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Here you can find answers to frequently asked questions.
VARIG LOG listed the main issues related to airfreight shipping for you.
INTERNATIONAL CARGO
CARGO IN BRAZIL
VELOG EXPRESS CARGO
INTERNATIONAL CARGO
Procedures for Sending International Cargo
Procedures for Acceptance and Shipping of Live Animals
Procedures for Sending Unaccompanied Baggage
Procedures for Sending Mortal Remains
International Cargo - Companies
Import Cargo
Procedures for Sending Hazardous Materials abroad
Procedures for sending: Items for personal use, presents, photographic
and cinematographic film, videotapes, CDs, cassette tapes. vinyl
records and DVDs abroad
International Cargo Shipping Procedures (Import - Export)
What is conventional cargo service in the international area?
It is a service with special features, different from domestic cargo shipping, which can be classified as either exportation or importation.
Where do I dispatch my conventional international cargo?
Any and all conventional international cargo should be delivered at TECA - the CARGO TERMINAL of the airport of origin. This should be an airport with a CUSTOMS area. In accordance with the FEDERAL REVENUE AND CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATION, all major Brazilian cities are capable of receiving import or export shipments.
What days and hours do airports receive conventional international cargo for shipment?
Generally, from Monday to Friday, between 8 am and 4 pm. On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, only mortal remains and live animals will be accepted for shipment. This working period is determined by the FEDERAL REVENUE AND CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATION, which means working hours might vary from airport to airport, such as GRU and GIG, for example.
Is it possible to collect and deliver conventional international cargo?
As determined by the FEDERAL REVENUE AND CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATION, the only available way for this service to be provided would be airport-to-airport.
Under what circumstances would my shipment have to pass through Customs Approval?
Every international shipment, regardless of its purpose, must be examined by the FEDERAL REVENUE AND CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATION for clearance. Generally, these terminals are near the cargo terminals. VARIG LOG is only a CARRIER, and does not have the authority to act on behalf of the sender (in the case of exportation) or on behalf of the recipient (in the case of importation) during the customs clearance procedure.
What documents are necessary to send a conventional international cargo shipment?
It depends on the type of item being shipped and the quantity, as well as the reason for shipping. Please contact the VARIG LOG Call Center.
As an individual, how should I proceed to send conventional international cargo that is ready for shipment?
First of all, visit the Cargo Shop - VARIG LOG Cargo Terminal, where the freight is calculated and the airway bills (AWB) are issued. Next, go to the FEDERAL REVENUE AND CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATION representative with the cargo, the documentation and the airway bill that was issued for customs clearance. Here the SED (SIMPLIFIED EXPORTATION DECLARATION) will be filled out and the STORAGE FEE for one day will be paid. After this process, return to the Cargo store and hand in the documentation stamped by the Federal Revenue and Customs Administration. The respective copies will be given to the sender and the rest will be sent to the area responsible for the shipment.
Can I send a shipment abroad with the cost paid for by the recipient?
It is important to remember that payment of airfreight abroad follows the criteria established by the countries involved in this particular type of international trade. Before sending the shipment, you must contact the Support Center to better understand the rules for this type of service and make sure that the country of destination accepts this type of payment.
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Procedures for the receipt and shipment of animals abroad
Which animals are most accepted for shipment abroad?
Dogs and cats, as long as they are not younger than three months old (90 days).
What documents are required to receive and ship dogs and cats?
Health Certificate
Certificate of Vaccination
International Zoo sanitary Certificate
Consular visa (the sender must contact the consulate of the destination country to determine whether a visa is necessary or not)
A SECURITY CLEARANCE form must accompany cats and dogs destined for the United States.
Dogs, cats and ferrets going to or through European Union nations must fulfill specific procedures (in place since 10/01/2004). To find out about this procedure, the sender should send an email to Customer Support Service (atendimento.variglog@variglog.com). A file explaining the entire procedure will be attached to the reply.
What type of box is necessary for the acceptance and shipment of dogs and/or cats?
