Frequently asked questions
1. Can FWBs be updated by the agent (FF)?
Updates on FWBs are possible until “RCS”.
2. Can an FHL (multiple FHLs) be updated by the agent (FF)?
FHLs cannot be updated by the agent (FF) automatically. Changes can only be done by the station (CCA process).
3. What is a precise Goods Description?
Please see US Unacceptable vs Acceptable Cargo Descriptions or Canada Detailed Commodity Description.
4. What is the difference between the terms NH/HTS/HCC for the HS-Code?
There is no difference between those terms.
NH = Data Identifier for HS-Code in the FWB (Cargo IMP standard)
HTS = Harmonized Tarif Schedule, Data Identifier for the HS-Code in the FHL (Cargo IMP standard)
HCC = Harmonized Commodity Code, Field label in SWX in rating line and HAWB details
5. Where in the FWB- and FHL-message shall the HS-codes be declared?
- The harmonized commodity code shall be declared in the rating part of the FWB-message:
FWB/17
724-12344321SFOZRH/T2K50.0MC0.5
…
RTD/1/P2/K50.0/CQ/W50/R5.0/T250.00
/NG/CONSOLIDATION
/2/NG/NOT RESTRICTED
/3/NH/063020 - The harmonized commodity code shall be declared here in the FHL-message:
FHL/5
MBI/724-12344321SFOZRH/T2K50
HBS/Y277840/SFOZRH/1/K20//PHARMACEUTICALS
TXT/
HTS/063020
/063021
/063022
/063023
…
6. In which field shall the HS-Code be captured?
Here is an example out of CARGOSPOT:
The field for the HS-Code is marked with the Type “H”. The HS-Code should be inserted here. This ensures that this information will be transmitted in the HS data field of the CIMP message.
Note: There are different IT-Systems to provide/transmit the data. If you have questions regarding your System, please contact your IT provider.
7. In case of “Consolidation” is an HS-Code needed?
If an HS-Code is provided, ensure it is available on both, HAWB and MAWB.
8. A consolidated shipment has 1 MAWB and only 1 HAWB. Is this still possible?
1. All consolidated shipments shall consist of 2 or more HAWB.
If a customer sends 1 MAWB and 1 HAWB a precise goods description must be provided or an HS-Code.
Acceptable combinations on MAWB:
- “CONSOLIDATION” and HS-Code or
- Precise good description (and HS-Code).
2. Please mind: A shipment which has only 1 HAWB cannot be considered as “consolidated”. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires a clear goods description for a MAWB that contains only one HAWB. If “Consolidation” is mentioned in the MAWB, several HAWBs are expected. This may lead to confusions and is not acceptable by CBP.
9. Which HS-Code has to be used on MAWB Level if there are several HAWBs?
Any of the HS-Codes of the HAWBs may be added on the MAWB Level.
10. Does the Handling Agent have to capture FWBs and FHLs before “RCS”?
Yes, the Handling Agent shall capture all missing FWBs and FHLs before “RCS”. Including HS-Code received from the agent (FF).
Note: HS-Code is already mandatory for shipments from outside the EU and the shipment cannot be accepted without HS-Code.
11. Does the Handling Agent have to capture the HS-Code if it is available on the paper AWB?
The HS-Code shall be provided by the customer electronically. If the AWB/HAWB- data is captured by the Handling Agent, the HS-Code must be captured as well.
12. Where is the HS-Code inserted in the e-booking tool?
HS-codes (HTS-codes) on Master AWB-level are captured in 3. Rating details ‘HTS codes’:
13. Is it allowed to write “CONSOLIDATION AS PER ATTACHED LIST” on the AWB?
Yes, it is allowed to write “CONSOLIDATION AS PER ATTACHED LIST”.