Machines & parts air freight from Chile to Germany

Why machines & parts by air freight?

Machines and industrial parts are heavy and large — not the first association with air freight. Yet air freight is often the best choice for this type of goods, for three reasons:

1. Downtime costs more than transport — A production line halted due to a defective part often costs €5,000–50,000 per day in lost revenue. The extra cost of air freight versus sea freight is then negligible.

2. Value versus weight — Precision parts (CNC tools, hydraulic pumps, servo motors) have high value per kilogram. The air freight rates are reasonable relative to the value.

3. Time-critical projects — For installations, commissioning or repairs where technicians are waiting, delays are unacceptable. Air freight guarantees certainty about arrival time.

Exporting to Chile

Chile is one of the most open economies in the world and has an Association Agreement with the EU that offers preferential or zero-tariff imports. Key markets include machinery, mining equipment, pharmaceuticals, automotive parts, and agri-technology. Schiphol operates direct cargo flights to Santiago (SCL) via KLM Cargo and LATAM Cargo. Cargo-to-cargo transit typically takes 14–18 hours.

Customs & Regulations

The Chilean Customs (Servicio Nacional de Aduanas) operates efficiently and relatively smoothly. Most shipments require a commercial invoice, packing list, and— for preferential clearance under the EU-Chile agreement— an EUR.1 or declarant statement. SAG (Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero) inspections apply for food and agricultural products. Medical equipment requires ISP registration.

Practical Tips

• Request an EUR.1 or declarant statement timely for preferential clearance— this can significantly reduce tariffs
• SAG phytosanitary requirements for wooden packaging (ISPM 15) are strictly enforced
• Documentation in Spanish is common and speeds up clearance

Aircargo.nl works with established agents in Santiago and manages the entire documentation chain—including preferential certificates and SAG coordination—for smooth handling.

Importing from Germany

Importing from Germany by air freight is relatively rare—most goods move by road or rail. When air freight is desirable, it typically involves urgent machine parts, medical equipment, or time-critical industrial components. As an EU country, customs clearance isn't required and shipments are processed quickly.

Aircargo.nl also handles reverse logistics from Germany: returns, repairs, or goods sent back that need to be returned quickly to origin or redirected to another destination.

Chile as a Crosstrade Destination

Schiphol is a logical European hub for crosstrades towards Chile— especially for Asian shipments flown via AMS to SCL. LATAM Cargo, KLM Cargo, and Cargolux serve these routes. Conversely, Chilean fresh products (salmon, berries, cherries) are distributed through Schiphol to the broader European market.

Aircargo.nl has agent relationships in Santiago and can coordinate crosstrade documentation—including Chilean clearance and SAG phytosanitary handling—without the shipment having to physically land in the Netherlands.

Points of attention for machines & parts

Weight and dimensions

Machines and heavy parts often exceed standard air freight dimensions or weights. Shipments over 500 kg per piece or with oversized dimensions require special freighter flights or positions on a cargo aircraft. Aircargo.nl has access to freighters from KLM Cargo, Lufthansa Cargo and other carriers for oversized cargo.

Detailed packing list

Machines generally have a complex composition: multiple parts, materials and values. A detailed and accurate packing list is essential for customs clearance, especially for destinations with high import duties on capital goods (India, Brazil).

AOG situations

When a mechanical production process stops due to a defective part, every minute is precious. Aircargo.nl has a 24/7 AOG desk for time-critical machine parts — from booking to delivery on the production floor.