Dangerous Goods air freight from Brazil to United States

Dangerous goods by air freight: how it works

Dangerous goods — from chemicals and acids to lithium batteries, gas cylinders, and pyrotechnics — are indeed allowed to be shipped by air freight, provided they are properly classified, packed, and documented according to IATA DGR regulations.

Not every company has a DGR-certified employee on staff. Aircargo.nl handles everything for you: we classify your goods, prepare the Shipper's Declaration, select the right airline (not every airline accepts all DGR classes), and ensure your shipment is compliant before it takes to the air.

Common DGR categories we ship

• Lithium batteries (UN3480, UN3481) — the most common DGR in air freight
• Liquids and chemicals (class 3, 6, 8)
• Aerosol cans and gases (class 2)
• Corrosive substances and acids (class 8)
• Magnetic materials (relevant for air navigation)

Exporting to Brazil

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

Brazilian Customs — the world's most complex

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 of Attention

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

Importing from the United States

Imports from the US often involve high-value goods: medical equipment, semiconductors, aerospace parts, pharmaceuticals, and specialized machinery. The approximately 9-hour flight time makes air freight the logical choice for time-sensitive or valuable shipments.

Customs for imports from the US

The US and the EU do not have a free trade agreement, so standard EU import duties apply. Additional MDR/IVDR requirements apply for pharmaceuticals and medical devices when imported into the EU. Aerospace parts are subject to EASA regulations and require specific certificates (EASA Form 1 or FAA 8130-3).

Frequently requested goods from the US

• Medical and surgical equipment
• Semiconductors and chipsets
• Aerospace parts (AOG)
• Pharmaceuticals and biotech products
• Machinery and industrial tools

Aircargo.nl manages daily import shipments from the US — including customs clearance, any FDA documentation, and delivery throughout the Netherlands.

Brazil via Schiphol: Latin America Gateway

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

Important points for DGR shipments

IATA DGR classification required

Dangerous goods must be classified according to the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR). The classification determines the UN class, packing group, allowed quantity per package, and mode of transport (passenger aircraft or cargo aircraft only).

Documentation

Every DGR shipment requires a fully completed Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods, signed by a trained DGR specialist. Aircargo.nl employs certified DGR experts who prepare and verify all documentation.

Packing

DGR goods must be packed in UN-certified packaging appropriate to their UN class and packing group. Incorrect packaging is the most common reason airlines refuse shipments.

Airline approval

Not all airlines accept all types of DGR. Aircargo.nl always selects the right carrier based on your shipment’s DGR profile.