Auto Parts air freight from Brazil to Chile

Why airfreight for auto parts?

In the automotive world, downtime is the enemy. An assembly line that stops because a specific part is not on time costs a manufacturer tens of thousands of euros per hour. Airfreight is then not a luxury — it is the only logistics option that limits downtime.

But even outside of emergencies, airfreight for auto parts is structurally relevant. The modern automotive supply chain is global and just-in-time: parts are produced across multiple continents and must appear at the assembly line at exactly the right moment. For high-value components like electronic steering modules, airbag systems, or turbochargers, the value per kg is high enough to justify airfreight rates.

When do shippers choose airfreight?

• AOG — Aircraft on Ground: in the aviation world AOG also refers to any situation where a vehicle or aircraft is grounded due to a defective part
• Production stoppages: if a supplier is late and the line risks halting
• Product launches: new models require timely availability of parts at dealers worldwide
• After-sales & warranty: customers who do not want to wait weeks for a warranty part

Exporting to Brazil

Brazil is the largest economy in South America and a strategic export destination for Dutch companies in the agri, energy, machinery, and pharmaceutical sectors. The flight time from Schiphol is approximately 11 hours to São Paulo (GRU) or Rio de Janeiro (GIG) — direct cargo flights are available.

Brazilian Customs — the most complex in the world

Brazil is internationally known as one of the most challenging customs environments. The Brazilian tax structure (including ICMS, IPI, PIS, and COFINS) is extremely complex, and the Siscomex system requires detailed electronic declarations. An incorrect HS code or missing document can cause delays of several weeks.

Points to note

• The importer needs a Brazilian CNPJ number
• Licença de Importação (LI) — import license — required for many product categories
• ANVISA registration for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics
• Expect 2–5 extra business days for clearance
• Always use an experienced Brazilian customs broker

Importing from Chile

Imports from Chile via air freight are highly seasonal and mainly consist of fresh products: salmon, berries, cherries, grapes, asparagus, and avocados. Additionally, the Netherlands imports Chilean wine samples, copper samples, and specialty minerals.

Air Freight vs. Sea Freight

Sea freight from Valparaíso or San Antonio to Rotterdam takes 22–28 days. Air freight via Schiphol is ready for clearance within 1–2 business days— essential for fresh products, especially during peak season (November–February) when cherries and berries must reach the European market.

Customs on Imports from Chile

Under the EU-Chile Association Agreement, Chilean products enjoy preferential import duties or zero tariff, provided they have a correct EUR.1 or invoice declaration. Fresh products are subject to EU phytosanitary and veterinary inspections at Schiphol via the NVWA. Aircargo.nl handles the complete clearance including NVWA coordination.

Frequently Requested Goods from Chile

• Fresh products (salmon, cherries, berries, grapes, asparagus)
• Wine and specialty foods
• Copper samples and specialty minerals
• High-quality forestry and wood products

Brazil via Schiphol: Latin America gateway

São Paulo Guarulhos (GRU) is the largest air cargo hub in South America. Goods destined for Argentina, Colombia, Peru, or Chile are regularly routed via GRU. Aircargo.nl has agent connections in São Paulo who smoothly handle crosstrade shipments, including the notoriously complex Brazilian customs procedures.

Focus points for auto parts airfreight

AOG declaration

In true AOG situations (Aircraft or Automotive on Ground), an AOG declaration can be included which grants priority handling by the airline and at the destination airport station. Aircargo.nl has a 24/7 reachable AOG desk for these urgent shipments.

Dangerous goods in auto parts

Some auto parts contain hazardous materials that require DGR classification: airbags (UN0503, explosive), lead-acid batteries (UN2794), lithium-ion batteries for EVs (UN3480/UN3481), and liquids like brake fluid or coolant. Aircargo.nl routinely screens for DGR risks.

Value declaration

Electronic modules, steering boxes and sensors can have high values per piece. Correct value declaration on the AWB is essential for insurance and customs clearance — especially when importing into countries with high import duties on auto parts (e.g. India, Brazil).