An in-depth guide on the incoterm; Delivered Duty Paid...

WHAT IS DELIVERED DUTY PAID? (DDP)

Delivered Duty Paid is one of the 11 official incoterms. In this ruling, the seller is responsible for all the risk and costs involved with transporting the goods from origin through to an agreed location agreed with the buyer in advance. This will usually be the premises or warehouse of the buyer.

WHAT TRANSPORT MODE CAN DELIVERED DUTY PAID BE USED WITH?

Delivered Duty Paid can be used with any transport mode, or where there is more than one singular mode of transport. 

HOW DOES DELIVERED DUTY PAID WORK?

Within this incoterm, the seller is responsible for arranging carriage and the delivery of goods to a named place, which is agreed in advance with the buyer. The seller is not just responsible for the full transportation of goods. The seller must also settle all costs associated with the customs clearance at destination. This includes the customs clearance itself along with any applicable import taxes (such as VAT in the UK) and any customs duty. Within DDP, risk only transfers to the buyer when the goods are ready for at the agreed point.

DDP OVERVIEW 

• Delivered Duty Paid can be used with any transport mode.
• DDP can prove highly problematic for a seller as it is the only incoterm which requires the seller to take responsibility for import clearance and payment of taxes and import duty at the end destination.
• In some countries, clearing methods are complex and extremely strict and best handled by the buyer than the seller. 

For over twenty years Sky Fly Logistics have been offering our shipping to Malawi service for the African diaspora in the INDIA.

During those years we have built a well-earned reputation for providing a first class air freight service to both Lilongwe and Blantyre airports. We understand that many people have been struggling to find a reliable company who can handle the shipping to Malawi of their personal goods.

AIR FREIGHT TO MALAWI

You need look no further than our own service. Leaving the India every week to Lilongwe and Blantyre airports with a transit time of less than one week why would you need to look for anyone else?

You can view our rates and services on our dedicated Malawi page and even use our instant online calculator to get a better idea of rates.

EXCESS BAGGAGE COLLECTION SERVICE

And did you know that we offer a free collection service from Mumbai? Free of charge, we can't do it any cheaper than that! Once you are ready to confirm your order you can contact us by phone or simply use our online booking facility. At Sky Fly Logsitics we like to utilise all modern customer friendly facilities and so you can even pay online once we have calculated the cost of your shipment. A modern company using modern methods for the modern African community - shipping to Malawi from the India has never been easier. If you are shipping to Malawi, please contact our excess baggage team.

Whether you’re heading away on business, travelling abroad for an extended period of time, or are heading overseas to study, there’s no doubt that many people panic when it concerns what to take and how to reduce excess baggage.

That said however, there are a number of ways that you can reduce the amount of excess baggage, which will help reduce your overall travel costs.

PLAN TO TAKE ONLY THE ESSENTIALS

Quite often, we find that the main reason people have trouble with excess baggage is that they take far too many belongings that they simply don’t need. From entire collections of books, through to kitchenware, we’ve seen it all, which is why we always advise people to take only what is essential so that they can lower the costs of heading abroad. A few weeks before organising your excess baggage requirements, make a list of items that you want to take and cross out any that you are not likely to need or use. By doing this, you can reduce the number of items that you will travel with.

PACK YOUR EXCESS BAGGAGE EFFICIENTLY

Whether you’re packing clothes or study books, making the most of the space inside your suitcase or packaging is essential. For clothes, gather all the items that you think are essential and lose any that you might not wear. Remember that knits, wools, and cottons resist wrinkles and are fairly versatile when it comes to packing. Roll your softer garments, including underwear, t-shirts, knitwear, and jeans, as these do not wrinkle when rolled tightly. Such items should be placed in a suitcase or box carton first. Stiffer fabrics, such as cotton shirts and blazers should be folded carefully and placed in afterwards. When it comes to bags that you will travel with personally, pack chargers and other small items into shoes so that you can maximise space.

SHOP AROUND FOR THE RIGHT SUITCASES AND PACKAGING

More often than not, we find that people will use previously bought suitcases to send excess baggage, which means that for the trip in question, that the cases might not be best suited for their needs. It’s quite common for people to use two smaller and tightly packed suitcases. However, most of the time, one large suitcase should be enough for most people, and can help cut costs. It’s also worth mentioning that we also provide a great array of packing materials, which are specially designed for long periods of travel.

RESEARCH YOUR BEST OPTIONS

No matter where you’re travelling to, the likelihood is that we offer a variety of excess baggage options for your personal belongings. For example, if you’re travelling to Australia, you can send your excess baggage using a variety of methods, including:

• By air
• By sea
• By our door to door by air service

Bear in mind however, that our sea freight services can sometimes involve a travel time of up to eight weeks, so if you’re looking to use this service for your excess baggage, you need to plan and prepare well in advance.

Whether you’re going to live abroad as part of your retirement plans, for new work, or just to travel, moving to another country can be one of the most exciting chapters of a person’s life.

It goes without saying that while helping people forward their belongings and excess baggage, we’ve picked up a lot of stories, as well as a few tips and tricks along the way when it concerns living abroad. With that in mind, here is Sky Fly Logistics top tips for living in another country:

PREPARE WISELY AND HAVE A SAFETY NET

No matter which country you’re moving to, ensure that you give enough time to plan every last detail. From sending your belongings via one of our air or sea freight services, to making sure that you have the right paperwork and documents ahead of your move, rigorous planning is always recommended so that you can overcome any eventuality. When it comes to money, ensure that you have not only enough to fulfil your visa requirements, but also so that you have a fall-back option in case anything goes wrong. You can work out how much the average cost of living might be, using sites such as Nomad List, which gives you financial filters and data depending on where and how you want to live.

GIVE IT TIME

There’s no doubt that when you move abroad, there’s a honeymoon period where everything seems perfect and exciting, but after a few weeks or months this feeling can start to fade. Depending on the country, or even the area that you’re moving to, there can be unforeseen headaches, such as making a doctor’s appointment, or renewing a prescription, which can take a little while to figure out. There’s also the cultural difference that you’ll experience on a day to day basis, which will take time to overcome. Most expats report giving it at least six months before they fully acclimatise with their surroundings and begin really settling in to their new way of life.

DO AS THE LOCALS DO

While discussing settling into your environment, it goes without saying that one of the best ways to do this is to simply “live like one of the locals”. Whereas tourists generally don’t get much time to really engrain themselves in the areas that they visit, a person living in a new city or town can really start to explore and enjoy the local way of doing things after a couple of weeks or so. Instead of heading to chain restaurants and bars, take the time out to try the independent way of life and shop and dine locally when you can. If there are any local clubs, sports events, or gatherings, try attending some to introduce yourself to other people and get to know the folks who live in your area.

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH PEOPLE BACK HOME

Whether you’re having the best time of your life, or finding living abroad a little harder than you imagined, remember to stay in touch with people back home so that you can stay updated on what’s happening, as well as being able to provide your loved ones with an insight on your life. There are a great many free apps and technologies that you can use for this including WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Skype. If you fancy it, you could even surprise people with good old-fashioned letters and postcards as extra treats.

There’s no doubt that for many, Christmas is well and truly one of the busiest times of the year, and this is no different for the freight forwarding industry.

In fact, when it comes to forwarding, there are generally two peak seasons, the first of which occurs during the summer, when many people send excess baggage and packages abroad during the holiday season, and the other of course, is Christmas. No matter how busy we might be however, Sky Fly Logistics strives to offer the best possible service to all its customers and maintains all transit times as quoted at the beginning of the service.

LAST DATE TO AIR FREIGHT PACKAGES TO ARRIVE BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Although it would be a little late to use our specialist sea freight service to get packages to destinations in time for Christmas, our air freight service is ready and waiting to send any presents or packages you might have to anywhere in the world.

Bear in mind that most destinations have a transit time of around seven days, although it is always best to add a window of three extra days for peace of mind.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SENDING CHRISTMAS PACKAGES BY AIR FREIGHT

As well as Christmas being much busier, it is also the time when people send more packages and gifts to destinations around the world. With this in mind, it is important to know what should and should not be sent to destinations using air freight.

WHAT ITEMS CAN'T BE SENT BY AIR FREIGHT?

Although security around airports is very tight, which means that the risk of theft is far lower, each and every package must be screened by airport personnel, who will look for dangerous and hazardous goods that should not be sent via air freight.

Dangerous goods

There are certain goods that are regarded as “dangerous items”, even if they seem quite harmless. It is therefore against the law to send dangerous items via air freight if they have not been declared on a shipper’s inventory. If you happen to be sending dangerous goods, and they have been confirmed in the above document, they must be packed and handled accordingly. It’s also worth pointing out that dangerous goods are also more expensive to send. Items that are often considered to be dangerous in nature are perfumes, aftershaves, aerosols, paints, and corrosives. You can find a full list of what is considered to be hazardous and or dangerous. It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure that such items are not shipped alongside personal effects without being brought to our attention.

Valuable cargo

From cash, right through to traveller’s cheques, stamp collections, jewellery, and watches, these are highly valuable items that are not permitted to travel with Sky Fly Logistics.

Waste materials

Although it’s unlikely that you would send waste materials via air freight (especially in the form of Christmas presents), there are strict anti-dumping laws that prevent the shipping of scrap metals and used tyres.

WHAT ABOUT PACKING MATERIALS AND DO YOU NEED CARGO INSURANCE?

Of course, everyone wants to know that their packages are getting to their destinations safe and sound, which is why Sky Fly Logistics offers a great variety of packing and packaging for your shipping needs. Including a range of different sized cartons, bubble wrap, and polystyrene fillings, find out more about what we offer to protect your packages. When it comes to insurance, Sky Fly Logistics does not offer this service, but we can help you get in touch with a specialist insurance company should you request one.

At last! You’ve finally finished your exams and you’re looking forward to going back home to South Korea. However, as soon as you start to pack your things away for the long journey home you suddenly realise “too much stuff…… I need to find a safe company to do my shipping to Korea.”

Sky Fly Logistics have a long and well established reputation within the international student community. We have been shipping to South Korea for many years.

AIR FREIGHT TO SOUTH KOREA

Instead of paying expensive excess baggage charges you can use our air freight services to either Inchon, Busan or Cheju airports. Our cheap and reliable
service arrives at your local airport within a few days so there is no need to wait for slow sea freight services. Shipping to Korea has never been easier. You can check out your own price by using our instant online calculator. Once we have collected your excess luggage you can pay online using our secure online payment facility and then you can track the progress of your shipment all the way to your local airport. The days are long gone when you have to carry your heavy bags with you paying expensive excess baggage costs at the airport. Let Tudor do your shipping whilst you sit back, relax and enjoy your flight home. Visit our South Korea page for more details or contact us for a quotation.

