Importing Auto Parts from Chile

Why Ship Auto Parts by Air Freight?

In the automotive world, downtime is the enemy. An assembly line that stops because a specific part is not delivered on time costs a manufacturer tens of thousands of dollars per hour. Air freight is not a luxury in this case — it’s the only logistics option to minimize downtime.

But even outside of emergencies, air freight is structurally relevant for auto parts. The modern automotive supply chain is global and just-in-time: parts are produced on multiple continents and need to arrive exactly when required on the assembly line. For high-value components such as electronic steering modules, airbag systems, or turbochargers, the value per kilogram is high enough to justify airfreight rates.

When Do Shippers Choose Air Freight?

• AOG — Aircraft on Ground: also in the aviation industry, AOG refers to any situation where a vehicle or aircraft is grounded due to a defective part
• Production bottlenecks: when a supplier is late and the line risks stopping
• Product launches: new models require timely availability of parts at dealerships worldwide
• After-sales & warranty: customers who don't want to wait weeks for a warranty part

Importing from Chile

Air freight imports from Chile are highly seasonal and mainly consist of fresh products: salmon, berries, cherries, grapes, asparagus, and avocados. Additionally, the Netherlands imports Chilean wine samples, copper samples, and specialty minerals.

Air Freight vs. Sea Freight

Sea freight from Valparaíso or San Antonio to Rotterdam takes 22–28 days. Air freight via Schiphol is ready for clearance within 1–2 business days — essential for fresh products, especially during peak season (November–February) when cherries and berries must reach the European market.

Customs on Imports from Chile

Under the EU-Chile Association Agreement, Chilean products benefit from preferential import duties or zero tariffs, provided a correct EUR.1 or invoice declaration is presented. For fresh products, EU phytosanitary and veterinary inspections are conducted at Schiphol by the NVWA. Aircargo.nl manages the complete clearance including NVWA coordination.

Frequently Requested Goods from Chile

• Fresh products (salmon, cherries, berries, grapes, asparagus)
• Wine and specialty foods
• Copper samples and specialty minerals
• High-quality forestry and wood products

Key Points for Air Freight of Auto Parts

AOG Declaration

In true AOG situations (Aircraft or Automotive on Ground), an AOG declaration can be sent with the shipment to ensure priority handling by the airline and at the destination airport. Aircargo.nl operates a 24/7 accessible AOG desk for such urgent shipments.

Dangerous Goods in Auto Parts

Some auto parts contain dangerous goods requiring DGR classification: airbags (UN0503, explosive), lead-acid batteries (UN2794), lithium-ion batteries for EVs (UN3480/UN3481), and liquids such as brake fluid or coolant. Aircargo.nl screens all shipments for DGR risks as standard.

Value Declaration

Electronic modules, steering boxes, and sensors can have high unit values. Accurate value declaration on the AWB is essential for insurance and customs clearance — especially when importing into countries with high import duties on auto parts (e.g., India, Brazil).