Seafood Packaging and Transportation: A Practical Guide for Importers

Specifics of Seafood Air Freight

Transporting seafood is always a race against time. In logistics, such goods are classified as Perishable Cargo. The main task of a KAZLOGIST.KZ specialist when handling fish, crabs, or mollusks is to ensure the continuity of the cold chain and prevent the leakage of liquids that could cause corrosion to aircraft components.

When planning a shipment from Europe, China, or the USA, it is important to understand that seafood is divided into three main categories: live, chilled, and frozen. Each category requires its own type of packaging and temperature regime. Errors at the cargo preparation stage can lead to the airline refusing to accept the goods on board right at the departure airport.

Temperature Regimes and Refrigerants

Various methods of maintaining temperature are used to preserve freshness. Frozen products usually require a temperature of -18°C or lower. Chilled fish and seafood are transported at temperatures between 0°C and +4°C. KAZLOGIST.KZ recommends using the following types of refrigerants:

• Gel packs: optimal for chilled products. They hold the cold for a long time and, unlike regular ice, do not turn into water that can leak from the container.
• Dry ice: used for deep freezing. It is important to remember that dry ice (carbon dioxide) is classified as a dangerous good (Class 9) because it displaces oxygen as it evaporates. Its quantity on board is strictly regulated by IATA rules.
• Thermal containers: using specialized expanded polystyrene boxes with thick walls minimizes heat exchange with the external environment.

Packaging Requirements: Leak Protection

Airlines impose strict requirements on the airtightness of seafood packaging. The leakage of saltwater or seafood juices into the aircraft cargo hold is a critical incident requiring expensive sanitization and corrosion checks. To avoid this, KAZLOGIST.KZ specialists monitor compliance with a multi-layered packaging scheme.

Standard reliable packaging includes: an inner polyethylene liner (at least 100 microns thick), absorbent material at the bottom (special mats or corrugated cardboard), a main styrofoam box, and an outer cardboard box. All seams must be sealed with moisture-resistant tape. For live seafood, such as lobsters, additional oxygen access is provided or special moist materials are used to maintain life.

Documentation for Import to Kazakhstan

Importing seafood into Kazakhstan via KAZLOGIST.KZ requires a standard package of documents, supplemented by specific certificates. Without them, the cargo will not pass veterinary control at Almaty or Astana airports.

• Commercial Invoice: must contain the exact name of the product in Latin and HS codes.
• Veterinary Certificate: the main document confirming the safety of the product. It is issued by the government authority of the country of origin.
• Air Waybill (AWB): it must be marked "Perishable" and specify the required temperature regime.
• Certificate of Origin: necessary to confirm the country of production and for potential duty preferences.

KAZLOGIST.KZ checks the correctness of all documents even before the cargo leaves the shipper's warehouse to eliminate customs delays.

Cost Calculation and Delivery Times

The cost of seafood air freight depends on the chargeable weight. Airlines compare the actual gross weight and the volumetric weight (Length × Width × Height / 6000) and charge based on the higher figure. For seafood, the volumetric weight is often higher due to bulky thermal containers.

Approximate delivery times with KAZLOGIST.KZ:

• From Europe to Kazakhstan: usually 3–5 days.
• From China and Asia: usually 3–6 days.
• From the USA: usually 5–8 days.

Urgent shipments are possible in 2–3 days if space is available on the flight. The period is calculated from the time the cargo leaves the sender's warehouse until it is issued at the destination airport. Door-to-door delivery usually adds 1 more day to the total time.

If you need to organize regular shipments or a one-time delivery of seafood, contact KAZLOGIST.KZ managers for an accurate cost calculation and selection of the optimal route.