A Customs Procedure Code (CPC) is a pre-defined HMRC code that is required to describe the purpose of your overseas shipment.

The code is used to determine how your shipment will be processed and how the duties and taxes, if applicable, will be collected. Smooth and timely transportation of goods and products is, more often that not, dependent on the quality of the accompanying paperwork. So, ensuring you have the correct CPC assigned is very important. Use of the wrong code could result in incorrect duties being applied. 

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF YOUR SHIPMENT?  

• Is your shipment a straightforward commercial transaction - the sale of goods to another party?
• Are you transporting samples to potential customers?
• Do you have an item that needs repair and needs to be shipped to the original manufacturer?
• Are you a tradesman working overseas requiring tools and machinery to be transported to the working destination?

Customs Duties are not payable on all of the above examples so if the wrong CPC is assigned the shipment could be delayed and duties incorrectly applied.  Unclear, incorrect and incomplete customs declarations can cause long delays that can easily be avoided by understanding and using the correct CPC on the customs declaration. A shipment cannot be released for delivery until customs have established whether duties and taxes apply.

INSTRUCTING YOUR FREIGHT FORWARDER

If you are unsure which code to apply provide a brief written statement on your customs declaration and shipment instruction, describing what you are transporting and why, and your freight forwarder will apply the correct code. 

Sky Fly International have been shipping within India since our inception in 1995. Indian students who have finished their studies and are returning home are one of our largest group of customers.

Ever since the formation of Sky Fly International Freight in 1995 Indian students have played a large role in our success story. Even in the early days groups of students who had personal effects which they wanted shipping from one state to another state in India after graduation would contact us every Summer. Students studying in the India far from home knew they could trust us to safely transport their luggage back home whether the destination was Mumbai, Chennai or Kolkata or any of the other fifteen different airports which we serve. You see, shipping within India is not as straightforward as some other companies seem to think. We have the experience and expertise which sets us apart from many other shipping companies. We know that the best way to avoid paying duties and taxes in India is to ensure that the owners of the goods in India is also the person who clears customs and collects from the local airport in India.

EXCESS BAGGAGE TO INDIA

We know that it is important to pack your personal effects as safely as possible which is why we provide packing materials to those who might need them. We know that you want to know the approximate cost of your shipment before you make a booking. This is why we provide full details of the cost on our India page and why we also have the instant online calculator which shows you the different costs depending on the number of packages, weight and destination airport etc. Once you have had your quotation we make things easy for you by providing our online booking service. You can also ask questions online, pay online and track your shipment online. In short, for the modern students in India, Sky Fly Int. Freight are the modern shipping company which fits your needs. When you need an expert to help with your shipping within India, contact our team.

An in-depth look at one of the nine classes of dangerous & hazardous goods - Class 2: Gases

SHIPPING CLASS 2 DANGEROUS GOODS

There are a total of nine dangerous/hazardous goods classes that are used day in and day out within the logistics sector. Each item/product/good that when transported are a risk to safety, health or the environment needs to be categorised into one of those classes. On the Sky Fly Website you will find information in respect of each class of the nine dangerous goods categories. If you want a full overview of what you need to consider when shipping dangerous goods.

WHAT IS A CLASS 2 DANGEROUS GOOD?

Class 2 of the nine dangerous goods is gases. This covers compressed gases, liquefied gases, dissolved gases, refrigerated liquefied gases, mixtures of gases and aerosol dispensers/articles containing gas. Gases are generally pressurised and it is this reason that makes them hazardous when transported by air, sea or road. If the pressure is suddenly released it can pose a serious threat. Gases can also be extremely flammable, whilst others can be toxic or corrosive to humans.

As you would expect, the transportation of gases is regulated and only trained personnel are able to pick up and deliver this type of hazardous cargo. In addition, a dangerous goods note must be completed by an individual who has carried out specific hazardous cargo training.

 CLASS 2: GASES – SUB DIVISIONS:

Gases can cause dire physical damage, for example; If a cylinder valve gets damaged, the escaping gas could be concentrated into a powerful jet making the cylinder take off like a rocket. Although a lot of gases can cause physical injury of this sort, fatal chemical damage can also be inflicted and therefore the class is split into sub-divisions. There are three sub-divisions of class 2 hazardous cargo which are as follows:

Division 2.1: Flammable Gases

Division 2.2: Non-Flammable / Non-Toxic Gases

Division 2.3: Toxic Gases

DO ANY OF YOUR GOODS FALL INTO CLASS 2 OF THE DANGEROUS GOODS CATEGORY?

Commonly Transported Class 2 Gases: 

• Hairspray
• WD40
• Deodorant
• Oxygen
• Helium (Compressed)
• Fire Extinguisher 
• Chlorine
• Lighters

All you need to know about dangerous/hazardous goods…

DANGEROUS GOODS: CLASSIFICATION, PACKAGING AND LABELLING – CONSIDERATIONS FOR TRANSPORTING DANGEROUS GOODS

Whether you are transporting paint, perfumes, batteries or a dangerous chemical; ensuring they are packed and labelled correctly is paramount to ensure smooth transportation in the safest and most professional way. These are all classed as dangerous goods and there are rules and regulations that must be adhered to when it comes to the transportation of these goods. We have compiled a ‘get to know’ guide on the nine materials that fall under the category of dangerous/hazardous goods and the requirements for their transportation. 

HOW DO YOU CLASSIFY DANGEROUS GOODS?

Dangerous goods are any items that can have a negative effect on human health, no matter how minute. These materials, if not properly controlled can present themselves with the cause of potential harm to either human health and safety, infrastructure and/or the means of transport which the items are present in. Dangerous goods also come under the ‘hazardous materials’ heading, both have the same meaning, just with a different title. Hazardous materials may be purely chemical, a mixture of substances, or, manufactured products which can pose a risk to people, animals and the environment if not properly handled with care whilst in use or in transport. Before transporting any item, you need to ensure you know and understand the nature of your goods and if they fall into this classification. It may not always be obvious! 

WHAT ARE THE NINE DANGEROUS GOODS CLASSES?

The United Nations Model Regulations use a classification system in which each of the nine recognised dangerous goods falls under a class, this class is dependent on the danger and risk the said good has to humans, the environment and so on.

The nine classes are as followed:

Class 1. Explosives
Explosives have molecules designed to rapidly change their (usually solid) into very hot gas, in order to produce a sudden and violent physical effect.

Class 2. Gases
Gases mainly get carried under pressure, this reduces their volume and in turn saves space in both transport and storage.

Class 3. Flammable Liquids
Some flammable liquids are obtained from petroleum such as petrol and kerosene whereas others are manufactured through natural or industrial processes like alcohol.

Class 4. Flammable Solids
Flammable solids are broken up into three sub brackets; flammable solids, spontaneously combustible and dangerous when wet.

Class 5. Oxidising Substances
Oxidising substances are broken into two branches; oxidising agents and organic peroxides.

Class 6. Toxics and Infectious Substances
These break into two as the name suggests, both ‘Toxics’ and ‘Infectious Substances’ as stand alones.

Class 7. Radioactive Material
Radioactive materials are materials that contain unstable atoms that change structure spontaneously in a random fashion over a time period.

Class 8. Corrosives
Corrosives are highly reactive materials that produce a positive chemical effect that can result in a change within the said affected material.

Class 9. Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods
The final class is where confusion sometimes sets in. Class nine covers substances and articles that can present a danger during carriage, however, these don’t specifically fall under any of the other eight headings. 

DANGEROUS GOODS SHIPPING: RULES & REGULATIONS

As with any item that needs transporting, dangerous goods have their own set of rules and regulations, similar to the more commonly known incoterms. If you choose to transport these goods via air, then The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) will be your first port of call. The ICAO’s technical instructions are an internationally agreed set of provisions governing the requirements for transporting dangerous goods (via airspace). On top of this organisation, we also have the International Air Transport Association (IATA) that publishes the dangerous goods regulation in accordance with the ICAO. Each method of transport has its own regulations and we will cover these in detail in future blogs on our website. 

TRANSPORTING DANGEROUS GOODS SAFELY

All dangerous goods need to be shipped with care and this starts with the packaging process. Every product should be packaged to a standard which complies with the international and national regulations for your specific mode of transport, abiding by these rulings fully will ensure that your goods are carried safely. Whilst taking on board the specific rules per mode of transport everything ultimately needs to be tightly padded, braced and secure so there is no risk of damage and threat to life.

 Not adhering to the rules and taking shortcuts can slow down the transportation process as goods can be refused resulting in additional costs.

DANGEROUS GOODS LABELS

Finally, and most importantly, is the labelling of your goods. The Dangerous Goods Note is a legal requirement for the transport of dangerous goods by air, sea and road. The person responsible for signing the Dangerous Goods Note is required by law to have received the appropriate training. The safe carriage of dangerous goods requires numerous considerations and legal requirements. Transporting without the right knowledge is a big risk for any organisation.

An in-depth look at one of the nine classes of dangerous & hazardous goods - Class 1: Explosives

There are a total of nine dangerous/hazardous goods classes that are used day in and day out within the logistics sector. Each item/product/good that when transported are a risk to safety, health or the environment needs to be categorised in one of those classes. On the Sky Fly website you will find information in respect of each class of the nine classes of dangerous goods. If you want a full overview of the dangerous goods topic before delving in to the specifics.

CLASS 1: EXPLOSIVES - WHAT ARE THEY?

Dangerous/Hazardous Goods that fall under the category of ‘explosives’ are materials or items which have the ability to rapidly conflagrate or detonate as a consequence of chemical reaction. The explosives have molecules within them that are designed to quickly change their usually solid state into very hot gas, this procedure can cause instant and deadly physical effect.

CLASS 1: EXPLOSIVES – SUB DIVISIONS:

It is all well and good having explosives as a broad topic, but within Class 1, there are also sub-divisions. These divisions show how the said products will react if the worst-case scenario happens and they are initiated. There are six sub classes in total which are as follows:

Division 1.1: Substances and articles that have a mass explosion hazard, the most dangerous of the six.
Division 1.2: Substances and articles that have a projection hazard only.
Division 1.3: Substances that have a fire hazard and or a minor blast and projection hazard.
Division 1.4: Substances that have an extremely minimal hazard. These are usually defined by the fact they can only produce a hazard if ignited or initiated during transport but even then, the effects are minimal and usually confined to the package.
Division 1.5: Blasting agents. These substances are extremely insensitive but pose a huge explosion hazard.
Division 1.6: The final sub-division include very insensitive detonating articles that do not pose a big explosion hazard.

