International air freight regulations primarily consist of rules established by international organizations such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA), as well as relevant customs requirements of various countries.
In this article, Weefreight will provide a brief explanation of the latest aviation logistics regulations in some major countries and regions, hoping to be helpful.
International Organization Level
IATA Regulations: IATA regulates various aspects of international air freight. Cargo packaging must be sturdy, airtight, and able to withstand certain pressures. Materials must meet environmental standards. Labels must indicate information such as the shipper, consignee, and cargo weight. For dangerous goods, the hazard level and corresponding markings must also be indicated. Furthermore, shippers must prepare documents such as consignment notes, invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and customs declarations, and these documents must be authentic and complete.
ICAO Regulations: The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) primarily develops the Chicago Convention and its related annexes. Annex 17, Aviation Safety, and Annex 18, The Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods, set out safety management standards for air cargo. Each country is required to develop its own regulations based on ICAO standards.
US
Removal of the Duty-Free Policy for Small Packages: Effective May 2, 2025, parcels valued at less than $800 shipped from mainland China and Hong Kong to the United States via the international postal system will be subject to applicable customs duties, amounting to 30% of their value, or $25 per package. This rate will increase to $50 per package after June 1, 2025. Furthermore, mail carriers must report shipment details to U.S. Customs and Border Protection and maintain an international carrier bond to ensure customs duty payment.
Other Cargo Transportation Requirements: In addition to basic documentation, the US requires an importer ID and federal tax ID number. For regulated goods, import licenses are required. For intellectual property rights, relevant documentation is required. Special goods, such as food and cosmetics, may require a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspection report.
EU
New Fuel Usage Regulations: According to the European Council, all flights departing from EU airports, regardless of destination within or outside the EU, must use a blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and kerosene. By 2025, aircraft departing from EU airports must use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at a 2% fuel mix, with this percentage expected to increase continuously thereafter.
Carbon Tariffs and Related Regulations: The EU Carbon Tariff (CBAM) has entered the substantive regulatory phase. For example, for lithium battery components, carbon emissions data must be traced back to the raw material mining stage. Under the “Battery Passport” rules, updated in 2025, if raw material carbon emissions account for more than 20%, third-party verified supply chain data must be provided. The EU also requires separate listing of carbon emissions from cross-border transportation.
Other Cargo Transportation Requirements: The EU requires detailed cargo information. Manifest declarations should include the six-digit HS commodity code and the consignee’s Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number.
Japan
Japanese commercial invoices must clearly indicate cargo details. Special goods, such as food, must comply with relevant food safety standards. Importers may need to register in advance and provide inspection and quarantine certificates. Electronic products must obtain PSE certification.
Middle Eastern
Countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia prohibit the import of alcohol, pork products, and religiously sensitive publications. Pharmaceuticals require English instructions and prescription proof. Psychotropic substances are prohibited.
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