What is the purpose of using a separate shipper's declaration form for air shipments?

The purpose of using a separate shipper's declaration form for air shipments primarily aligns with meeting regulatory requirements, managing documentation efficiently, and facilitating the clearance of goods from customs. This form is critical for fulfilling applicable safety and security regulations imposed by national and international aviation authorities, thereby ensuring that shipments are compliant with laws governing hazardous materials and other significant factors.

Including this declaration allows the air carriers and freight forwarders to have all pertinent details about the shipment readily available, which helps them manage the logistics and documentation processes effectively. It provides necessary documentation to customs, allowing for a smoother clearance process. By having these details well-documented, it ensures that all parties involved in the transport chain are properly informed and that the shipment adheres to all regulatory requirements.

In contrast, while practical needs of freight forwarders play a role in transport logistics, the primary intention behind the separate shipper's declaration is to ensure compliance with regulatory framework, which can significantly affect air shipments.