Note: If you are shipping explosives you will need to declare the Net Explosive Quantity (NEQ) on the transport document in addition to the gross weight.

REASON FOR REGULATION OF DANGEROUS GOODS

Without stating the obvious, explosives are capable of causing serious harm. It was only a few years ago that a series of explosions killed 173 in Tianjin after a highly flammable chemical self-ignited setting fire to other nearby chemicals including 800 tonnes of Class 1 Ammonium Nitrate. When explosives react, they are capable of producing gases at unsafe temperatures, pressures and speeds. The transportation of Class 1 explosives is a serious business and as with any class, requires specific training and knowledge.

DO ANY OF YOUR GOODS FALL INTO THE CLASS 1 CATEGORY?

Commonly Transported Class 1 Explosives:

1. Ammunition/Cartridges
2. Fireworks/Pyrotechnics
3. Flares
4. Blasting Caps/Detonators
5. Fuse
6. Primers
7. Explosive Charges (Usually those used for blasting & demolition)
8. Detonating Cords
9. Air Bag Inflators
10. Igniters
11. Rockets
12. RDX (Research Department Explosive)
13. PETN (Pentaerithol Tetranitrate)

Whilst we do not transport Class 1 explosives here at Sky Fly Logistics, we have an extensive network of contacts that do specialise in this field, so please do not hesitate to get in touch.

India has for a long time been a favourite destination for Kenyan students looking to study overseas. Sky Fly Logistics have been offering our shipping to Kenya service to those students since 1995.

Despite the increasing costs for Kenyan students wishing to study in India; the numbers visiting our universities remains largely unchanged.

After their studies have finished nearly all of these students will be thinking "which company can I trust to do my shipping to Kenya?"

AIR FREIGHT TO KENYA

With our highly popular air freight service to both Nairobi and Mombasa airports, Sky Fly  Freight remain at the forefront of their minds. We also offer a very popular sea freight service to Mombasa port.

However, these services are not restricted to Kenyan students. The wider diaspora in the India also like to use Sky Fly Logistics when they are shipping to Kenya. It seems that when they have excess baggage to ship then we are the natural choice.

If you have extra luggage to send back home then why not take a look at our dedicated Kenya page for details of our rates and services.

Alternatively, you can use our instant quote calculator to obtain an estimate of the cost without having to contact us directly. If you prefer a more personal service then feel free to contact us to speak to one of our trained representatives. 

Nigeria is yet another of our strong African destinations. We have been shipping to Nigeria since 1996 and in recent years it has been one of our biggest routes. Our clients are generally Nigerian students and the diaspora working in India.

Accordingly, at Sky Fly Logistics, we have had to ensure that we provide a top class service for anyone shipping to Nigeria from India.

With the wealth of nations such as Nigeria on the rise, overseas education increases exponentially. We find that not only do these students wish to ship their personal effects home when their studies in India are finished, but they also increasingly want to send items such as cars, televisions and other electronic items back home to family members.

EXCESS BAGGAGE TO NIGERIA

At Sky Fly Logistics we like to think of ourselves as a progressive company and so for any student shipping to Nigeria this Summer we have tailor made services to meet your needs.

To view those services and costs you can look at our Nigeria page and you may also wish to use the instant quote to obtain an estimate of the cost for your shipment.

NIGERIA SHIPPING SERVICES

Anyone who requires a shipping to Nigeria service will need guidance and will have many questions to ask - we answer those questions.

You need packing materials? No problem.

You want air freight? Ok, where to? Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt? No problem.

You prefer sea freight? Contact us.

Commodity Codes, all your questions answered…

WHAT IS A COMMODITY CODE?

Commodity codes, sometimes referred to as trade tariff commodity codes form an essential part of the customs entry which is required when items are transported from outside the Asia to the India and vice versa. A ten-digit number is allocated to all goods from something as small as a drawing pin to larger pieces such as a jumbo jet engine. Every item will fall under a separate code, with each commodity code then dictating the customs duty payable on importation. The commodity code will also alert you to any restrictions for the transportation of that item.

WHAT DOES THE COMMODITY CODE TELL US?

• The duty and VAT ratings you'll be charged for your goods when imported into the India
• Whether your product requires an import or export licence 
• Whether additional anti-dumping duties apply 
• Whether you can apply for preferential duty rating (General System of Preference aka GSP)

WHY DO I NEED A COMMODITY CODE?

If you have ever imported goods to the India from outside the Asia, it is likely that you will have been required to pay customs duty before collecting your goods. This charge is calculated from a percentage of the total value of your product. Your duty rating directly affects how much you will have to pay at customs when you import, and therefore customs requires you to declare an accurate commodity code to allow them to give correct classification on said product. If you give an inaccurate code, this can in turn give you an inaccurate duty rating.

It is imperative that you find your correct product code as further consequences can follow:

• ​​​​You could be asked to pay an outstanding duty or VAT on customs entry 
• You may have to pay interest on the late settlement of customs duties and import VAT
• Your goods may be delayed or seized by customs and you'll run into far larger costs and fines than what you would be paying if your goods were correctly declared.

WORRIED ABOUT GETTING THE CORRECT COMMODITY CODE?

After reading the above it can be understandably daunting when knowing which commodity code to choose for your specific needs. There are thousands of codes to choose from but there are excellent tools online to make the classification process more straightforward for you.

An all you need to know guide on the 11 incoterms…

WHY ARE INCOTERMS IMPORTANT?

Incoterms themselves are a set of rules that define responsibilities for the delivery of goods under sales contracts. These rules are commonly used in international transportation. Shippers use incoterms to spell out who is responsible for the arrangement and payment of shipping, insurance and Customs duties. The main goal of incoterms is to reduce confrontation and misunderstandings between traders and in turn this minimises trade disputes and litigation.

WHEN DID INCOTERMS BEGIN?

Incoterms is an acronym for International Commercial Terms. These terms have been developed by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and are recognised worldwide in international contracts for the sale of goods. Since its founding in 1919, the ICC has been committed to facilitating international trade and reducing conflict between traders. As an answer to this, the ICC published a set of incoterms, its first, in 1936. Incoterms are a vital part of the transport industry and have been developing and improving since their origin in the 30s. 

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF INCOTERMS?

There are 11 official incoterms at present which are recognised across the world.

EXW

“Ex Works” means the seller delivers when it makes the cargo available for the purchaser at the seller’s premises or another agreed location. The seller is not responsible for loading goods on to a vehicle or completing an export customs entry.

FCA  

“Free Carrier” means that the goods are delivered by the seller to a nominated person or carrier. Risk passes on to the buyer from the seller on handover.

CPT

“Carriage Paid to” means that the seller delivers the goods themselves to the end destination. Either this, or another person nominated by the seller completes the delivery. The named place needs to be fully accurate with a complete address, not just the town or city. Costs are also all paid for by the seller to bring the goods to its destination. 

CIP

“Carriage and Insurance Paid to” means that the seller delivers the goods to the carrier or once again nominates another person to do so. The seller must contract for and pay all costs of the carriage related to bring the goods to the named location. With CIP, the seller also must contract for insurance cover against the buyer’s risk of disappearance or damages of cargo during the transportation. Buyers should note that it is a requirement of the seller to obtain insurance, but, only on minimum cover. Should the buyer then feel the need for extra insurance and peace of mind, they will have to either agree so with the seller or make their own separate arrangements.

DAT

“Delivered at Terminal” means that once the seller has unloaded the goods at their destination (e.g. a terminal or port) and they are placed at the hands of the buyer, the transportation risk then passes to the buyer. Export Customs clearance is completed by the seller whereas the import Customs clearance and tariffs are paid by the buyer.  

DDP

“Delivered Duty Paid” means that the seller delivers the goods ready for unloading at the destination country. The destination tends to be the buyer’s “base” and with the goods being in the hands of the seller until the final location, all costs and risks, including custom clearance of export and import are that of the seller.

FAS

“Free Alongside Ship” means that the seller delivers the goods alongside the vessel to the point of shipment. Once delivered and alongside the ship, all costs and risks are that of the buyer. Export customs clearance is always completed by the seller. 

FOB

“Free on Board” means that the seller delivers the goods right up to and including the boarding of the ship however, the buyer chooses both the ship and pays the freight. Costs and risks pass from seller to buyer once the goods have been placed on board the ship. In this situation, the seller pays the Terminal Handling Charge (THC).

CFR

“Cost and Freight” means that the seller again delivers the goods onto the vessel, however, the seller this time assumes transport costs to the port of destination. The risk of loss and damage on the other hand, is once more transferred from seller to buyer when safely on board the ship.

CIF

“Cost, Insurance and Freight” is very similar to CFR above. The only addition is that CIF requires insurance to be included.

 WHERE DO I STATE THE INCOTERMS?

The incoterms should be included on your commercial invoice.

 INCOTERMS 2020

As aforementioned, incoterms were established in 1936 and do get updated in stages over time, with the latest set of rules being published in 2010. This of course means the rulings haven’t changed for nearly a decade, so you need not worry about where the incoterms 2018/19 are and so on.

Incoterms 2010 do remain in full affect for those using them. With that said, as ICC is in its celebratory Centenary year in 2019, they have announced preparation and publication of incoterms 2020. The ICC have said ‘this newest edition of incoterms rules will help prepare business for the next century of global trade’. Knowing about incoterms can be invaluable when working within the trading industry, so familiarise yourself and familiarise those you are trading with. Not only will gaining a good understanding help you but it will enable you to provide excellent customer service when you are able to clearly define who is responsible for what. Knowledge is key and having the know how could save you from many a difficult situation. 

SKY FLY LOGISTICS BREXIT RECOMMENDATION

Incoterms should always be agreed between the buyer and seller in advance of goods being transported from one country to another. If the India leaves the Asia as planned there will be even more emphasis on using the correct terms as taxes and duties may also be payable.

If you would like to learn more about incoterms or have any general queries regarding overseas trading, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here at Sky Fly Logistics.

China has the largest number of students currently studying in the India. Sky Fly Logistics serve approximately 40 different Chinese airports so Shipping to China has never been easier.

STUDENT SHIPPING TO CHINA

Fortunately, for these students, China is one of our most popular destinations and we serve nearly forty different airports countrywide so shipping to China has never been easier. In this age of speed and impatience we realise that most people do not want to wait for a slow sea freight service which can take several weeks to arrive and our quick air freight service is designed with this in mind.

