Air IGM: Its meaning, importance, and filing in air freight shipping

17 February 2025

If you are planning to transport air freight internationally, you will need to complete an air Import General Manifest (air IGM).

This article explains everything you need to know about the air IGM — its purpose, the information it contains, the filing process, and more. Understanding these fundamentals will help you avoid delays, fines, and disruptions that could impact your shipping operations.

What is IGM in shipping?

IGM, or Import General Manifest, is an important document used in the import customs clearance process for air cargo. It entails all the necessary cargo details for logistical and regulatory purposes at the destination airport.

Similar to its ocean freight counterpart (called a sea cargo manifest), the IGM is used for:

Pre-arrival intimation: Informs customs authorities about incoming air cargo, allowing them to plan and facilitate clearance procedures.
Cargo details: Lists all the individual shipments transported on the aircraft with details like shipper, consignee, type and quantity/weight of goods, and customs declarations.
Compliance: Mandatory to file IGM in most countries as it ensures adherence to international customs regulations and trade agreements.

As a mandatory legal requirement for international air cargo shipments, the import manifest allows authorities to assess the cargo before its arrival, facilitating a smooth customs clearance process. Without an air IGM, your goods will not get released from customs.

What information is included in the air IGM document?

The specific format and requirements for IGM filing vary depending on the country of destination and air carrier. However, it usually includes standard sections with details like:

Flight information (airline, flight number, origin, destination)
Consignment information (shipper, consignee, goods description, package details)
Customs declarations (declared value, HS code, duties payable)
Date and time when the manifest is filed

Who is responsible for filing the air IGM?

The airline carrier or appointed agent (freight forwarder, customs broker or authorised representative acting on the airline’s behalf) files the Import General Manifest for air cargo. It is completed based on the information contained in the air waybill (AWB) and submitted electronically.

When should I file the air IGM for my cargo?

IGM filing for the specified air freight must be submitted at least 24 hours before the cargo arrives at the destination airport.

What happens if the air IGM filing is incorrect or incomplete?

In that case, the customs clearance department can suspend your shipment. This typically leads to clearance delays and incurred costs (fines, penalties).

Difference between air IGM and bill of entry

Both documents are pivotal in international shipping. However, they serve different purposes and are filed at different stages of the customs clearance process. Here’s a brief comparison:

Feature	Import General Manifest (IGM)	Bill of Entry (BOE)
Feature Timing	Import General Manifest (IGM) Submitted at least 24 hours before the shipment arrives at the destination airport	Bill of Entry (BOE) Submitted after physical cargo inspection within 30 days of freight arriving at the destination airport
Feature Filed by	Import General Manifest (IGM) Airline carrier	Bill of Entry (BOE) Importer or their agent
Feature Function	Import General Manifest (IGM) “Heads-up” about upcoming air cargo	Bill of Entry (BOE) Official customs form to claim air cargo
Feature Purpose	Import General Manifest (IGM) Pre-arrival intimation, pre-assessment, and risk profiling	Bill of Entry (BOE) Duty assessment and customs clearance from the airport
Feature Key Benefit	Import General Manifest (IGM) Identifies discrepancies in advance and streamlines customs clearance	Bill of Entry (BOE) Formalises import process and enables cargo release
Feature Information	Import General Manifest (IGM) General details about goods (e.g., description, quantity, weight, value, shipper/consignee, flight)	Bill of Entry (BOE) Comprehensive declaration, including air IGM details, duty calculations, import-export code (IEC), required licences, specific goods information

Air IGM vs gateway IGM

While both are used in customs clearance for air freight, these documents have different applications and purposes. Here are the key differences between the two:

Feature	Air IGM	Gateway IGM
Feature Purpose	Air IGM Notifies customs at the final destination airport about the arrival of imported air freight	Gateway IGM Notifies customs at the gateway port (first point of entry in a country) about the arrival of air freight for onward transport
Feature Example	Air IGM An air freight shipment arrives at Delhi Airport from Singapore. Air IGM is filed in Delhi for customs clearance	Gateway IGM The same shipment lands at Mumbai Airport (gateway) before going to Delhi. Gateway IGM is filed at Mumbai for onward movement
Feature Filing timeline	Air IGM Filed at least 24 hours before arrival at the final destination airport	Gateway IGM Filed before cargo reaches the gateway port, typically during transit; specific timeframe may vary depending on the country’s customs regulations
Feature Onward movement	Air IGM Does not specify onward movement; applies only to goods cleared at the destination airport	Gateway IGM Specifies onward movement, including inland destination and mode of transport (e.g., by road or rail)
Feature Application scope	Air IGM Applies to all air freight imports arriving directly at the destination airport	Gateway IGM Applies to shipments passing through gateway ports before reaching their inland customs location or final destination
Feature Multiple ports	Air IGM Not applicable	Gateway IGM May require separate gateway IGMs for each point of entry if transiting through multiple gateway ports or countries

Note that a gateway port is the first point of entry into a country for imported goods. This could be an airport, seaport, or other transport hub. Multiple gateway points may exist if the shipment passes through different countries before reaching its final destination. Depending on the customs regulations in each country, separate gateway IGMs may be required at each point.

Here are some additional points to consider:

A gateway IGM is filed at every gateway port to notify customs authorities about the arrival of cargo and its intended onward journey. It also helps determine whether additional inspections are necessary before allowing onward movement.
If goods are transported domestically from the gateway port to an inland customs location, a gateway IGM must still be filed.
An air IGM, on the other hand, is filed only at the final destination airport, regardless of how many gateway ports the shipment passes through.

From air IGM to end-to-end shipping made simple

The air Import General Manifest is just one aspect of efficient air cargo import.

When transporting air freight, consider partnering with a reputable service provider that can not only guide you through filing air IGMs but also handle every other aspect of shipping your cargo. This will save you time and reduce the risk of delays and extra expenses caused by customs clearance issues or other unforeseen problems.

With an in-house airline network, extensive expertise, and global coverage, Maersk offers end-to-end solutions to simplify air freight shipping. Keep your goods moving with Standard Air Freight, Air Charter and Sea-Air Services — either by leveraging our own-controlled air freight network or our strategic partners with Maersk Air Freight.

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