Introduction
Air cargo is essential to international trade, particularly for pharmaceuticals, electronics, perishables and high-value goods.
But the speed of air freight also means that legal compliance failures can have immediate commercial consequences.
Cargo Contracts Allocate Significant Risk
The parties need to determine responsibility for loss, delay, damage, documentation and customs problems.
International carriage may also bring treaty-based liability rules into play.
The Montreal Convention establishes an international framework covering cargo and baggage as well as passenger carriage.
Customs Compliance Is Integral
An airline or freight forwarder may be affected by incorrect declarations, prohibited goods or incomplete documentation.
Conclusion
Air-cargo law sits at the intersection of aviation, customs, trade, insurance and commercial contracts.
Businesses should therefore conduct compliance checks before shipment rather than treating customs and regulatory issues as problems that can be solved after the cargo reaches its destination.