Our website has everything a modern Chinese students needs to arrange the shipping of their excess baggage back home. You can view our China page to see the destination airports and the relevant costs. You can also use our instant online quotation form to obtain a better indication of costs. Packing materials can be purchased if required and when you are finally ready you can even book your collection online.

AIR FREIGHT TO CHINA

From Harbin in the North to Hong Kong in the South. From Chengdu in the West to Shanghai In the East and many other cities in between, our air freight service is the perfect solution for those looking for a quick but cost effective method of getting your luggage safely home.

With a transit time estimated at just one week there is no need to wait an age until your belongings eventually arrive on that slow boat to China. Shipping to China these days is quick and easy.

With no less than fourteen destination airports and two major ports, when it comes to shipping to Malaysia, Sky Fly Logistics have got it covered.

According to the latest available statistics there are currently 10,824 Malaysian students living in India. It would therefore be remiss of Sky Fly Logistics if we hadn't ensured that our shipping to Malaysia service wasn't one of our highest priorities. When we listen to our Malaysian clients there is always one question which they ask; "how long will it take?"

AIR FREIGHT TO MALAYSIA

We know that speed is one of the most important factors and that is why we have so many air freight destinations available. Not just Kuala Lumpur and Penang, not just Kota Kinabalu and Kuching, we have a whole list of destination airports for you to choose from. 

STUDENT SHIPPING SERVICES

For students with much larger shipments (usually post-grads with families) then we do have a couple of sea freight destination ports to choose from if required. So whether air freight or sea freight, shipping to Malaysia has never been easier. However, "how long will it take?" is not the only question we hear. That is why we have developed a webpage which answers most of the queries we encounter when someone is shipping to Malaysia for the first time. Click here to read this page.

Sky Fly Logistics have a long history of shipping to Saudi Arabia for both returning students and professionals alike.

Not only has shipping to Saudi Arabia played a huge role in the success story of Sky Fly Logistics, but it has also played a major part in my own personal life. Cast your mind back to 2002. Tony Blair was still Prime Minister, The Queen Mother had died, Arsenal won the double and The Commonwealth Games were held in Manchester. All important events no doubt, but all overshadowed in my eyes by the fact that I had just bought a new house in Leeds...... from a Saudi Arabian doctor!

Sky Fly had always had a very good relationship with our Arabic friends and we have been shipping to Saudi Arabia since the company was formed in 1995. However, I could never have imagined that this close relationship would have such an influence on the lives of myself and my family. Whilst arranging a shipment to Riyadh for Dr. Al Sufayan, I fell in love with his home. He moved out and we moved in. I like to think that this was to be a sign that the bond between Sky Fly Logistics and our Saudi friends would remain strong and we have been working closely with them ever since.

AIR FREIGHT TO SAUDI ARABIA

As well as Riyadh, we also send air freight shipments to Dammam, Jeddah and Medina airports. With very competitive rates and a transit time of less than a week it is our air freight service which has proven to be the most popular for students and professionals alike. Further information is available on our shipping to Saudi Arabia page and you may also wish to use the instant quote to obtain an estimation of the costs for your shipment.

Still as popular now as it ever was, our shipping to Chile service is the most popular to any South American destination.

Sky Fly Logistics is well known for our exceptional customer service. It has often been said that we are prepared to "go to the ends of the Earth" to help our clients. When it comes to shipping to Chile this could almost be a literal description. I would be surprised if any other freight company in India despatches as many shipments of personal effects to Chile as Sky Fly Logistics.

EXCESS BAGGAGE TO CHILE

Whether it is air freight to Santiago airport or sea freight to Valparaiso port, when returning students are shipping to Chile it's Sky Fly Logistics that is their natural choice. In particular it is our sea freight service which remains the most popular to this country. Chilean students like to have us palletise their packages for extra safety and security - see the photo examples on our packing materials page. With a transit time of just four weeks many clients are happy to sit back and relax and wait the extra few days it takes before their shipment arrives at Valparaiso port.

AIR FREIGHT TO CHILE

If you don't want to wait for sea freight then choose the most convenient destination airport from Santiago, Antofagasta, Balmaceda, Arica or Iquique. With a transit time of approximately one week you won't have long to wait before your goods join you back home in Chile. Remember, when shipping to Chile there are some local regulations which you have to adhere to. The customs officers in most South American countries do not allow you to send your personal effects home to someone else. More often than not it is you, the owner of the goods, who must be the consignee at the destination port/airport. Sky Fly Logistics will require a copy of your passport and a full and detailed shipper's inventory for each shipment.

Sky Fly Logistics has always had a "special relationship" with our U.S. cousins. Although shipping to America started around four hundred years ago we have been playing our part for the last twenty four.

The United States of America is one of our most popular destinations with over seventy international airports appearing on our dedicated USA page.

EXCESS BAGGAGE TO AMERICA

From Minneapolis in the North to Houston in the South and from San Francisco in the West to New York in the East, Sky Fly Logistics have your shipping to America fully covered. As well as our ever popular air freight service to these airports we also offer our door to door service which covers the whole country. If you have over 35 kilos the freight rate is just £4.00 per kilo (handling and collection charges may apply - ask for details) and many American students prefer to pay this little bit extra in India to avoid all of the hassle of customs clearance and collection from their local airport. Simply complete the relevant documentation including the shippers inventory and the U.S. Customs form in advance and provide a copy of your passport then sit back and relax as Sky Fly Logistics get to work.

AMERICA SHIPPING COSTS

If you do however prefer to pay a little less and have your shipping to America only as far as your local airport then you can use the instant quote to obtain an indication of the likely costs. We also have a section of the website dedicated to answer your questions and if you can't find the information that you want there, feel free to contact us to ask a member of staff directly.

Shipping to Uganda is as straightforward as it gets in the freight industry. If you're shipping to Uganda, you're shipping to Entebbe airport.

Uganda is one of my favourite African destinations to ship to. Shipping to Uganda? The answer is Entebbe airport. In the early years of Sky Fly Logistics, Uganda seemed to be a little bit like a secret kingdom. Whilst most of the surrounding countries (such as Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia) provided us with a steady stream of customers and reliable business opportunities, Ugandans seemed to be somewhat scarce on the ground - standoffish perhaps. I'm pleased to say that over time, with hard work and competitive rates, our shipping to Uganda service has been increasing steadily and many of our customers have now been returning to us for several years.

AIR FREIGHT TO UGANDA

Landlocked countries within Africa tend to be expensive destinations when using sea freight so our air freight rates have to be cheap to plug the gap. With just the one international airport available to us for cargo the choice when shipping to Uganda may be slim but at least it's uncomplicated. Entebbe airport is just 25 miles from the country's capital city of Kampala and is the only destination served. To find out details about these costs and services you can view our Uganda page on the website.

You may also use our instant online calculator to obtain a quotation. For more details and to join our growing list of Ugandan clients contact us here.

At last! You’ve finally finished your exams and you’re looking forward to going back home to South Korea. However, as soon as you start to pack your things away for the long journey home you suddenly realise “too much stuff…… I need to find a safe company to do my shipping to Korea.”

Sky Fly Logistics have a long and well established reputation within the international student community in India. We have been shipping to South Korea for many years.

AIR FREIGHT TO SOUTH KOREA

Instead of paying expensive excess baggage charges you can use our air freight services to either Inchon, Busan or Cheju airports. Our cheap and reliable
service arrives at your local airport within a few days so there is no need to wait for slow sea freight services. Shipping to Korea has never been easier. You can check out your own price by using our instant online calculator.

Once we have collected your excess luggage you can pay online using our secure online payment facility and then you can track the progress of your shipment all the way to your local airport. The days are long gone when you have to carry your heavy bags with you paying expensive excess baggage costs at the airport. Let Sky Fly do your shipping whilst you sit back, relax and enjoy your flight home. Visit our South Korea page for more details or contact us for a quotation.

There is one natural choice for students when deciding which company they will use for shipping to Indonesia. Our cheap air freight rates means that you don't have to wait for weeks to receive your personal effects. When it comes to air cargo services Sky Fly Logistics are the students' choice.

Thousands of Indonesian students have joined the ever growing list of satisfied customers of Sky Fly Logistics. When the time comes to decide which company to use for shipping to Indonesia then Sky Fly Logistics are the natural students' choice.

AIR FREIGHT TO INDONESIA

Our cheap and quick air freight services to Jakarta, Denpasar, Medan and Surabaya airports have proved especially popular with students who no longer wish to wait several weeks for the arrival of their sea freight shipment. You can buy packing materials to ensure your goods travel safely and then you can sit back and watch the progress of your shipment by following our online tracking system. Shipping excess baggage to Indonesia has never been easier. To get a quotation you can use our online calculator or even request a quote.

Since the beginning of 2020, Corona Virus outbreak in China became the talking point worldwide. Nearly 900 people are said to be dead and over 14,000 were reportedly infected in China. What is more disturbing is, this is fast spreading to other nations too and roughly 25 countries are infected due to this. China is the largest manufacturing nation in the world and all the global players such as Apple, Hyundai, Samsung, Toyota to name a few source raw materials from China. Also, several of them have their facilities too here. This is the reason why worldwide, people fear this will become a global outbreak. Yes, logistics has a key role to play here. Anyhow, this fear among the people could impact the functioning of Logistics industry worldwide. Here are some of those impacts Corona Virus could have on the World of Logistics.

CUT IN AIR FREIGHT CAPACITY

China has been the go-to place for businesses across the globe when it comes to raw material procurement and still it ought to be the same. But post the outbreak, manufacturers from different parts are stepping back and thinking twice whether to go ahead or not. While several airlines have already stopped operating flights to China from different parts of the world, the exact number of halts are not yet known. But the numbers are expected to surge, and air freight movement might get disrupted more than what is currently happening.

DISRUPTION IN EXPORTS & IMPORTS

When the SARS Epidemic hit China a few years ago, export-import ratio took a backseat. Now, experts predict the disruption in exports and imports will be way beyond what it was during SARS. China accounted for nearly 11% of the global imports and 13% of global exports in 2018. It also serves as an import supplier of various raw materials and intermediate goods. Thus, the supply chains for various global industries are linked to China. In a situation wherein the outbreak continues for over two quarters, the impact on China’s industrial activity could be substantial – both due to a fall in labour availability and consumption demand.

