Machines & Parts air freight from Chile to Kenya

Why ship machines & parts by air freight?

Machines and industrial parts are heavy and large — not usually the first thing that comes to mind for air freight. Still, air freight is often the best option for these goods for three reasons:

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

2. Value versus weight — Precision parts (CNC tools, hydraulic pumps, servo motors) carry a high value per kilogram. Air freight rates are reasonable relative to their value.

3. Time-critical projects — For installations, commissioning, or repairs when technicians are on standby, delays are unacceptable. Air freight guarantees arrival time certainty.

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 offers direct cargo flights to Santiago (SCL) via KLM Cargo and LATAM Cargo. Cargo-to-cargo transit usually takes 14–18 hours.

Customs & Regulations

Chilean customs (Servicio Nacional de Aduanas) operate efficiently and relatively smoothly. For most shipments, a commercial invoice, packing list, and — for preferential clearance under the EU-Chile agreement — a EUR.1 or issuer’s declaration suffice. SAG (Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero) inspections apply for food and agricultural products. Medical devices require ISP registration.

Practical Tips

• Request a EUR.1 or issuer’s declaration in time 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 arranges the complete documentation chain — including preferential certificates and SAG coordination — to ensure smooth processing.

Importing from Kenya

Kenya’s export strengths lie in flowers (world-leading), fresh vegetables, coffee, and tea. The Dutch flower auction purchases large volumes of Kenyan roses and other cut flowers daily — air freight is the only option for these goods due to their limited shelf life.

Flowers & Fresh Produce from Kenya

Kenyan flowers fly multiple times daily from Nairobi to Schiphol. Aircargo.nl has years of experience with cold chain transport from Nairobi — from picking in Kenya to delivery at the auction or your warehouse in the Netherlands. Phytosanitary certificates are standardly checked and processed.

Other Kenyan Export Products

• Fresh vegetables (French beans, sugar snaps, avocados)
• Coffee and tea (certified, specialty grade)
• Handmade goods and jewelry

Chile as a Crosstrade Destination

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

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

Key considerations for machines & parts

Weight and dimensions

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

Detailed packing list

Machines typically have complex assemblies: 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 machine production process stops due to a broken part, every minute counts. Aircargo.nl operates a 24/7 AOG desk for time-critical machine parts — from booking to delivery on the production floor.