International shipping is complex, especially for a company like THIENDUC AQUARIUM, where the safe delivery of live fish to the EU is paramount. The air freight forwarding process is our solution. A reliable freight forwarder manages the entire journey, ensuring goods arrive safely and on time. This guide breaks down the essential air freight forwarding process for our partners in the UK, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Step 1: Reservations and Records

The journey begins long before the cargo ever leaves our facility in Ho Chi Minh City. The initial step of the air freight forwarding process is the booking. Our partners at THIENDUC AQUARIUM provide detailed shipment information, including the type and quantity of fish, the total weight and dimensions, the origin (our farm), and the final destination airport in Europe. This information allows our trusted freight forwarder to provide an accurate quote and reserve the necessary cargo space on a suitable airline.

Accurate documentation is the bedrock of the entire air freight forwarding process. It is a crucial step that, if mishandled, can cause significant delays.

• Air Waybill (AWB): This is the master document, a contract of carriage that contains vital information such as the shipper and consignee details, cargo specifics, and flight number.

• Commercial Invoice & Packing List: These documents detail the contents and value of the shipment, essential for customs clearance. For THIENDUC AQUARIUM, this includes a precise list of fish species, their quantity, and value.

• Shipper’s Letter of Instruction (SLI): We use this to provide our forwarder with precise instructions, including special handling notes for live fish, to ensure our aquatic treasures are treated with the utmost care.

• Other Required Documents: For live animals, this includes a health certificate from a certified veterinarian and any CITES permits for protected species. These documents are non-negotiable for smooth entry into the EU.

Step 2: Consolidation and Pickup

Once the booking is confirmed and all documents are in order, the next phase of the air freight forwarding process begins. The cargo is carefully picked up from THIENDUC AQUARIUM's farm in Củ Chi and transported to our forwarder's warehouse. Here, our fish are prepared for their international journey. The cargo is meticulously inspected, weighed, and measured to confirm all details match the documentation. For our shipments, this includes verifying the specialized packing and oxygen levels for the fish. The forwarder then consolidates multiple shipments from different clients into a single, larger consignment. This practice is a key part of the air freight forwarding process, as it allows us to share cargo space, reducing costs while maintaining efficiency and safety.

Step 3: Clearance of Export Customs

The export customs clearance is the first major hurdle of the air freight forwarding process. The forwarder prepares all export declarations and submits them to Vietnamese customs authorities. This is where the thorough documentation from Step 1 proves its worth. Our paperwork, including health certificates and permits, is scrutinized to ensure compliance with both Vietnamese export regulations and EU import requirements. Customs may decide to perform a physical inspection of the cargo, a standard procedure for live animals. Once cleared, the cargo is officially authorized for export, and we are one step closer to our customers in places like the UK, France, and Germany.

Step 4: Air Transport

With customs clearance granted, the cargo is loaded onto the aircraft. This is often the most time-sensitive part of the air freight forwarding process, especially for our shipments of live fish. The forwarder ensures the cargo is loaded correctly and that any special handling instructions are followed. Our partners in Europe can rest assured that their fish are in a climate-controlled and pressurized cargo hold, specifically designed for transporting live animals. Throughout the flight, the forwarder provides real-time tracking updates, offering peace of mind to us and our clients.

Step 5: Clearance of Customs Imports

Upon arrival at the destination airport in the EU, the next phase of the air freight forwarding process begins. The forwarder’s agent at the destination airport receives the cargo and immediately prepares it for import customs. They submit all necessary import documentation, which must be flawless to prevent delays. This includes the AWB, commercial invoice, and the crucial health certificates. The local customs authorities will inspect the documents and, in many cases, physically inspect the live cargo. This is to verify compliance with the EU's strict biosecurity and animal welfare regulations. Once the cargo passes inspection and any applicable taxes or duties are paid, it is released for final delivery. The diligence of our partners on the ground in the EU ensures that this stage of the air freight forwarding process is as smooth as possible.

Step 6: Final Delivery

The final stage of the air freight forwarding process is the last mile. The large consolidated shipment is broken down into individual consignments, a process known as deconsolidation. The forwarder arranges for the individual packages to be transported from the airport to the customer's doorstep. For our business clients, this often means direct delivery to their retail outlets or distribution centers. Upon delivery, the recipient signs a Proof of Delivery (POD) document. This signature officially completes the air freight forwarding process, confirming the safe and successful transfer of our beautiful fish to our valued customers in the UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and beyond.

Conclusion

The air freight forwarding process is vital for THIENDUC AQUARIUM, ensuring our delicate ornamental fish are delivered safely to European partners. By trusting a specialized forwarder to manage every intricate step, we guarantee our fish arrive in optimal condition, ready for their new homes. This partnership allows us to confidently expand our global market presence. For a reliable shipping experience, contact us.

Contact Information: 

• Address: 57 Le Thi Sieng, Tan Thong Hoi, Cu Chi, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam 

• Mobile: +84903912501 

• Office: +84982577871 

• Email: thien@thienducaquarium.com