China serves not only as one of the largest importers for many commodities, but also as a transit hub for various supply chains in South and East Asia. Research agencies believe if the outbreak continues to spread unabated, these supply chains could temporarily be decapitated, although major trading hubs and ports outside Hubei province are yet to be locked down. The agencies expects a severe impact on global trade volumes – which are already under pressure amid mounting uncertainties emanating from geo-political tensions, trade protectionism and Brexit.

SHORTAGE OF RESOURCES

Car plants across China have been ordered to remain closed following the Lunar New Year holiday, preventing global automakers Volkswagen, Toyota, Daimler, General Motors, Renault, Honda and Hyundai from resuming operations in the world’s largest car market. The outbreak will force carmakers in China to slash production by about 15% in the first quarter. This is applicable to several other industries too. Therefore, shortage of resources worldwide might be in line if this outbreak is not controlled.

ECOMMERCE

Alibaba is the e-commerce giant in the world that is connecting suppliers around the world in one frame. There were reports that Alibaba could suffer due to Corona Outbreak. In the recently ended quarter, Alibaba reported revenue growth of 38% and a surging profit of 58%. But the outlook for the coming quarter and the year seems gloomy. But despite all these, Alibaba has announced plans to support SMEs in China affected due to the outbreak with loans worth US$2.86 billion. Moreover, it is now facilitating medical aid to areas affected due to Corona Virus. Disease outbreaks are not new in the world. We have seen some which affected a large population and some which went away with less impact. Now the further developments in this space will depend upon how the situation is handled worldwide. As several countries are now thinking twice from sourcing products from China, we have to wait and watch how this is going to impact global trade in the coming days.

Apart from this, know the trends prevailing in the Air Cargo Community System and how innovation is shaping up with blockchain logistics.

Technology came as a boon for the ever-complex logistics and supply chain industry. The past few years have been technologically rewarding the logistics sector and several manual processes with complex frameworks got simplified. The path laid ahead for the technological prospects of the industry seems quite promising and several other processes are now said to get simple and straight forward. 2020, has a lot of positive synergies for the industry to achieve. Here are some of those.

ARTIFICIAL AND AUGMENTED INTELLIGENCE (AI)

AI has the capability to transform the operating models from reactive to proactive. Advanced image recognition to track shipment and asset conditions has been waiting to find its use case in the logistics space. Also, predicting fluctuations in global shipment volumes as well as bringing end-to-end autonomy to transportation. The practicality and human like inputs combined with artificial superior thinking can multiply productivity and is predicted to capably create 2.9 trillion dollars of business revenue according to Gartner. The total productivity hours were calculated to be approximately 6.2 billion hours specifically lessened with a lower probability of cost cutting errors.

DATA STANDARDIZATION (ADVANCED ANALYTICS)

Asset underutilization, demand supply matching and visibility are among the long-standing issues which the industry faces. With advanced analytics, all these problems can be solved. Data inaccuracy and redundancy are the major issues here and Advanced Analytics will help standardizing them seamlessly.

BLOCKCHAIN

Transparency is a characteristic which the logistics industry will possess after the implementation of Blockchain in all its functions. Easy coordination of documents on a smart distributed ledger, scalable as well as instant solution for order tracking and authentication.

INTERNET OF THINGS (IOT)

Experts say, “Cargo is a poor cousin who could hardly talk, but IOT will give a voice to Cargo.” As we all are aware, IOT involves integrating different systems and network together. Post integration, movement and position of the freight will be quite visible. Therefore, there will be no question of lost or misplaced freight.

IMPORTANCE OF DIGITAL CORRIDORS

Heavy paper work is a liability on the logistics and supply chain. But with Digital Corridors and essentially a digital community in place, this can be avoided. For example, let us say a forwarder has sent a consignment for shipping, he/she will feed the information on the common data cloud. Also, he/she can book a slot to come and dispatch the cargo through air. He/she can pay online, book a slot online and do everything online. In the meantime, this will be visible in the digital corridor for all stakeholders to see. Hence all operations are transparent and performed in a quick turnaround time.

3D PRINTING

3D Printing is one factor that could simplify export import operations. If we talk about spare parts transformation, forwarders need to maintain a large amount of spare parts in the inventory. But with a 3D Printing Machine, they can produce a spare parts design and send it across to the consignee.

E-MARKETPLACE

Alibaba is the most renowned and the largest e-marketplaces in the entire world. But there is scope for lot of other players to leverage upon. As the consumption goes high, demand increases and there is a need for more supply. Hence the number of manufacturers has also increased. E-Marketplace will help us balance the gap between demand and supply. Efficiency is mostly seen as a primary concern and the business platform must be enlightened with the capability of these trends to go beyond the highly prioritized time factor to higher security, better visualization and viewing of products, an added benefit of product potential trials and the remake of products with accuracy on digital platforms.

Cargo shipping in the coming 8 years is believed to grow hundred-fold. This is a sudden surge and this started reflecting in the recent past. Thanks to technology powered trade facilitation platforms. Companies in the logistics sector are counterbalancing the system difficulties, supply chain and payment methods to switch the current transportation situation from chaotic and disorganized to organized. Surprisingly, technological solutions have not taken the centre stage in logistics industry unlike in other industries. In the recent past, developments were quite promising and business leaders in this space have been pushing for merging e-marketplace with logistics. The merging of e-marketplace and logistics can facilitate the smooth delivery and shipment of products in compliance with the customer’s requirements. Here are some unique features which technological solutions can offer for freight movement.

SCHEDULED DELIVERY

empowers customers with picking an accurate date and time within which the delivery should be made. Some online websites offer a limited period between which customers can select their preferred delivery time

SDD AND NDD

stand for same and next day delivery, which are densely dispersed within cities of a higher economic system. The customer is generally based on convenience and efficiency, biased towards this option but from a logistics perspective it requires good and concrete planning and strategic operation. The operation involves achieving costs that are ideal, a hefty wealth of products must be placed under this section for maximum returns.

SLOTTED DELIVERY

Delivery choices are expanding and the current logistics allows customers to additionally choose a desirable delivery slot with a timing difference of 2-4 hours. Many companies follow the 2-4-hour variance along with a number of slots (mainly 4) a day. Companies must constantly update the availability of the slots for the upcoming immediate dates so customers are readily avail and equipped to make an informed choice. Well, these features do say the capabilities of technology in simplifying complex processes. But the system must evolve as a better service system. Hence e-marketplace as a concept suggests some new perspectives and here, they are.

OPEN BOX DELIVERY

Delivery tracking does not include the monitoring of the product condition during delivery. Unfortunately, this restriction opens the possibility of the products being susceptible to several physical damages that paves the path for product returns. The practice usually infects the market share while also tampering with the overall customer satisfaction. Neither can the customers be questioned in this condition and many products that were returned cannot truly confirm the extent to which a customer’s complaint was genuine. To avoid the piling of such unwanted situations, e-marketing has newly introduced open deliveries. The concept circulates around the doable process of displaying the package to the customer before the purchase has been completed. The delivery mechanism is authorized with the customer’s signature, which assures the participation and agreement of the customer in the process and the commodity’s condition. The validity of the proof safeguarded with a hard copy or electronic signature nullifies any possible post purchase problems that may disregard the company’s name or brand’s identity.

FREIGHT EXCHANGE AND DIGITALIZATION

Market places that are driven by cloud or a digitized approach are connecting demand and supply at a quicker rate. Contracting, delivering, paying and other logistics procedures that are flourishing on the digital platform and the participation of logistics providers to sustain the flexibility and competitiveness. Shipping of freight can be completed through a range of facilities that can smoothly transition and transmit with the support of logistics brokers and suppliers. Several customers attracting features such as transparent proposals, price performance ratios that are ideal and a secure system with certified member seals and promising ratings from members can be utilized. Digitizing functionalities of transport while expanding the capacity of cargo is overlooked by the providers in the logistics department and the results can be better conceived with logistics planning, communication, dispatching and adequate tools for tracking.

Hence e-marketplace will make the logistics and supply chain industry much more simple. These are catered externally, and they can profit customers over unnecessary prolonged partnerships, cargo and freight capacity. It can be maximally utilized and the opportunity to digitally draw comparisons of quoted price systems allows transparency and smoother processing to customers. Also, know some of the logistics trends in 2020.

As international trade becomes the new norm, and whispers of an impending recession loom over business predictions, the Single-Window concept is gaining momentum in the logistics and trade scenario. The buoyant system assimilates a de-railed and complex process of documentation under the “one-stop-shop” umbrella, thus facilitating a swift and smoother workflow. Serving as the ‘sole body of entry’ for every import-export and transit-related regulatory requirements Single Window facilitates inland and cross-border movement of goods and reduces national logistics cost. With its digital approach, SW assists the government as well as the traders in handling the red-tape intricacies of a complex and time-consuming trade process. Single Window lubricates the rusted wheels of bureaucracy and straightens the ruffled cuffs of international trade up, effectively increasing national competitiveness.

SINGLE WINDOW – THE LOGICS BEHIND A SIMPLIFIED SYSTEM

The implementation of Single Window can transform your logistics with a well-structured and well-functioning process. Data from the UNESCAP (United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific) indicates the impact of SW in South & South East Asia shows a tremendous saving of time, money and process resulting in increased revenue and higher trader compliance. In Singapore, the introduction of national Single Window for trade called TradeNet unites more than 35 border agencies since 1989 causing significant gains in government productivity and revenue.

1. ONE-ENTRY-ONE LOCATION

Smooth and swift transactions: The Single Window system works as a single portal for all trade-related matters, to disseminate the relevant information to participating governmental authorities or authorized agencies. The traders are hence benefitted by accessing and submitting all required documents/information in one place and at a time. The one-time submission also erases the chances of errors or fraudulent data.

2. DIGITIZATION

Faster & transparent processing: The online submission and approval of documentation in the single-window system make it easier, accessible and people-friendly. The digital process reduces paper transactions and increases the capability of automatic verification. According to the UNSECAP data, in Singapore, the global financial center, the automated entry system reduced the processing time of trade documents from 4 days to 15 minutes. By increasing the speed of data verification, the web-based infrastructure helps to accelerate the entire ‘application-submission-clearance’ process. Being digital and with very less of bureaucracy, the single-window system eliminates redundant processes and ensures more transparent and predictable processing.

