Importing Pharmaceuticals from Canada
Professional transport of Pharmaceuticals from Canada to the Netherlands. IATA category pharma, flight time approximately 8 hours to Schiphol.
Pharmaceuticals
Specifications & requirements
- High value
- Temperature-controlled
- Limited shelf life
- Stackable
- GDP certificate, commercial invoice, packing list, temperature requirement specification, temperature logger report
- import/export license for controlled substances if applicable
- pharmaceutical manufacturers
- CROs
- hospital pharmacies
- wholesalers
- biotech startups
Why airfreight for pharmaceuticals?
Pharmaceuticals require speed, control, and traceability — three core qualities of airfreight. Medicines, vaccines, and biologics are valuable, time-sensitive, and temperature-sensitive. Sea freight takes weeks and provides insufficient control over the cold chain. Airfreight takes 1–3 days — with continuous monitoring.
Schiphol is one of Europe’s leading pharma cargo hubs: KLM Cargo's Pharma Gateway Amsterdam (PGA) is certified for GDP transport and offers specialized storage and handling facilities for pharmaceutical airfreight right at the airport.
When is airfreight essential for pharma?
- Clinical trials: samples and study medications must arrive exactly on time
- Acute drug shortages where every day counts
- Vaccines and biologics with short shelf life or strict cold chain
- High-value APIs where delay risk is unacceptable
- Compassionate use: individual patient shipments
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 pharmaceutical airfreight
GDP transport mandatory
Pharmaceuticals must be transported in accordance with Good Distribution Practice (GDP) guidelines. This means a continuous cold chain with temperature recording, certified storage, and documentation proving that the temperature stayed within the required range throughout transport. Aircargo.nl works only with GDP-certified handlers and airlines.
Temperature requirements
Most pharmaceutical products require transport at 2–8°C (cold chain) or 15–25°C (room temperature). Biologics, vaccines, and certain diagnostics require -20°C or colder (frozen transport). Every shipment is equipped with a calibrated temperature logger and a temperature excursion report when applicable.
Regulatory documentation
- GDP certificate from the shipper
- Import or export license depending on product type and destination country
- Controlled substances: DEA license (US) or national narcotics permit
- Batch release certificates for biologics
Import {[|]} Pharmaceuticals from Canada?
Receive a specific quote for importing Pharmaceuticals from Canada. We reply on average within 4 hours.
The Import Process for Pharmaceuticals from Canada
Quote & Coordination
Pickup & Export in Canada
Arrival at Schiphol & Clearance
Delivery in the Netherlands
Frequently Asked Questions — Pharmaceuticals from Canada
What IATA requirements apply for importing Pharmaceuticals?
Our local agent handles export documentation according to IATA category pharma. 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 Pharmaceuticals from Canada?
The total cost includes air freight rates, handling, clearance, and any import duties/VAT. For Pharmaceuticals (typically 10–2000 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 Pharmaceuticals?
For import, a commercial invoice, packing list, and Air Waybill are mandatory. For Pharmaceuticals, GDP certificate, commercial invoice, packing list, temperature requirement specification, temperature logger report; import/export license for controlled substances if applicable are also required. Imports from outside the EU are subject to import duties and VAT, depending on the HS code.
Is Pharmaceuticals 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 {[|]} Pharmaceuticals from Canada?
Receive a specific quote for importing Pharmaceuticals from Canada. We reply on average within 4 hours.