Dogs: non-aggressive breeds weighing up to 40 kg - fiberglass and polyethylene of comfortable dimensions (the animal's head and ears do not touch the ceiling when standing up, and it can make a full turn without bumping on the sides of the box).
The floor should be lined with an absorbent material. Water and food is allowed, as long as in reasonable quantities, and the container should not allow spillage during handling and transport. For aggressive breeds (Neapolitan mastiff, Doberman, Pit bull, Rottweiller) and other breeds weighing over 40kg, the box should be of solid wood or metal, with two security locks and the same comfort standards defined for non-aggressive breeds. The overall size of the box should be compatible with the airplane flying the chosen route.
Can I send a live animal on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays?
Sending live animals on weekends and holidays is permitted in international shipments. The sender should check to verify that the destination country allows the removal of live animals on these days. The working hours of customs around the world varies from country to country. In this case, we can check if a restriction exists by email or consulting operational manuals.
Can a live animal be picked up for shipment?
We do not pick up live animals.
How many dogs can I put in a single box?
Up to three dogs, as long as they are of the same age and brood. They cannot be over six months old.
When should I make the reservation for the shipment of my dog?
The sooner the better. Reservations are possible up to 14 days before the flight's departure. Especially when the destination is a city without direct flights.
How long before the flight should I bring the animal to the airport?
Seven hours before the departure of the reserved flight.
What should I bring to reserve the shipment of the animal?
Airway Bill (AWB)
Name and telephone number of the sender
Number of items and total weight.
Dimensions of the volume (length, width and height in centimeters)
Shipment date
Name and telephone number of recipient
Breed and age of the animal
Number of animals being shipped per container
How is the freight cost calculated for live animals being shipped abroad?
We need to know the following information: total number of containers, weight of the animal and box, and size of the box (length, width, height in centimeters), place of origin and destination. With this information we will be able to verify the cost per kg. There is a specific tariff for live animals, which varies from place to place.
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Procedures for sending unaccompanied baggage as conventional international cargo
What is the required documentation for sending unaccompanied baggage?
(As demanded by the FEDERAL REVENUE AND CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATION, the Sender and Recipient should be the same for this type of shipment).
1. A DECLARATION in Portuguese in two copies, addressed to the "INSPETORIA DA RECEITA FEDERAL" (FEDERAL REVENUE AND CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATION), containing: complete information on the sender (name, address, ID, Social security/Tax ID, Passport); total number of items, complete information about the addressee (name and full address); details of the content of each item and the reason for sending.
2. A second DECLARATION in Portuguese, in two copies, and another in two copies in the language of the destination country, or in English, with the heading "TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN", in the same format as the first DOCUMENT.
3. One simple copy of an Identification Card, Tax ID, Passport and air ticket. The sender does not have to travel with VARIG.
4. If the sender is a foreigner and doesn't have a Brazilian identification card, a single copy of the passport and air ticket will be accepted.
What type of packing for acceptance and shipment of this type of cargo is admitted?
Resistant and suitable for the content. Fragile items should be packed in wooden boxes with adequate internal protection.
Do I need to make a reservation for such a shipment?
For cities on VARIG LOG's normal route, it is necessary to make a reservation only for cargos over 45 kg.
For cities not on VARIG LOG's normal route, a reservation is required for cargo of any weight.
I have a shipment for a country not covered by VARIG LOG's regular flights. How can I be sure my shipment will arrive at its destination?
With VARIG LOG, it is possible to send your shipment anywhere in the world, as long as the desired city has a customs department. When the desired city does not have a customs department, it is possible to deliver the shipment to the nearest city that does. The recipient should go to the airport to release and collect the shipment. As a reservation is required, we take care of the VARIG stretch and the confirmation of the connection. VARIG LOG is part of Star Alliance, an alliance with the best air carriers in the world, which guarantees our clients an even greater number of cities served throughout the world.
What is the OFF-LINE stretch?