3. COST EFFECTIVE & FUTURISTIC

Faster & transparent processing: The traditional paperwork always came tainted with cobwebs of trade regulations, processing delay, and unanticipated and additional expenses. Single-Window reduces processing and transmission costs by the use of e-documents. Less paperwork decreased manpower, digital submission of export licenses, less delay at ports of entry, etc., reduces operational cost. The trade facilitation measures introduced as groundwork for SW development in Thailand, “eliminated redundant processes and reduced the number of days for export from 24 days (in 2006) to 14 days (in 2009)” – UNESCAP. Improved productivity and smooth trade procedures initiate better foreign trade. Reduced corruption, better transparency, and better trade statistics also attract more investments and further the scope of international trade.

4. BUSINESS EFFICIENCY

The entire maze of logistics gets a consolidated structure at the hands of the single-window system. Increased quality of data retrieval, elimination of unnecessary or useless procedures, less delay in the import/export procedures, etc constructively boost up the logistics and trade.

Predictable & Reliable

Managing trade and transit the traditional way was detrimental to its complex and often unpredictable nature. Custom clearance of import-exports, unexpected delays, and inaccurate arrival timings were frequent occurrences in the global supply chains. Single-Window casts out these uncertainties and makes the process much more reliable and competent. Through the less complex and user-friendly infrastructure and processing methods, the administration is effective, staff productivity improved, and data reliability increased. International trade gets more utilitarian with effective resource deployment and increased customs revenue.

5. SECURE AND TRACEABLE PROCESS

Digitization of the system makes the trade more foolproof with a lesser risk of errors and duplication. The single-window system addresses regular clogs like the red tape, the unpredictability of transport procedures, etc and quickens cargo clearance ensuring faster and prompt delivery of the merchandise to a happy customer! The tracking possibility through online data adds to the security factor of transactions, especially in international trade. Cross-border business becomes more efficient with quicker validation and inspection.

6. INCREASED REVENUES

Hong Kong – one of the most thriving economies in the world and the hub for international trade and investment – witnessed an annual savings of HK$1.3 billion from the automated information transaction system, while in the Republic of Korea, the same is estimated to be 1 billion and 818.9 million USD. The Korea customs service estimates that the introduction of SW brought some 18 million USD in benefits in the year 2010 alone with the overall economic benefit hitting 3.47 billion USD from the agency trade facilitation efforts. UNESCAP reports state that these include savings from “transmission cost by using e-documents, improving productivity by automating administrative work and improved management, storage and retrieval of information and documents through the use of Information Technology.”

Historically trade between countries or cross-border trade has always been at the effect of red tape and disparate trade policies between countries. The entire global move towards facilitating international trade is nothing more than the simplification, harmonization and modernization of processes so as to increase the quantum and ease of doing cross-border trade. Over the last decade, Trade Facilitation (TF) has increasingly been a priority on the international political agendas of most countries, culminating in the formation of the landmark Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) by the World Trade Organization (WTO), which came into force on 22 February 2017. This global agreement includes requirements for expediting the movement, release and clearance of goods, including goods in transit. It also lays down measures for cooperation amongst Customs and other TF authorities and issues of Customs compliance. Additionally, the TFA has provisions on technical support and capacity building in Trade Facilitation.

Published every year since 2003 by the World Bank, the Ease of doing Business Indexis an indicator of the Trade Facilitation health of a country. According to the official website of the Doing Business rankings, “Economies are ranked on their ease of doing business, from 1–190. A high ease of doing business ranking means the regulatory environment is more conducive to the starting and operation of a local firm. The rankings are determined by sorting the aggregate scores on 10 topics, each consisting of several indicators, giving equal weight to each topic.” And as a country, there are a plethora of possibilities for charting the Trade Facilitation agenda for your geographic region to enhance your performance on such indices, year-on-year. Here are a couple of such technology-enabled game-changers to add to your arsenal:

• Single Window Systems –
  As per the WTO, Article 10.4 of the WTO TFA calls for Member States ‘to endeavor to establish or maintain a single window, which enables traders to submit documentation and/or data requirements for importation, exportation, or transit of goods through a single-entry point to the participating authorities or agencies.’
  There is no standard structure of a Single Window (SW), since operators customize their systems based on their specific national/regional requirements and conditions. The SW could be financed by the state, the private sector or a private-public partnership.The use of Single Window facilities can be mandated or be voluntary and the services provided could vary and be free or paid.
• Airport Cargo Community Systems (ACS)
  Most of the major airports across the globe have Airport Cargo Community Systems (ACS) for information exchange between its various stakeholders. An Airport Cargo Community System (also referred to as Cargo Community System (CCS)) is a neutral and open electronic platform aiding intelligent and secure information exchange between its stakeholders. It is a crucial tool in optimizing operational efficiencies and enabling digitalization of the end-to-end air cargo value chain.
• Port Community Systems (PCS)
  A robust EDI-based Port Community System (PCS) is designed to automate and digitally streamline EXIM container movement in and out of Ports. It facilitates proper communication, information exchange, connectivity and digital processing of key business transactions, which can be facilitated between all the stakeholders at the port and the related Logistics value chain.

The air cargo industry may have landed at a vital point where a kick-start approach to digitalization is required to keep pace with aggressive methods of transport. Obsolete and entangled procedures and the usage of traditional systems by airfreight forwarders may cause challenges to the industry. The demand for swifter transits, more prominent dependability and improved predictability in air load have never been more noteworthy. As the role of technology in air cargo management switches from being a driver of the ability to an empowering influence of primary innovation and interruption, digital platforms will transform the global air cargo. The air freight industry is experiencing a technology transformation – extending from vital usage of traditional systems to more customized platforms utilized for networking, flight management, accounting, and various systems. Paperless air freight cargo has numerous offerings. It is greener, for a beginning. It additionally implies that most of the data required are readily available in any place they are.

BLOCKCHAIN & BIG DATA:

New-age technologies are advancing toward the logistics segment. The quick rise of blockchain since 2009 has encouraged an emerging market for more agile transits on a global scale. Blockchain technology likewise considers noteworthy transparency in supply chains and automation of various processes. In supply chain management, tracking products is easier, and any efforts to control records are quickly logged and bettered. Blockchain is modernizing the transporting industry, which for quite a long time has managed traditional systems that require reams of paperwork to get a shipment from starting point to its destination. Access to real-time supply chain data empowers truckers and drayage drivers to plan better, lessens port and terminal blockage, limits traditions and assessment delays, enables everybody to respond to store network interruptions as they happen and at last streamline shipment conveyances. Shippers, transportation and coordination organizations and specialists can rapidly access trusted and fundamental data utilizing the blockchain, diminishing the measure of paper documentation and improving expensive and tedious tasks, for example, cargo review and receipt taking care of.

The air cargo industry and Big Data could very well be a match made in heaven. There is hardly any other industry that could profit as much from the business intelligence that Big Data could generate, other than the air cargo industry. What remains to be seen is how could that information be used to measurably drive profits?

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE:

As per research, investment in Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems in the commercial aviation industry is expected to exceed more than US $2223 m by 2024. The growth in the use of AI is being driven by several major factors, including the increased adoption of cloud-based applications and services – the ‘smart’ airport trend is a typical example.The data extracted from AI software can provide the information needed to foresee potential issues and make recommendations or decisions on optimal actions. Data sets about inventory, supplier performance, demand fluctuations and even conditions along a route, such as weather or customs delays, can be used to plan and/or take action in real-time, facilitating decision-making and increasing speed. The ability to apply predictive analytics to the pharmaceutical supply chain offers end-to-end visibility never before possible but incredibly crucial in an industry that is responsible for not only developing high-value products but also— and more importantly—millions of lives.

Currently, freight forwarders are facing a triple threat from the e-Commerce industry, ocean carriers and the new logistics technology startups, coaxing existing players to drive business based on technology and automation. A lot rides on customer data and analyses that exist at the bedrock of the technical integration which will disrupt the logistics industry. This data assimilation will form the foundation of tech-integration like artificial intelligence, IoT, security-tech and much. So how do we integrate technology with the traditional freight forwarding industry? The first step is by zeroing in on the players who are the key stakeholders of this market and can drive this change effectively.

DISRUPTORS OF THE DIGITAL LOGISTICS INDUSTRY

Though the market is based on scales of customers and companies, the new digital wave has another disruptor, the digital freight forwarders, who are leveraging tech solutions and digital tools to influence the way cargo is packed and shipped across the world. The logistics industry is now backed with security and transparency, enabled by digital tools that are now ensuring cost optimization and work efficiency of the organizations.

TECH-INNOVATIONS IN THE INDUSTRY

The best part about the technical integration is that it does not call for a substantial investment but an agile innovation that makes the entire operations efficient and smarter. Here are some tech-trends that are changing paradigms of the freight forwarding industry.

CLOUD-BASED SOLUTIONS

The freight industry is all set to exponentially increase productivity as data with respect to the ability of private fleets can now be easily accessible. Since data is involved, cloud-based companies can leverage cloud solutions to store these data and act as a repository for all the information with respect to transit, docking, and storage that can improve efficiency and productivity of operations.

INTERNET OF THINGS

Commonly known as IoT, this technology, though seemingly ambiguous, can single-handedly simplify business operations. It can transform the entire supply chain, right from fleet monitoring to inventory management.

IoT’s improved transparency helps track and gain real-time access of the cargo, barcode integration adds to the security, predictive maintenance ensures optimal asset utilization and geo-fencing ensures that the warehouse operators can effectively draw virtual boundaries to create specific alerts and safeguard the cargo within the perimeter.

ADVANCED MACHINE LEARNING

Leveraging Advanced Machine Learning, logistics companies can figure out patterns and deploy this predictive understanding to make better business decisions. Machine Learning learns from its previous interface to create algorithms that optimize tasks like operations and security.

The data collected from multiple points creates a complete picture of the impending risks and creates alternate solutions that will increase transparency and also help save capital, time and even lives. For instance, AML can recognize ports and routes that can be cost-efficient as well as productive for the companies.

CONNECTED APPLICATIONS

In the freight forwarding industry, successful connectivity is half the battle won. Reliable connectivity is crucial for the sector, and with connected applications, it is no more wishful thinking. Firstly, connected applications remove communication barriers and simplify data-transfer across oceans.

Technologies like EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) works via these applications, allowing information transfer in the blink of an eye. Mobile apps can now enable data-transfer on the road, which further simplifies the correspondence.

SECURITY MANAGEMENT

Since these logistics companies will now be relying on data and cloud technology, they are bound to be exposed to cyber threats. Backed by IoT and cloud computing, several freight forwarding software can prevent virtual attacks and also scan the entire interface for any impending threats. Security audits and regular testing are an essential part of security management solutions.

