities you'll run into
- GACC(General Administration of Customs of China) – customs & cargo control
- CAAC(Civil Aviation Administration of China) – aviation oversight (incl. security framework at sector level)
Core export rules (what usually "breaks" shipments)
A) Export customs declaration
Export shipments generally require an electronic customs declaration through China's customs/e-port ecosystem, done by the exporter/agent/broker. China has updated and consolidated rules around import/export goods declaration and related administrative measures.
B) Manifest / cargo data submission
China has a long-running Advance Manifest (CCAM) regime under GACC for water & air transport inbound/outbound manifests and electronic data transmission.
Practically: carriers/handlers need complete, accurate shipment data (parties, routing, cargo description, pieces/weight, etc.) in time for the carrier's cutoff.
C) Aviation cargo security
Export cargo must comply with aviation security controls required in the air cargo chain (screening / secure supply chain concepts are aligned with ICAO secure supply chain approaches; CAAC is the sector regulator).
D) Special cargo
- Dangerous Goods: must comply with IATA DGR + carrier restrictions (common failure points: lithium batteries, undeclared DG, wrong labels/docs).
- Perishables / live animals: follow IATA PCR/LAR + airline station capability.
IMPORT TO China (world → China)
Authorities
- GACC– import clearance, manifest control, inspections/quarantine integration themes
- Commodity regulators via GACC "service center" domains (food safety, quarantine, etc.) sit under the same ecosystem.
Key import rules
A) Advance/Advanced manifest (CCAM)
China requires electronic manifest data for inbound cargo/transport and manages it under the "manifest management" framework (CCAM).
Common operational consequence: data quality matters (cargo descriptions, party identifiers, consistency across MAWB/HAWB and commercial docs).
B) Customs clearance & declarations
Import clearance normally requires:
- • AWB (Air Waybill)
- • Commercial invoice
- • Packing list
- • Import declaration / broker entry
C) Inspection / quarantine / controls
Depending on commodity, China may require extra steps under inspection/quarantine/food safety categories reflected within GACC's service structure.
Typical restricted / sensitive categories (China lanes)
(Exact allowability depends on destination/origin country rules, GACC controls, and the airline.)
DG / hazardous chemicals
Strict documentation & packaging
Food, cosmetics, medical/pharma, animal/plant products
Often trigger inspection/quarantine workflows under GACC service areas
IPR / counterfeit risk
Customs IPR enforcement appears as a service/admin domain
Practical "do-this-every-time" China checklist (air)
Ensure cargo description quality
Avoid vague terms like "parts", "samples", "general cargo".
Document consistency
Make MAWB/HAWB + invoice + packing list match on: shipper/consignee, pieces, weight, description.
Confirm manifest data submission
Confirm who is responsible for manifest data submission and by what cutoff (carrier/forwarder/handler).
For China exports
Confirm exporter's ability to complete export declaration and handle inspections if triggered.
Key Authorities - Quick Reference
GACC
Full name: General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China
Responsibility: Customs control, manifest management, commodity inspection, quarantine, food safety, IPR enforcement
CAAC
Full name: Civil Aviation Administration of China
Responsibility: Aviation safety, airline regulation, air cargo security standards
Frequently asked questions
What is GACC in China air cargo?
For Unicore's air shipments to and from China, the main authority is GACC (General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China). It is responsible for customs control, manifest management, commodity inspection, quarantine, food safety and IPR enforcement for all cargo entering or leaving China.
What is CCAM manifest for China?
CCAM (China Customs Advance Manifest) is GACC's electronic manifest system for inbound and outbound cargo, so Unicore collects the full shipment data before the carrier's cutoff. Carriers and handlers must submit complete, accurate data: the parties, routing, cargo description, pieces and weight.
What documents are needed for air cargo to China?
For air cargo into China, the key documents Unicore checks are the air waybill (AWB), the commercial invoice, the packing list and the import declaration or broker entry. Special cargo needs extra certificates: dangerous goods (IATA DGR compliance), food, pharmaceuticals, and animal or plant products.
Which Chinese airports are the main air-cargo gateways?
For China air cargo, Unicore looks first at four gateways: Hong Kong (HKG) and Shanghai Pudong (PVG), the world's two busiest cargo airports in 2025 according to ACI World, plus Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) and Shenzhen Bao'an (SZX) in the south. HKG has the strongest worldwide connectivity and, as a Special Administrative Region, also serves the mainland through cross-border trucking; PVG is a general and freighter hub; SZX is the main south-China hub for electronics, fast fashion and e-commerce. Beijing (PEK and PKX), Chengdu Tianfu (TFU) and Zhengzhou (CGO) matter for specific commodities or regional flows.
Related Resources
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| Airport | IATA | Region | Typical specialty | Sample carriers (cargo) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Pudong | PVG | East | General / freighter hub | CK, EK, LH, FX, 5X |
| Hong Kong | HKG | South (SAR) | Global connectivity hub | CX, KA, FX, 5X, QR |
| Shenzhen Bao'an | SZX | South | Electronics, fast-fashion, e-commerce | SF, FX, EK |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | CAN | South | Pearl River Delta manufacturing | CZ, KE, EK |
| Beijing Capital | PEK | North | Mail, high-value cargo | CA, LH, AF |
| Beijing Daxing | PKX | North | General (newer hub) | CZ, MU |
| Chengdu Tianfu | TFU | West | Inland China; growing Europe link | 3U, EK |
| Zhengzhou Xinzheng | CGO | Central | iPhone / Foxconn manufacturing | 5X, FX, CK |
Related resources
- Air Freight Costs CalculatorVolumetric weight, surcharges, and a built-in calculator.Read
- Air Cargo Handling at RIXWhich agent handles which airline, and how to find your AWB.Read
- Customs & Import Documents from ChinaEORI, HS codes, EX1, and the customs path from Shanghai to Riga.Read
- Urgent Air Freight: China → Riga3–5 day express from PVG/PEK/CAN to RIX.Read