Cities where there is no direct flight service by the VARIG GROUP. The city should have an international airport, with a customs area, allowing the sending and receiving of international cargo. Aside from the number of connections needed to get the cargo to its destination, the overall responsibility is of the company that issued the Air Way Bill and initiated the shipping.
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Procedures for sending: personal items, gifts, photographic and movie films, videotapes, CDs, cassette tapes, vinyl records and DVDs abroad
What documentation is required to send items of personal use?
A DECLARATION in Portuguese in two copies, addressed to the "INSPETORIA DA RECEITA FEDERAL" (FEDERAL REVENUE AND CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATION), containing: complete information about the sender (name, address, ID, TAX ID, Passport); total number of items, complete information about the addressee (name and full address); details of the content of each item and the reason for sending.
A second DECLARATION in Portuguese, in two copies, and another in two copies, in the language of the destination country, or in English, with the heading "TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN", in the same format as the first DOCUMENT.
One simple copy of an Identification Card, Tax ID, Passport and air ticket. The sender does not have to travel with VARIG.
If the sender is a foreigner and doesn't have a Brazilian identification card, a single copy of the passport and air ticket will be accepted.
What type of packing is needed for acceptance and shipment of the following items: personal use items; gifts; photographic and movie films; videotapes; CDs; cassette tapes; vinyl records and DVDs abroad?
Resistant and compatible with the nature of the cargo being sent.
Do I need to make a reservation to send such a shipment?
For cities on VARIG LOG's normal route, it is necessary to make a reservation only for cargos over 45 kg. For cities not on VARIG LOG's normal route, a reservation is required for cargo of any weight.
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Procedures for shipping Mortal Remains abroad
What documentation is needed for acceptance and shipment of a body abroad?
Death Certificate.
Embalming certificate.
Police authorization for removal of body.
Consular Certificate (attesting that the coffin is carrying only the body and its clothin
Consular Visa (if necessary)
Terms of Responsibility (a DECLARATION from the funeral home testifying that it is transferring only the coffin, the body and its clothing).
Firearm.
What type of coffin is suitable for transporting a body abroad?
Generally the funeral home already has a model authorized for shipping. It is a coffin made of wood, zinc or lead.
Do I need to make a reservation to send such a shipment?
In the case of bodies, a reservation is mandatory for any weight or destination.
What documentation is needed for the acceptance and shipment of bones abroad?
Death Certificate.
Exhumation Certificate
Certificate issued by the cemetery, signed by a qualified professional, describing the method used to disinfect and clean the bones.
Police authorization for the removal of the bones
Consular Certificate (testifying that the urn is carrying only bones)
Consular Visa (if necessary)
Firearm.
What type of urn is suitable for the shipment of bones abroad?
Generally the funeral home already has a model authorized for shipping: a bound sealed wooden urn.
Do I need to make a reservation to send such a shipment?
In the case of bones, a reservation is mandatory for any weight or destination.
What documentation is needed for the acceptance and shipment of ashes abroad?
Death Certificate.
Cremation Certificate
Police authorization for the removal of the ashes
Consular Certificate (informing that the urn is carrying only ashes)
Consular Visa (if necessary)
Firearm.
What type of urn is suitable for the shipment of ashes abroad?
Generally the funeral home already has a model authorized for shipping: a bound sealed wooden urn. In this case, the local Federal Police should seal it.
Do I need to make a reservation to send such a shipment?
In the case of ashes, a reservation is mandatory for any weight or destination.
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Conventional international cargo - Individual
In the case of the sender being an individual, the contracting of a Cargo Agent or Clearing agent is mandatory in order to comply with the customs legislation.
What is considered a valuable cargo for international shipments?
Any shipment worth US$ 1,000 or more per kilo.
Can I send precious or semi-precious stones, credit cards, jewelry, gold, silver and platinum in international shipments?
Before delivering the cargo for shipment, send an email to the Information Center (atendimento.variglog@variglog.com) with all the details of the cargo (nature, number of items, total weight, origin and destination, value in US$ of the cargo). This information will be sent to the department responsible for authorizing or not this type of shipment. After analysis, VARIG LOG will brief the client on whether the shipment was authorized or not for transport.