BENEFITS OF TECHNOLOGY

While technology is still in its infancy in the freight market, it already making an impact via the following benefits:

• Managed Work Flow: The hands-on availability of data at the right time for the right people solves all the knots of work management which is critical in the fluctuating freight industry. Freight ERP software connects all the stakeholders and creates a transparent platform for internal communication which quickly negates missed information or lack of clarification. This doubles up productivity and slashes down the time taken.
• Insightful Business Decisions: The automated version of the freight industry heavily relies on data, and comprehensive data never lies. Thanks to singular software or any digital platform, all the information is assembled at one focal point using which the company management can assess activities and take in actionable insights for informed business decisions. The insight will help improve the business as well as offer better services to customers.

WHAT’S NEXT?

As we move forward with digitization, specific shifts might be prevalent in the freight forwarding paradigm.

• The Rise in Digital Freight Forwarders: Companies with the digital backbone will override those without one. Companies that lack the digital element will either build their in-house technology or partner with digital forwarders.
• The influx of Digital Business Models: Since the core operations will be digitized, companies will draft new digital business models which will favor an automated market, digital forwarders as partners and much more.
• Meta platforms Will Grow: In simplified terms, meta platforms are a collective group of digital freight forwarders which will prove better and more cost-efficient services to consignees and shippers. Many organizations might join these platforms to enhance their competence.

CONCLUSION

The current digital revolution in the freight forwarding industry is the tip of the iceberg. There is an underlying scope which is bound to escalate and introduce new technical innovations to the sector. Companies that are agile and in sync with the industrial revolution 4.0 have a high chance of growing magnanimously and reaping benefits that the industry will have to offer.

Basic chemicals and their related products (petrochemicals, fertilisers, paints, varnishes, glass, perfumes, toiletries, pharmaceuticals, etc.) constitute a significant part of the Indian economy. Among the most diversified industrial sectors, chemicals cover an array of more than 70,000 commercial products.

India is the sixth largest producer of chemicals globally and third largest producer in Asia in terms of output. The country ranks third globally in the production of agro chemicals and contributes around 16 per cent to the global dyestuff and dye intermediates production.

Key Markets and Export Destinations

Total exports of dyes and dye intermediates, organic and inorganic chemicals, including agro chemicals, cosmetics and toiletries, essential oils and castor oil, stood at US$ 19.09 billion during the year 2018-19 and stood at US$ 11.06 billion during April-October 2019 (provisional). The US, the UAE, the UK, Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia are the leading importers of cosmetics, toiletries and essential oils. During April-October 2019, exports of dyes increased 8.77 per cent year-on-year to US$ 1.60 billion. During the period, exports of essential oils increased 23.46 per cent to US$ 120.10 million, cosmetics and toiletries increased 5.61 per cent to US$ 999 million and exports of castor oil stood at US$ 590.50 million. Exports of inorganic, organic and agro chemicals stood at US$ 599.28 million, US$ 5.14 billion, US$ 1.87 billion from April-October 2019.

BASIC CHEMICALS, PHARMACEUTICALS AND COSMETICS EXPORT PROMOTION COUNCIL

The promotion of product groups such as dyes and dye intermediates, basic inorganic and organic chemicals, including agro-chemicals, cosmetics, toiletries, essential oils, incense sticks, castor oil and its derivatives, is handled by the Basic Chemicals, Cosmetics & Dyes Export Promotion Council, which is popularly known as CHEMEXCIL. The Council organises promotional events and fairs to help exporters identify potential markets abroad and providing publicity and marketing back-up.

Recent News

The chemical sector is expected to double to US$ 300 billion by 2025, clocking an annual growth rate of 15-20 per cent. To achieve this, government is working on a draft chemical policy that will focus on meeting the rising demand for chemicals and reduce imports. In India, chemical industry is expected to follow an accelerated growth path and is expected to double up its global share in the next decade.

Total export for chemicals stood at US$ 19.09 billion during the year 2018-19.

In India, coffee is grown in regions that receive 2,500-4,000mm rainfall across more than 100 days, followed by a continuous dry period of a similar duration. Coffee growing areas in the country have diverse climatic conditions, which are suitable for the cultivation of different varieties of coffee.

Key Markets and Export Destinations

• India is the third-largest producer and exporter of coffee in Asia, and the sixth-largest producer and fifth-largest exporter of coffee in the world.
• The country accounts for 3.14 per cent (2018-19) of the global coffee production.
• The coffee production during 2018-19P is stood at 319,500 MT.
• The coffee exports from India during 2018-19 stood at US$ 836.85 million and reached US$ 520.36 million in April – December 2019.
• Top five importers of Indian coffee during 2018-19 were Italy (21.63 per cent), Germany (9 per cent), Russian Federation (6.30 per cent), Belgium (5.24 per cent) and Turkey (4.17 per cent).
• Of the total coffee produced in India, 70 per cent is exported and 30 per cent is consumed domestically.

COFFEE BOARD OF INDIA

The Coffee Board of India is engaged in the research, development, extension, quality upgrade, market information, and domestic and international promotion of Indian coffee. Since 2002, the board has been conducting the India International Coffee Festival, a biennial event held in India in collaboration with other industry stakeholders.

Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.), a tree native of Eastern Brazil, was introduced in India by the Portuguese nearly five centuries ago. In India, cashew was first introduced in Goa, from where it spread to other parts of the country. Initially, it found use in soil binding to check erosion. Commercial cultivation began in the early 1960s and, over the years, cashew became a crop with high economic value and attained the status of an export-oriented commodity, earning considerable foreign exchange for the country.

KEY MARKETS AND EXPORT DESTINATIONS

• Export of cashew nutshell liquid/Cardanol from India stood at 4,547 MT, valued at Rs 23.16 crore (US$ 4.68 million), while exports of cashew kernels stood at 55,272 MT, valued at Rs 3,731.23 crore (US$ 754.55 million) during April 2018-January 2019.
• Export earnings from raw cashew nut during April 2018-January 2019 stood at 11,414 MT, valued at Rs 143.98 crore (US$ 29.12 million).
• India accounts for about 65 per cent of global cashew exports.
• India exports cashew kernels to over 60 countries. Its major markets are the US, the Netherlands, Japan, Spain, France, Germany, the UK as well as Middle East countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

CASHEW EXPORT PROMOTION COUNCIL OF INDIA

The Cashew Export Promotion Council of India (CEPCI) works to promote the export of cashew kernels and CNSL. The council serves as an intermediary between importers of cashew kernels and exporters who are members of the council. It also deals with disputes on exports/imports arising due to quality standards and breach of contractual obligations, among others. It undertakes numerous activities, such as organising global buyer-seller meets as well as studies on nutritional aspects of cashew and providing support to cashew processors and exporters for improving infrastructure.

Cotton plays an important role in the Indian economy as the country's textile industry is predominantly cotton based. India is one of the largest producers as well as exporters of cotton yarn. The Indian textile industry contributes around 5 per cent to country’s gross domestic product (GDP), 14 per cent to industrial production and 11 per cent to total exports earnings. The industry is also the second-largest employer in the country after agriculture, providing employment to over 51 million people directly and 68 million people indirectly, including unskilled women. The textile industry is also expected to reach US$ 223 billion by the year 2021.

The states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Punjab are the major cotton producers in India.

Key Markets and Export Destinations

• Cotton yarn and fabrics exports accounts for about 23 per cent of India’s total textiles and apparel exports.
• In 2018-19*, India’s cotton production was 28.70 million bales of 170 Kg each
• During 2018-19, total textile and clothing exports stood at US$ 36.62 billion.
• During 2018-19 exports of cotton yarn, cotton fabrics and cotton made-ups reached to US$ US$ 3.90 billion and US$ 5.95 billion, respectively. During April-September 2019, exports of cotton yarn, cotton fabrics and cotton made-ups reached to US$ US$ 1.30 billion, US$ 3.08 billion and US$ 3.08 billion, respectively.
• Various reputed foreign retailers and brands such as Carrefour, Gap, H&M, JC Penney, Levi Strauss, Macy's, Marks & Spencer, Metro Group, Nike, Reebok, Tommy Hilfiger and WaI-Mart import Indian textile products.

Cotton Textile Export Promotion Council

The Cotton Textile Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL) takes part in national and international events to enhance the visibility of Indian products, advertises and promotes Indian products in various media vehicles such as fashion magazines, event-related pull-outs, India reports and leading trade magazines, and organises buyer-seller meets (BSM) and trade delegation visits.

Carpet weaving is an ancient Indian tradition, with the industry flourishing in the country 16th century onwards. Today, India is the world's largest producer and exporter of handmade carpets in terms of value and volume. Around 75–85 per cent of carpets manufactured in India are exported. Indian carpets are known worldwide for their excellent design, fascinating colours and quality.

KEY MARKETS AND EXPORT DESTINATIONS

India is responsible for around 40 per cent of worldwide export of handmade carpets. Exports of handmade carpets from India stood at US$ 1.47 billion in 2018-19. During April-September 2019, exports of handmade carpets from India stood at Rs 4,743.83 crore (US$ 688.6 million). In 2018-19, export of silk carpet stood at US$ 16.1 million. During April-September 2019, exports of silk carpet stood at Rs 77.9 crore (US$ 11.3 million).

CARPET EXPORT PROMOTION COUNCIL

The Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC) is the apex body of exporters of hand-made carpets and other floor coverings in India. The Council assists exporters by identifying new markets, providing financial aid, sponsoring participation in worldwide events, arranging buyer-seller meets and resolving trade disputes. Total export for carpets stood at US$ 1.51 billion in 2018-19. During April-September 2019, total carpet exports from India stood at Rs 4,821.79 crore (US$ 699.93 million).

When you think of Portugal, many worship the footballing hero of Cristiano Ronaldo. However, despite being their biggest international export, the country are unique in many other ways. Here's ten fun facts about Portugal below:

1) Portugal’s weather is known as the hottest in Europe, with nearly 3,000 sunny hours per year.

2) Some of the biggest waves in the world can be found at Nazare, just off the coast of Portugal. The monstrous waves, some going up to 100 feet, attract surfers from all over the world!

3) First established as a country in the 12th century, Portugal has had the same defined borders since 1139 – making it the oldest nation in Europe

4) Portuguese is spoken by the 10 million inhabitants of Portugal….and also by 230 million others all around the world. In fact, Portuguese is the official language of 9 countries and is the 6^th most used language online.

