Jet-Speed News

We kindly inform you about a substantial change in the inspection of air freight in hermetically packed containers of more than 25 liters.

For this type of consignment, the approved inspection technology reaches its limits and the possibilities are very limited throughout the EU. Barrels and containers, for example, are therefore currently sent via France using a method that is authorized there (via the REST / RAS Cargo procedure).

According to a recent announcement by the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC, DSAC department), there will be important changes and restrictions for this method effective from April 1, 2024.

What are the specific changes and what can you do as a shipper?

• Affected are shipments that are packed in airtight containers with a volume of more than 25 liters, such as drums, cans, canisters, etc. (experience has shown that an X-ray produces a so-called "dark alert" - a black image - due to the high density of this quantity and therefore does not lead to a clear screening result. Another screening method must be selected)

• Goods packed in this form can only be checked without restrictions until March 31, 2024 via the so called REST procedure (RAS Cargo) in France.

• A transitional period applies from April 1, 2024 until September 30, 2024:

Shippers can fill out a questionnaire, submit it before April 1, 2024 by email to the French Civil Aviation Authority DGAC, department DSAC and thus apply for a special permit until September 30, 2024. The questionnaire will be sent to you on request. The French authority (DSAC) will then notify the applicant (consignor) within 30 days (after receipt of the application). The notification will be sent by e-mail.

• If the questionnaire has been filled out completely and is accepted by the authority, the notification will state the date of approval and the DSAC contact person. The applicant must send a copy of this notification to all service providers (carriers) so that the REST procedure can be used until the end of the transition period.

For the service period from April 1, 2024 until September 30, 2024, we ask you to send us your "Authorization by the DSAC" for goods to be secured in France.

If you declare/book affected goods for screening without having a DSAC authorization, there is a risk of rejection at the control point. Jet-Speed is not liable for (financial) damage resulting from the absence of authorization by the client or shipper.

Types of relevant goods and containers (Source:  DGAC-Announcement, January 16, 2024)

• Definition of hermetic containers: Hermetic containers include barrels, cans, IBCs made of plastic, metal, glass, cardboard, etc., including hermetic containers that are themselves packed in boxes, pallets etc.
• Nature of content: The rules apply to all contents, whether liquid, solid, powder, paste, hazardous or non-hazardous, regardless of their nature.
• Capacity: It is important to note that the capacity of more than 25 liters applies to the container itself and not to the content. Hermetic containers with less than 5 liters are not subject to these rules and therefore screened like regular boxes.
• Geographical application: The rules, published by the French authority, apply to all shipments presented for screening in France.

In addition to this information, you will find below an overview table from the DGAC for a general understanding of the new procedures:

	TODAY	WITH DGAC AUTHORIZATION	WITHOUT DGAC AUTHORIZATION	FROM 10/01/2024
		04/01/2024 => 09/30/2024	04/01/2024 => 09/30/2024
6 X 5 L in a box	XRY or EDD	XRY or EDD	XRY or EDD	XRY
6 X 4 L in a box	XRY or EDD	XRY or EDD	XRY or EDD	XRY or EDD
≤ 25 L	XRY or EDD	XRY or EDD	XRY	XRY
2 X 25 L in a box	XRY or EDD	XRY or EDD	XRY	XRY
Over 25 L	XRY or EDD	XRY or EDD	KC or 3PL (if the exporter uses a logistics provider) or NO FLIGHT	KC or 3PL (if the exporter uses a logistics provider) or NO FLIGHT

XRY: screening by X-ray | EDD: screening by Explosive Detection Dog – free running or REST | RA: Regulated Agent KC: Known Consignor | 3PL: Third Party Logistic Provider

Possible procedures for producers and consignors

The extension of the deadline with the application for the special permit allows you to implement one of following strategies that are currently available:

• Adaptation of the shipping packaging according to the new requirements, i.e. using containers not larger than 25 liters - e.g. by producing a quantity suitable for air freight, i.e. filling a quantity which is only used when air freight is involved.
• Take the opportunity to have a test “X-ray” of your freight - your Jet-Speed contact will be happy to assist you with scheduling an appointment.
• Certification as “Known Consignor” until October 1, 2024.
• TPL procedure by an Regulated Agent as well as adaptation of procedures and  acceptance by the certifying authority. We can provide you with further advice.

