Importing Flowers & Plants from Chile

Professional transport of Flowers & Plants from Chile to the Netherlands. IATA category perishables, flight time approximately 14 hours to Schiphol.

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Flowers & Plants

Specifications & requirements

IATA · perishables

Temperature-controlled
Limited shelf life

Transit time

24-48 hours door-to-auction (import); 1-3 business days for export

Temperature

2°C — 8°C

Required documents

Phytosanitary certificate, AWB, packing list, commercial invoice
CITES permit if applicable

Typical shippers

flower exporters
auction companies
cut flower importers
horticulture businesses

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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

Chile

Chile · South America

Non-EU

Flight time

14 hours to Schiphol

Timezone

UTC−4

Currency

CLP

Continent

South America

Customs complexity Medium

Top exports

machinery
mining equipment
pharmaceuticals
automotive parts
agri-technology

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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 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 Chile?

Request a customized quote for importing Flowers & Plants from Chile. We respond on average within 4 hours.

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How We Import Flowers & Plants from Chile

Quote & Coordination

Based on the specific requirements for Flowers & Plants we prepare a quote within 4 hours. Our agent in Chile coordinates pickup and local export customs clearance.

Pickup & Export in Chile

The agent in Chile handles pickup, packaging according to IATA category perishables, and local export declaration. The shipment boards the next available direct flight.

Arrival at Schiphol & Clearance

After about 14 hours of flight, the shipment lands at Schiphol. Our AEO-certified customs department handles clearance—typically within a few hours.

Delivery in the Netherlands

Delivery from our warehouse in Aalsmeer to your address in the Netherlands or the Benelux, with track & trace on every shipment.

Frequently Asked Questions — Flowers & Plants from Chile

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 Chile?

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 Chile take?

Flight time from Chile to Schiphol is about 14 hours. Including pickup in Chile, 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.