5) Portugal accounts for about 50% of the worlds cork production.  And the best cork in the world is from the Algarve.  Portuguese cork is used by leading brands such as Moet Chandon and  Rolls Royce, by Airbus and NASA.  And in 2018, Portuguese cork will be present in the spacecraft used by the European Space Agency in its mission to mars.

6) Portuguese shoes walk the world, and strut some of the biggest stages. Rihanna’s 2013 shoe collection for River Island was produced in Portugal. And Pippa Middleton, the famous royal sister, and her mother, both wore Portuguese made shoes for the royal wedding. A traditional industry that has moved with the times, the Portuguese footwear industry styles itself as the sexiest industry in Europe.

7) The ATM system in Portugal, the Multibanco is one of the most advanced in the world. Long before online banking became the norm, you could do your banking, pay your bills and your taxes at your local Multibanco. Today there are over 60 operations possible via the ATM system, including buying concert tickets, donating to charities and topping up your phone credit.

8) Almost 12% of the inhabitants of Luxembourg and 3% of the people in France are of Portuguese descent. Paris has the largest Portuguese community outside Portugal and is the second largest Portuguese city after Lisbon based on the number of Portuguese residents.

9) The kingdom of Portugal lasted for nearly 800 years, from 1139 to 1910. Since 1910, the country has been a republic. The modern democratic republic was founded in 1976.

10) The Lisbon-based S.L. Benfica is the world's most supported football club according to the Guinness Book of World Record.

Credit: My Guide

SHIPPING SERVICES TO PORTUGAL

Sky Fly International have been shipping to Portugal for many years. If you have a shipment that you would like to send overseas, Sky Fly International will be able to help you. If you are shipping to Lisbon or you would like some additional advice in respect of shipping to Faro, please don't hesitate to contact our team. We are also shipping to Funchal along with many other Portuguese destinations on a regular basis. We also offer a door to door road freight service to most European destinations so if you are shipping to Portugal or shipping to Malta we will also be able to help you.
 

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Be it developing, developed or even third world countries. They all have lack of visibility as the most pressing issue in the air cargo ecosystem across the world. Of ocean, road and air, the latter seems to be the most preferred voiding the expense incurred. Thanks to its timely and super-fast delivery model. Somehow, like ocean cargo truck congestions and lengthy regulatory processes are slowing down air cargo operations. Moreover, cargo handling in airports are divided into two i.e. land side and the air side. The latter is heavily guarded with security and hence knowing the operations gets difficult. This in turn leads to lack of Visibility in air cargo. The same issue can be overcome if all stakeholders are connected in a unified system and that would be the Cargo Community System. Cargo Community System comes with a lot of benefits other than solving lack of visibility. Here are some of those :

DATA ACCURACY

The most important of all functions is to avoid redundancies and inaccuracies in data. A major chunk of air freight handling gets affected due to inaccurate data submitted by freight forwarders. Customs officials make multiple request for accurate information and it has to come from different stakeholders. This in turn delays cargo shipment and if in case, it is a perishable or medicinal product, then there is a risk of expiry. But with an air cargo community system, all stakeholders are connected in one frame and approvals as well as corrections can be made instantly. In short, there is availability of accurate data with a community system.

AUTO-GENERATED DOCUMENTS

An air cargo community system comes with a single window system for clearance and approval. For example, if there are 40-43 clearances to be obtained. All these authorities are already connected online in the community system and they’re compliant with all types of tools and systems. Therefore, they seamlessly connect with all of them and deliver approval/clearances instantly. In short, all functions are automated, and the stakeholders are connected in the same system. While all these operations are taking place, all stakeholders involved in the process can see what is happening where. This will ensure they don’t further delay operations from their end.

INTEGRATES WELL WITH ALL TOOLS & SOFTWARE

When we say a cargo community system, it could always mean that it comes with a host of software applications and tools. But the right community system will very well integrate with any kind of software, tools and applications. This is mandatory because, every single stakeholder might be using a tool or application already. Changing the system might cause generation of redundant information. Therefore, it is highly essential to maintain an open ended community system which could integrate with all. World over, regulatory authorities are making it mandatory to have air cargo operations digitized. Choosing to digitize operations is highly essential at this stage as it could change one’s business prospects. Therefore, it is essential to have an air cargo community system in place and integrate it with the already existing software tools or applications. Apart from this, also read the impact of Corona Virus on world logistics.

Artificial Intelligence was never pursued seriously until real time applications started popping-up. Manufacturing and several other business processes got automated with Artificial Intelligence. Nowadays, they are found in all processes involving human life. To a large extent, it has reduced manual intervention and brought down the error ratio considerably high. If it can automate and simplify manufacturing operations, it can do the same in a much better manner to logistics and supply chain as well. Yes, these are the processes which involved higher manual interventions and automating them would mean automating cross-border trade and reducing cost for all stakeholders. Surprisingly, artificial intelligence in logistics is already happening in several geographies globally. Here are some of them.

DEMAND FORECASTING

Demand forecasting is quite an essential factor involved in logistics. It helps logistics stakeholders to reduce cost, improve efficiency, optimal fleet management, managing logistics assets to name a few. For example, let us say a warehouse in an airport is to receive 100 tonnes of freight. But its capacity could be just 60 or 70. The rest maybe placed in nearby warehouses or placed in unsafe conditions. Moreover, placing in other warehouses is subject to availability of space. With demand forecasting, the warehouse management can plan accommodating freight beyond its capacity in nearby warehouses. Tools which can perform such tasks will be in high demand in the near future as there is a long gap between demand and supply already

LAST MILE DELIVERY

This is the most spoken topic across the globe in the logistics space. However soon a product is manufactured, it is not reaching the customer at the right time. Logistics firms are finding it hard to stay in line with the quick delivery scheme they promise to the customers. Intervention of AI here will ensure all deliveries are fast-tracked and delivered on time as promised. Moreover, this will do a demand forecasting and tell all stakeholders on the movement of freight. Such community based platforms nowadays are leveraging the power of AI especially in the logistics space and building relevant technologies to simplify operations.

BIG DATA

Some years before, Big Data became the buzzword in several industries. Especially with logistics and supply chain, there are several structured and unstructured data. With the use of AI, these can be analysed and utilized for potential process based applications. While the initiation of the word big data said how it can help businesses understand their customers, with logistics it can simplify processes to a large extent.

AUTOMATED WAREHOUSING

Right from data collection to inventory management, warehousing operations involve a lot of manual operations. Most importantly, they require an eye for detail. In turn, this could lead to delay in tasks. Already, several ecommerce players worldwide are leveraging the power of AI by using AI-powered robots. Order delivery is on time and less than the stipulated time. Similarly, air cargo stakeholders as well are leveraging the potential of artificial intelligence in logistics with the use of innovative digital technologies to see cargo movement in the warehouse. Also, long staying and unclaimed cargo can be taken note of with automated warehousing.

TRACKING MOVEMENT WITH IOT

Visibility is a major issue pertaining to logistics and too specific to air cargo. After a point of time, movement of freight inside the airport is not known to any of the stakeholders. Potentially, this could lead to loss of cargo. This is the reason why several people in the industry call cargo as a Poor Cousin who cannot talk. Also, some experts have said that Internet of Things (IoT) could make cargo talk by connecting to all systems. As we all are aware, IoT is all about integrations and it seamlessly integrates with any system. For example, if a ground handler uses a specific software/tool to manage operations and a freight forwarder uses another tool/software to manage their operations, IoT can integrate both the tools and provide 24/7 information on the freight movement. This will significantly improve efficiency in the overall process and bring down the time. The role of AI in logistics is quite higher than what industry experts have predicted. While the applications coming up now are still limited, in the near future we can see an exodus in the use of AI based tools and technologies. While we keep you posted on those updates, do read on the impact of Corona Virus on the logistics industry globally.

Air Cargo is one among the most complex industries in the world. Well, this is given when it involves cross-border trade. Over the years, the airline industry was subject to abduction and security was at stake at several instances. Hence, it is essential that processes get complex and well documented. Anyhow, these documentations are manual and they in turn add burden to the stakeholders involved in the process. Especially, when it comes to customs clearance and issuance of Certificate of Origin, there is a high chance of document misplacement, malpractice and so on. Therefore, digitizing these operations are mandatory and at the same time ensures transparency. Over the years, we have seen the use of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and recently we have seen the upcoming of Blockchain. Blockchain is quite a robust technology and its robustness is taking it to places. Initially it was used to build Bitcoin, then it found its importance in healthcare and now it is becoming more relevant in Logistics and supply chain. The way ahead so far has been so promising,and experts have suggested Blockchain for several reasons. Overcoming long processes is a challenge all stakeholders in logistics industry face. Also, lack of end-end visibility, longer processing time, data inaccuracies and several other issues are involved. But with the use of Blockchain in a single window system, they can quite easily overcome all these issues. Here are some use cases for blockchain in developing tech systems forcustoms logistics single window.

DATA AUTHENTICITY

Inaccuracy of data is an issue which haunted every stakeholder in the air cargo industry. Digitization not only simplifies processes but also ensures all this information fed in the system stays accurate. Also, it shows which stakeholder fed the specific information, at what time etc. Also, it shows different iterations made in the given information by different people.

DATA DRIVEN

Big Data is the key phrase which every single industry is leveraging today. Compared to all of them, logistics has the biggest scope of leverage. In manual operations, everything goes in paper from one stakeholder to the other. In this case, the next stakeholder in the funnel will act only when the current one passes on the baton. If in case, one stakeholder delays, the whole process will go for a toss. Going data driven will help the logistics industry. With this, all the documents present in one system is shared with all stakeholders. Hence, the upcoming one can improve capacity by performing risk analysis.

EMBEDDED WITHIN TRADE

Accurate data sharing is of utmost importance in the logistics sector. Especially when it comes to customs operations, accurate data sharing is quite essential. Infact, several operations get stalled at the customs side due to inaccurate data. Tamper proof data will help customs validate submitted data against their own database.

FRAUD DETECTION

Crime is a major issue in logistics sector. Blockchain comes handy in identifying and reporting crime. Money laundering and illicit financial flows can be identified without much efforts as the digital ledger shows the operations performed by each entity. Hence detecting frauds is much easier.

EASY REVENUE COLLECTION

By ensuring data authenticity and solving inaccuracies, revenue collections will become much simpler than before as the system shows clear and robust information. As a result, revenue collection happens much faster and leads to 100 percent process improvement. Digitization is scripting a new course of growth for several stakeholders in the air cargo industry. Blockchain, AI, ML and several other technologies are penetrating the growth achieved due to the same. Apart from this, know the impact of Corona Virus on air cargo logistics.
 

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