Importing Flowers & Plants from Canada
Professional transport of Flowers & Plants from Canada to the Netherlands. IATA category perishables, flight time approximately 8 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
Canada
Canada · North America
- machines
- high-tech
- foodstuffs
- automotive parts
- aerospace
Importing from Canada
Imports from Canada primarily consist of high-tech products, medical equipment, raw materials, foodstuffs (salmon, maple syrup, lobster), and industrial components. Air freight is especially suited for perishables, samples, and urgent parts.
Air Freight vs. Sea Freight
Sea freight from Halifax, Montreal, or Vancouver to Rotterdam takes 8–16 days. Air freight via Schiphol is usually ready for clearance within 1 business day — essential for perishables and high-value shipments.
Customs for Imports from Canada
Under CETA, Canadian products benefit from preferential or zero-duty import, provided a correct Statement of Origin is supplied. Perishable products undergo EU phytosanitary and veterinary inspections at Schiphol through NVWA. Aircargo.nl handles full customs clearance including NVWA coordination.
Popular Goods from Canada
- Perishables (seafood, meat, maple syrup)
- High-tech and medical equipment
- Aerospace components
- Specialty minerals and raw materials
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 Canada?
Receive a specific quote for importing Flowers & Plants from Canada. We reply on average within 4 hours.
The Import Process for Flowers & Plants from Canada
Quote & Coordination
Pickup & Export in Canada
Arrival at Schiphol & Clearance
Delivery in the Netherlands
Frequently Asked Questions — Flowers & Plants from Canada
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 Canada?
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 Canada take?
Flight time from Canada to Schiphol is about 8 hours. Including pickup in Canada, 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 Canada?
Receive a specific quote for importing Flowers & Plants from Canada. We reply on average within 4 hours.