What is IATA TACT and how does it apply to USA shipments?

IATA TACT (The Air Cargo Tariff) governs cargo acceptance conditions, restrictions, documentation requirements, and chargeable weight rules for international air freight. For USA shipments, TACT works alongside US regulations (TSA, CBP, BIS) and airline-specific rules. Airlines may apply carrier-specific variations.

What is ACAS and is it mandatory for imports to USA?

ACAS (Air Cargo Advance Screening) is mandatory for all inbound air cargo to the USA. Filing is required before loading at origin airport, based on House Air Waybill data. 'Do Not Load' instructions from CBP must be respected. Non-compliance can result in cargo delays or denial of loading.

When is an AES/EEI export declaration required for exports from USA?

Electronic Export Information (EEI) via AES is required when: shipment value exceeds USD 2,500 per Schedule B commodity, an export license is required, or the cargo is controlled under EAR. The shipper or their agent must file before export.

What are TSA air cargo security requirements?

All cargo on passenger aircraft must be 100% screened under TSA Air Cargo Security Program. Cargo must be tendered by a Known Shipper or screened by a Certified Cargo Screening Facility (CCSF). Unknown shipper cargo faces additional screening or refusal.

Can dangerous goods be shipped by air to/from USA?

Yes, but strict compliance with IATA DGR and US 49 CFR is required. Lithium batteries are subject to special restrictions including state of charge limits and marking requirements. Unicore is IATA DGR certified to handle dangerous goods shipments to/from USA.

What documents are needed for importing goods to USA by air?

Required documents include: Air Waybill, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Arrival Notice, Customs Entry (Form 7501). Additional permits may be needed: FDA Prior Notice for food, USDA permits for agricultural products, EPA certifications for regulated chemicals.

Regulatory Guide

USA Air Cargo Import & Export Regulations

Practical IATA TACT-aligned rules and regulatory requirements for air cargo import and export to/from the United States. This comprehensive guide covers TSA security, CBP customs, documentation, and compliance requirements.

1. General IATA TACT Framework

IATA TACT (The Air Cargo Tariff) applies to both import and export shipments and governs fundamental air cargo operations.

TACT Rules Govern:

Cargo acceptance conditions
Restrictions & prohibitions
Documentation requirements
Chargeable weight rules
Special cargo handling procedures

TACT Works in Parallel With:

IATA DGR

Dangerous Goods Regulations

IATA LAR

Live Animals Regulations

IATA PCR

Perishable Cargo Regulations

Airlines may apply carrier-specific variations in addition to TACT rules. Always verify with the specific carrier before booking.

2. Export Cargo FROM USA (US → World)

2.1 Regulatory Authorities Involved

TSA

Transportation Security Administration - Cargo security

CBP

Customs & Border Protection - Export control enforcement

BIS

Bureau of Industry & Security - Export Administration Regulations (EAR)

OFAC

Office of Foreign Assets Control - Sanctions & embargoes

Product-specific controls: FDA, USDA, EPA, ATF (depending on commodity type)

2.2 Key Export Rules (TACT-Aligned)

Cargo Security (Mandatory)

•Cargo must be screened under TSA Air Cargo Security Program
•Must be tendered by a Known Shipper or screened by a Certified Cargo Screening Facility (CCSF)
•100% screening required for passenger aircraft cargo

Documentation Requirements

Standard Documents:

Air Waybill (AWB) - accurate shipper/consignee details
Commercial Invoice
Packing List

EEI via AES Required If:

Value > USD 2,500 per Schedule B
Export license required
Controlled under EAR

Export Controls

Prohibited/Restricted Destinations (OFAC Sanctions):

Examples include: Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Syria (subject to change - always verify current sanctions)

Dual-Use Goods License Requirements:

• ECCN (Export Control Classification Number)
• End use verification
• End user screening

Dangerous Goods

Must comply with:

IATA DGR (Dangerous Goods Regulations)
US 49 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations)

Lithium Batteries:

• State of charge limits apply
• Special marking & documentation required

3. Import Cargo TO USA (World → US)

3.1 Regulatory Authorities Involved

CBP

US Customs and Border Protection

TSA

Transportation Security Administration

FDA / USDA / EPA / CPSC / ATF

Depending on commodity

3.2 Key Import Rules (TACT-Aligned)

ACAS (Air Cargo Advance Screening)

•Mandatory for ALL inbound air cargo
•Filing required PRIOR to loading at origin
•Based on House AWB data
•"Do Not Load" instructions must be respected

Documentation Requirements

Standard Documents:

Air Waybill
Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Arrival Notice
Customs Entry (Form 7501)

Additional Permits (If Applicable):

FDA Prior Notice (food products)
USDA permits (agricultural)
EPA certifications (chemicals)

Cargo Security

Airlines must comply with TSA inbound security requirements
Unknown shipper cargo may face: delays, additional screening, or refusal

Customs & Compliance

Accurate Information Required:

• HS classification
• Country of origin
• Declared value

Must Comply With:

• Anti-dumping / countervailing duties (if applicable)
• Partner Government Agency (PGA) rules

4. Prohibited & Restricted Commodities

Commonly Restricted or Controlled:

Explosives, weapons, ammunition
Certain chemicals & precursors
Radioactive materials
Counterfeit goods
Hazardous waste
Endangered species & products (CITES)
Alcohol & tobacco (controlled)
Pharmaceuticals & medical devices (FDA)

Special Handling Required:

Live animals
Human remains
Perishables
Lithium batteries
Temperature-controlled pharma

5. Charges & Operational Rules

Chargeable Weight Calculation

Chargeable weight = higher of:

• Gross weight (actual kg)
• Volumetric weight (IATA standard: 6,000 cm³/kg)

Common Surcharges

Fuel surcharge
Security surcharge

DG surcharge (dangerous goods)
Screening fees

Minimum charges apply per airline

6. Practical Compliance Tips

Always Cross-Check:
TACT rules + airline variations + US federal regulations
Ensure Data Consistency:
Shipper/consignee information must match across all documents
File ACAS Early:
For imports to USA, file before loading at origin airport
Export Control Screening:
Screen for export controls BEFORE booking
Record Retention:
Keep all records for 5 years (US standard)

Frequently Asked Questions

Need Help with USA Air Cargo Shipments?

Unicore is IATA CASS and DGR certified. We handle all documentation, customs clearance, and regulatory compliance for your air cargo shipments to and from the United States.

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USA Air Cargo Import & Export Regulations

1. General IATA TACT Framework

TACT Rules Govern:

TACT Works in Parallel With:

2. Export Cargo FROM USA (US → World)

2.1 Regulatory Authorities Involved

2.2 Key Export Rules (TACT-Aligned)

Cargo Security (Mandatory)

Documentation Requirements

Standard Documents:

EEI via AES Required If:

Export Controls

Prohibited/Restricted Destinations (OFAC Sanctions):

Dual-Use Goods License Requirements:

Dangerous Goods

3. Import Cargo TO USA (World → US)

3.1 Regulatory Authorities Involved

3.2 Key Import Rules (TACT-Aligned)

ACAS (Air Cargo Advance Screening)

Documentation Requirements

Standard Documents:

Additional Permits (If Applicable):

Cargo Security

Customs & Compliance

Accurate Information Required:

Must Comply With:

4. Prohibited & Restricted Commodities

Commonly Restricted or Controlled:

Special Handling Required:

5. Charges & Operational Rules

Chargeable Weight Calculation

Common Surcharges

6. Practical Compliance Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

Need Help with USA Air Cargo Shipments?

Related Resources

Urgent Air Freight USA to Riga

Latvia to USA Shipping Times

Dangerous Goods Guide