All data and information are subject to further changes and without guarantee, based on the information currently available to us.

If you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact your local Jet-Speed representative.

 

 

 

Delays and capacity bottlenecks due to disruptions and ship diversions

In view of the current events and to ensure the safety of their crews, shipping companies such as MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM and Hapag Lloyd have decided to suspend passage through the Red Sea and thus also through the Suez Canal with immediate effect until further notice. Instead, they are now rerouting their ships via the Cape of Good Hope, resulting in an additional transit time of at least 10 days. The extended transit times are associated with additional freight costs due to the changed routing. In addition, the shipping companies charge war risk surcharges for the affected routes. 

In addition to the aforementioned effects, industry experts expect the rerouting via the Cape of Good Hope to absorb 20-30% of the available capacity. We therefore advise making bookings as early as possible, at least two to three weeks in advance, not least in view of the upcoming Chinese New Year in February.

 

Look for alternative transportation solutions

Of course, we will secure capacity with our team in advance to be able to handle the upcoming volume. However, an alternative transport solution in the Railway or SeaAir sector may work better for your freight.

Our sales team will be happy to advise you on a solution that makes sense for your freight.

In view of the upcoming Chinese New Year, we would like to inform you about the potential impact on air and sea freight shipping and provide you with some important information to ensure your logistics run smoothly.

Chinese New Year 2024 (also known as Spring Festival): The Chinese New Year, which begins on February 10 in 2024, marks the beginning of the Year of the Dragon. During this time, celebrations will take place across the country and many businesses in China will be closed for several days to two weeks.

 

Impact on freight traffic:

 

Delays: Due to factory closures and an increase in shipping activity prior to the holiday, there may be delays in freight transportation. We recommend that you take this into account when planning your logistics.

Bottlenecks in transportation capacity: Due to the high demand before the Chinese New Year, bottlenecks may occur in the availability of air and sea freight capacity. Early bookings are advisable.

 

Recommendations for a smooth process:

 

Early planning: start planning your shipping activities around Chinese New Year as early as possible to minimize bottlenecks and delays.

Communicate with suppliers and customers: Inform your suppliers and customers of potential delays and plan together to minimize supply chain impacts.

Bookings: Make bookings for air and sea freight in good time to secure the capacity you need.

Flexibility: Be flexible with your delivery times and options to cope with unforeseen delays.

 

Our team is always available to assist you in planning and implementing your logistics during the Chinese New Year. Thank you for your understanding and please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions or concerns.

 

Under the EU's 11th sanctions package, a documentary evidence requirement came into force on September 30, 2023 for iron and steel imports if they originate in Russia or are exported from Russia.

 

Since the fourth EU sanctions package (March 15, 2022), there has already been a ban on the purchase and import of certain steel and iron products if they originate in Russia or have been exported there. The now 11th sanctions package brings this proof requirement for imports from all third countries.

Specifically, this means that since September 30, 2023, at the time of importation of certain iron and steel goods (listed by Lexparency), proof of the country of origin of these goods used for processing the product in the third country must be provided by logistics customers.

In addition to the Mill Test Certificates (MTC), following documents can also serve as suitable evidence:

• invoices
• delivery bills
• quality certificates
• long-term supplier declarations
• calculation and manufacturing documents
• customs documents from the exporting country
• business correspondence
• production descriptions
• manufacturer's declarations or exclusion clauses in sales contracts indicating the non-Russian origin of the basic products.

Due to different interpretations on side of customs administration regarding the content of the alternatives to the MTC certificates, we recommend that the attached mentioned alternative documents include the following points.

For semi-finished products:

• the name of the facility where production took place
• the name of the country corresponding to the heat number (country of the melting pot) 
• the CN number (6-digit code) of the product

For finished products:

• the name of the country corresponding to the heat number (country of the melting pot) 
• the CN number (6-digit code) of the product
• the name of the country and facility where the following processing or operations, if any, are performed: hot rolling, cold rolling, metallic coating by hot dipping, electrolytic metal coating, organic coating, welding, penetration/extrusion, drawing/piling and ERW/SAW/HFI/laser welding

If you have any questions or are unclear about the EU's 11th sanctions package and the corresponding impact on your supply chains, please contact your usual Jet-Speed contact.