Understanding UN/LOCODE Codes for Global Freight Shipping
A UN/LOCODE (United Nations Code for Trade and Transport Locations) is a mandatory five-character alphanumeric code maintained by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). It uniquely identifies locations used for international trade, transportation, and customs clearance.
The code structure follows ISO standards: the first two letters define the ISO 3166-1 country code (e.g., US for the United States, CN for China, IN for India), while the final three letters designate the specific city or port terminal area (e.g., LAX for Los Angeles, SGH for Shanghai, NSA for Nhava Sheva).
Critical Compliance Difference: UN/LOCODE vs. CBP Schedule D Codes
A common error on US customs documentation is confusing a UN/LOCODE with a US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Schedule D Port Code. While ocean bills of lading and Importer Security Filings (ISF 10+2) require the 5-character UN/LOCODE (such as USLAX), CBP entry summary forms (CBP Form 7501) require the 4-digit numeric Schedule D port code (such as 2704 for Los Angeles). Airlift USA verifies both codes prior to entry transmission to ensure full regulatory compliance.
Top Global Container Seaports by Region
United States US West & East Coast
USLAXUSLGBUSEWRUSSAVUSHOUUSORFUSCHSUSSEAChina East Asia Gateways
CNSGHCNNBOCNYTNCNNSACNQINCNTXGCNXAMCNDALIndia South Asia Trade Lanes
INNSAINMUNINMAAINCOKINPAVINVTZINCCUINTUTSoutheast Asia Regional Hubs
SGSINMYPKGMYTPPVNSGNVNHPHTHLCHIDJKTPHMNLEurope North & Mediterranean
NLRTMBEANRDEHAMDEBRVGBFXTESVLCITGOAGRPIRMiddle East & Americas Cross-Trade Hubs
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Frequently Asked Questions About Seaport Codes
Clear answers regarding UN/LOCODE compliance, document filings, and customs requirements.
A UN/LOCODE is a five-character standardized code assigned by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) for places used in international trade. The first two letters indicate the ISO country code, while the last three specify the location (e.g., USLAX for Los Angeles, CNSGH for Shanghai, NLRTM for Rotterdam). Ocean carriers use these codes on booking confirmations and bills of lading.
No. A UN/LOCODE is an international location code used on bills of lading and ISF filings. A CBP Schedule D code is a 4-digit numeric code designated by US Customs and Border Protection for entry clearance summaries (Form 7501). For instance, Los Angeles is USLAX in UN/LOCODE and 2704 in Schedule D.
US Customs requires accurate UN/LOCODE entries for the Port of Loading and Foreign Port of Unlading in Importer Security Filings (ISF 10+2) at least 24 hours prior to vessel loading. Submitting incorrect port codes can lead to automatic filing rejections, customs holds, and fines up to $5,000 per violation.
The UNECE updates the official UN/LOCODE database twice a year. Airlift USA maintains synchronization with the latest UNECE 2024-2 releases and CBP Schedule D revisions to ensure accurate global port lookups.
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