Conventional or express air freight?
Conventional air freight involves utilizing the available space on commercial airlines such as Vietnam Airlines. These airlines take advantage of the cargo capacity offered by conventional airplanes.
Express air freight involves utilizing the courier networks of companies such as DHL, FedEx, TNT, and UPS. This type of air freight is more costly and involves the use of airplanes designed specifically for air transport to deliver goods.
What are the advantages of air freight?
What are the advantages of air freight?-Faster Transit Time: Air freight is significantly faster than ocean freight, which can take several weeks. Shipping goods by air between Vietnam and Italy can take as little as 5 to 7 days, making it an ideal option for time-sensitive shipments.
-Reliable Schedules: Airlines operate on a set schedule, so you can plan shipments more accurately and have greater control over delivery times compared to ocean freight, which can be subject to delays due to weather or other factors.
-Access to Remote Locations: Airports are typically located in or near major cities, providing better access to remote locations compared to ocean ports, which may require additional transportation to reach.
-Greater Security: Air freight offers better security compared to ocean freight since there are fewer handling points and fewer opportunities for theft or damage.
-Reduced Packaging: Since air freight is typically more expensive than ocean freight, you may be able to reduce packaging and handling costs by shipping smaller, more lightweight packages.
-Suitable for High-Value Items: Air freight is a suitable option for shipping high-value items such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and perishable goods that require temperature-controlled environments.
How much does it cost to transport air cargo between Vietnam and Italy?
The cost of transporting air cargo between Vietnam and Italy can vary depending on several factors, such as the weight and dimensions of the cargo, the type of goods being shipped, the urgency of the shipment, and the current market conditions. Additionally, other factors such as customs clearance fees, insurance, fuel surcharges, and other taxes or charges may also impact the final cost of air cargo transport.
How to calculate the volumetric weight of your shipment?
When it comes to freight services, the pricing structures differ between conventional and express air freight. Conventional freight typically follows a weight band rate model, which includes a minimum fee for very small shipments. On the other hand, express freight usually uses a fee-per-step model based on the quantity of goods being shipped. Both types of freight are charged based on either the gross weight or volumetric weight, whichever is higher. The volumetric weight is calculated differently for conventional and express air freight.
Classic air freight: 1 m³ = 167 kgs
Express air freight: 1 m³ = 200 kgs.
This weight will be used as the basis for determining the shipping rate charged by the carrier.
Customs clearance in Vietnam
In Vietnam, the customs clearance process is overseen by the General Department of Vietnam Customs. The process involves several steps, including:
Submitting Customs Declaration: The importer or their agent must submit a customs declaration form and supporting documents to the customs authorities.
Customs Inspection: The customs authorities will examine the goods to verify their description, value, quantity, and other details.
Customs Valuation: The customs authorities will assess the value of the goods for the purpose of levying duties and taxes.
Duty and Tax Payment: The importer or their agent must pay the applicable duties and taxes before the goods can be released.
Release of Goods: Once the duties and taxes are paid, the customs authorities will release the goods to the importer or their agent.
Customs clearance in Italy
In Italy, customs clearance is overseen by the Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency. The process involves several steps, including:
Submitting Customs Declaration: The importer or their agent must submit a customs declaration form and supporting documents to the customs authorities.
Customs Inspection: The customs authorities will examine the goods to verify their description, value, quantity, and other details.
Customs Valuation: The customs authorities will assess the value of the goods for the purpose of levying duties and taxes.
Duty and Tax Payment: The importer or their agent must pay the applicable duties and taxes before the goods can be released.
Release of Goods: Once the duties and taxes are paid, the customs authorities will release the goods to the importer or their agent.
What are the customs duties and taxes?
Vietnam and Italy both use the Harmonized System (HS) to classify goods for customs purposes. The HS code consists of six digits and is used to determine the applicable duties and taxes for imported goods. Accurately classifying goods using the appropriate HS code is important to avoid delays and penalties.
How to get your HS code?
The safest and most efficient approach is to inquire with your vendor.
If he or she cannot provide the information, refer to the HS code webpage.
It is user-friendly, type in a keyword like "pineapple" to obtain results. 
Calculating customs duties with the HS code
Are you familiar with your HS code? It's essential to confirm the applicable taxes for your shipment. Follow these easy steps:
Visit the Tariff for Vietnamese Customs webpage, and input your information, including your HS code or a keyword(for example"pineapple") :
Have you finished? The next step is to simply press the search button:
Required documents
Original invoice
You must have the original invoice in order to clear your purchases through customs, whether you are traveling to Vietnam or Italy. Verify that the amount listed on the packing list and the original invoice are the same.
Bill of Lading
The exporter's delivery of the declared products is attested to by the bill of lading, which serves as a proof of carriage document. The bill of lading is also a legal document that needs to be considered. Additionally, it offers all the information required to handle the freight and properly invoice it.
Certificate of origin
The certificate of origin attests to the country of origin of the goods transported. The country of manufacture, which should not be confused with the place of origin of the goods, is indicated in this document, which is necessary for international trade.
Health certificate
The health certificate is a document attesting that the products meet the requirements set forth by the legislation on manufacturing cleanliness, microbiological standards for food items, and animal health after being examined by the competent authorities.
Packing list
The "packing list" is a document that shippers prepare for each party in the supply chain. Every air and sea freight cargo must have this official document, which contains all the details on the product(s) and packaging that are included in each shipment.
Import goods declaration form
An import declaration is a formal document in which you provide information regarding the import of products.
