Importing Fruits & Vegetables from Chile
Specialized transport of Fruits & Vegetables from Chile to the Netherlands. IATA category perishables, flight time approximately 14 hours to Schiphol.
Fruits & Vegetables
Specifications & requirements
- Temperature-controlled
- Limited shelf life
- Stackable
- Phytosanitary certificate, Certificate of Origin, commercial invoice, packing list
- health certificate for animal products
- supermarket chains
- fresh produce importers
- traders
- horticultural exporters
Fresh Fruits & Vegetables: Air Freight as the Only Option
Fresh fruits and vegetables have a shelf life of days — not weeks. Products such as asparagus, strawberries, mangoes, or avocados from distant origins simply cannot be transported by sea without quality loss. Air freight is the only way to get fresh produce from the field to the supermarket within its product lifecycle.
The Netherlands is the logistics hub of the European fresh produce trade. The proximity to Schiphol Airport, the flower auction in Aalsmeer, and the large cold storage facilities in the Haarlemmermeer area make it the ideal hub for fresh air freight.
Popular Routes
- Kenya, Ethiopia → NL: French beans, sugar snaps, avocados
- Peru, Chile → NL: berries, asparagus, grapes (winter season)
- Morocco → NL: tomatoes, bell peppers (also by road)
- NL → worldwide: Dutch tomatoes, bell peppers, strawberries
Chile
Chile · South America
- machinery
- mining equipment
- pharmaceuticals
- automotive parts
- agri-technology
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 Fruits & Vegetables Air Freight
Cold Chain
Fresh fruits and vegetables are extremely temperature sensitive. Depending on the product, the optimal transport temperature ranges from 0–1°C (berries, leafy greens) to 10–14°C (tropical fruit). Aircargo.nl arranges specialized cold cargo handling at Schiphol and monitors the temperature chain from start to finish.
Phytosanitary Inspections
All fresh products from non-EU countries undergo phytosanitary inspection upon entry into the EU, which can add 4–8 hours of processing time. Aircargo.nl notifies your shipment in advance to the NVWA to minimize delays.
Customs & Import Duties
Fresh fruits and vegetables fall under the EU Common Customs Tariff (CCT) and may be subject to high seasonal import duties—especially for products competing with EU-grown produce (tomatoes, strawberries, citrus).
Import {[|]} Fruits & Vegetables from Chile?
Request a customized quote for importing Fruits & Vegetables from Chile. We respond on average within 4 hours.
How We Import Fruits & Vegetables from Chile
Quote & Coordination
Pickup & Export in Chile
Arrival at Schiphol & Clearance
Delivery in the Netherlands
Frequently Asked Questions — Fruits & Vegetables from Chile
What IATA requirements apply for importing Fruits & Vegetables?
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 Fruits & Vegetables from Chile?
The total cost includes air freight rates, handling, clearance, and any import duties/VAT. For Fruits & Vegetables (typically 100–10000 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 Fruits & Vegetables?
For import, a commercial invoice, packing list, and Air Waybill are mandatory. For Fruits & Vegetables, Phytosanitary certificate, Certificate of Origin, commercial invoice, packing list; health certificate for animal products are also required. Imports from outside the EU are subject to import duties and VAT, depending on the HS code.
Is Fruits & Vegetables 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 {[|]} Fruits & Vegetables from Chile?
Request a customized quote for importing Fruits & Vegetables from Chile. We respond on average within 4 hours.