Can I send money, blank checks, paid checks or travelers checks abroad?
No.
What is the deadline for delivering documentation cleared by the FEDERAL REVENUE AND CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATION, in terms of international shipments on working days?
For flights leaving after 6 pm (from Monday to Friday), the already cleared documentation should be delivered by 12:00 (noon) on the day of flight departure. For flights leaving before 6 pm (from Monday to Friday), the already cleared documentation should be delivered by 4 pm on the working day prior to flight departure.
What is the deadline for delivering documentation cleared by the FEDERAL REVENUE AND CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATION, in the case of international shipments on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays?
The already cleared documentation should be delivered by 4 pm, one working day prior to flight departure.
As a company, how should I proceed to send my Conventional Export Cargo once it is ready?
In the case of the sender being a company, the FEDERAL REVENUE AND CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATION requires that all processes of custom clearance and acceptance for shipment be done through a Cargo Agent.
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Importation Cargo
What documentation is needed to send cargo to Brazil from abroad?
Each country has its own specific customs legislation. This information should be obtained from the VARIG LOG office in the specific country. In the case of it being a country where there is no VARIG LOG representation, refer to the local air carrier to obtain this information.
What must I do to obtain the documents for cargo importation for subsequent clearance by the FEDERAL REVENUE AND CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATION?
A properly authorized bearer should go to the Department of Importation of the destination airport. When the cargo is destined to a registered company, the bearer should present a company authorization on letterhead paper in two copies, with the CGC (Brazilian Federal Tax Roll Number) and Inscrição Estadual (Brazilian State Tax Roll Number). This authorization should state the name of the person that can receive the documentation. This person should present an original Identity Card.
What must be done to obtain documents for a shipment of unaccompanied baggage coming from abroad, to be cleared later with the FEDERAL REVENUE AND CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATION?
The recipient shall only be able to obtain the documentation to clear the baggage from Monday to Friday, from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm.
Documents to be presented: One plain copy of Identification Card, Tax ID and Passport; cover of the ticket and a description of the contents. If the person who is picking up the documentation is a representative of the recipient, that person should present, besides the aforementioned documentation, a power-of-attorney with authenticated signature, as well as original documents (ID card and Tax ID).
What must I do to pick up cargo importation shipment documents whose recipient is an individual?
If the recipient picks up the documents in person, that person should present an original ID card. In the case of a representative, a power-of-attorney with notarized signature must be presented, as well as the representative's documents (original ID card and Tax ID).
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Procedures for shipping hazardous materials abroad
Hazardous materials are all cargo containing chemical substances that can present a risk to health, safety or property when transported by air.
What documentation is needed for the acceptance and shipment of hazardous materials on international routes?
In the case of international shipments, the sender should contract a Cargo Agent or Clearing agent for customs clearance.
What do the following acronyms stand for? UN - CL - PG - PI
UN - United Nations classification in four digits for the identification of a product
CL - product class, which can be from 1 to 9
PG - level of danger, which goes from I to III (from most dangerous to least dangerous)
PI - packing instructions (what the proper packing is)
Do I need to make a reservation to send such a shipment?
There is no need to make a reservation for domestic routes. In the case of international routes, a reservation is mandatory for any destination or weight.
What is the charge for international shipments?
For international routes, besides weight, number of items and dimensions (to determine cubage), a fee of US$ 50.00 will be charged for HANDLING of HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. A FUEL FEE which may vary according to the destination, will also be charged. The price on the COMMERCIAL INVOICE may also influence the final shipment cost.
What is the stipulated alcohol content for an alcoholic beverage to be considered hazardous material?
Beverages that are over 70% alcohol per liter, regardless of the quantity sent, or liquids between 24 and 70% sent in a volume of five or more liters per wooden crate.
Can I request the collection and/or delivery of hazardous materials?
No, hazardous materials may only be sent and picked up at the airport CARGO TERMINAL.
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