Importing Flowers & Plants from Brazil
Specialized transport of Flowers & Plants from Brazil to the Netherlands. IATA category perishables, flight time approximately 11 hours to Schiphol.
Flowers & Plants
Specifications & requirements
- Temperature-controlled
- Limited shelf life
- Phytosanitary certificate, AWB, packing list, commercial invoice
- CITES permit if applicable
- flower exporters
- auction companies
- cut flower importers
- horticulture businesses
Why ship flowers & plants by air freight?
Cut flowers and plants have a shelf life of only a few days. Air freight is not just an option — it’s the only option. Roses picked in Kenya on Monday need to be at the auction in Aalsmeer by Wednesday. This is only possible through air freight with a controlled cold chain.
The Netherlands is the world’s largest trading nation in cut flowers, and Schiphol is the epicenter. Aircargo.nl has years of experience with the specific demands of flower transport: speed, cooling, phytosanitary documentation, and direct delivery to the auction.
Typical flower transport routes
- Kenya (roses, lilies) → Schiphol: several times daily
- Ecuador & Colombia (roses, chrysanthemums) → Schiphol via Miami or direct
- Ethiopia → Schiphol: growing cut flower sector
- Export Dutch flowers → USA, Japan, Russia, China
Brazil
Brazil · South America
- agriculture
- aircraft parts
- machinery
- pharmaceuticals
- gemstones
Importing from Brazil
Brazil is a top producer of agricultural commodities: soy, sugar, coffee, citrus, and meat. Additionally, Brazil exports aircraft parts (Embraer), machinery, and petrochemical products. Airfreight from Brazil mainly involves high-value or time-sensitive goods: fresh fruit juices, pharmaceutical raw materials, aircraft parts, and gemstones.
Import Duties & Documentation
Imports from Brazil into the EU are subject to standard EU import tariffs. The EU-Mercosur trade agreement (under negotiation) is expected to lower tariffs on many Brazilian products. Certificates of origin are mandatory when claiming preferential tariffs.
Key considerations for flower transport
Cold chain
Flowers must be kept at 2–8°C throughout transport. Any break in temperature accelerates aging and reduces shelf life for the end buyer. Aircargo.nl only works with certified cold-chain handlers at Schiphol.
Phytosanitary requirements
Imports of plants and cut flowers from outside the EU require a phytosanitary certificate. This certificate is issued by the plant health authority of the exporting country and confirms the shipment is free of pests. Aircargo.nl routinely verifies and processes all phytosanitary documents.
CITES
Certain orchids and exotic plants fall under CITES protection and require a CITES permit. Always contact us if you’re unsure about the CITES status of your products.
Import {[|]} Flowers & Plants from Brazil?
Receive a specific quote for importing Flowers & Plants from Brazil. We reply on average within 4 hours.
The Import Process for Flowers & Plants from Brazil
Quote & Coordination
Pickup & Export in Brazil
Arrival at Schiphol & Clearance
Delivery in the Netherlands
Frequently Asked Questions — Flowers & Plants from Brazil
What IATA requirements apply for importing Flowers & Plants?
Our local agent handles export documentation according to IATA category perishables. Upon arrival at Schiphol, our AEO-certified customs department clears the shipment. You will receive copies of all relevant documents.
What does it cost to import Flowers & Plants from Brazil?
The total cost includes air freight rates, handling, clearance, and any import duties/VAT. For Flowers & Plants (typically 50–5000 kg), we quote upfront so there are no surprises. Request a quote.
How long does importing by air freight from Brazil take?
Flight time from Brazil to Schiphol is about 11 hours. Including pickup in Brazil, flight, clearance, and delivery, the turnaround time averages 3–5 business days.
What documents are required for importing Flowers & Plants?
For import, a commercial invoice, packing list, and Air Waybill are mandatory. For Flowers & Plants, Phytosanitary certificate, AWB, packing list, commercial invoice; CITES permit if applicable are also required. Imports from outside the EU are subject to import duties and VAT, depending on the HS code.
Is Flowers & Plants delivered to your home after clearance?
Yes. After clearance at Schiphol, we handle delivery throughout the Netherlands and the Benelux. You can also pick up yourself at our warehouse in Aalsmeer.
Import {[|]} Flowers & Plants from Brazil?
Receive a specific quote for importing Flowers & Plants from Brazil. We reply on average within 4 hours.