Textiles & clothing air freight from Brazil to Chile

Textiles & fashion by air freight: when and why

Textiles and clothing mostly ship by sea — sea freight is cheaper and volumes are large. But there are specific situations where air freight is unavoidable or smart:

• Seasonal pressure — If the new collection arrives late from the manufacturer in Asia and the store introduction date is fixed, part of the order goes by air
• Fast fashion replenishment — Fashion companies quickly reorder from suppliers in Bangladesh or Vietnam based on sales data
• High-end or luxury fashion — Where the value per kg is high enough to justify air freight rates
• Sample shipments — Prototypes and samples for showroom or photography — speed is essential

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.

Points of attention for textiles & clothing

Origin documentation

Textiles have strict origin rules for tariff preferences. The 'double transformation rule' specifies that textiles gain EU origin only if both weaving and confection take place in the EU. Incorrect origin leads to additional charges. Aircargo.nl checks the origin for all textile shipments.

Seasonality

Fashion cargo is highly seasonal. Q4 (October–December) and Q1 (January–March) are peak seasons. Plan air freight in time — during peak periods, capacity on Asia routes is limited and expensive.