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Importing Deep Freeze from China

Professional transport of Deep Freeze from China to the Netherlands. IATA category perishables, flight time approximately 10.5 hours to Schiphol.

Deep Freeze

Specifications & requirements

IATA · perishables
  • Temperature-controlled
  • Limited shelf life
  • Stackable
Transit time
48-96 hours door-to-warehouse including veterinary inspection upon import; plan for a buffer day
Temperature
-25°C — -18°C
Required documents
  • Veterinary health certificate, Certificate of Origin, AWB with temperature specification and dry ice statement
  • DGR Shipper's Declaration for dry ice (UN1845)
  • packing list and commercial invoice
Typical shippers
  • fish wholesalers
  • meat exporters
  • pharmaceutical companies
  • luxury food importers
  • restaurant suppliers

Frozen Goods by Air Freight: Maintaining Quality Over Long Distances

At first glance, frozen products might not seem like a logical choice for air freight—after all, sea freight in refrigerated containers is much cheaper. But for certain frozen products, air freight is the better option due to quality, freshness, or urgency reasons.

When Ship Frozen Goods by Air?

  • High-End Seafood: deep-frozen lobster, scallops, tuna, and other premium seafood for the restaurant industry—where quality deteriorates too much during long sea transport
  • Pharmaceutical Frozen Products: vaccines, biologicals, and certain blood products that require -20°C or lower and cannot be shipped by sea
  • Seasonal Urgency: when a specific frozen product must be available urgently—for example, for a major buyer or a retail chain that has missed stock
  • Small, High-Value Batches: where the value per kilogram justifies the higher air freight rates

Aircargo.nl is fully equipped for frozen transport: from dry ice calculation to veterinary notifications and NVWA customs clearance.

China

China · Asia

Non-EU
Flight time
10.5 hours to Schiphol
Timezone
UTC+8
Currency
CNY
Continent
Asia
Customs complexity High
Top exports
  • electronics
  • machines
  • textiles
  • toys
  • pharmaceuticals

Importing from China

China is by far the largest exporter to Europe. Most Dutch importers receive shipments from China weekly or even daily — ranging from consumer electronics and machine parts to clothing, toys, and semi-finished products.

Air Freight vs. Sea Freight

Sea freight from China takes 25–35 days. Air freight via Schiphol takes 2–4 business days — including collection, customs clearance, and delivery within the Netherlands. This makes air freight ideal for urgent replenishment, high-value products, or goods with limited shelf life.

Customs on Imports from China

EU import duties apply to goods from China (depending on product type, usually 3.5–12%). Certain product categories — including solar panels, steel, and e-bikes — are subject to anti-dumping duties. Aircargo.nl takes care of full customs clearance and provides an upfront estimate of expected import costs so you won’t face surprises.

Popular Goods from China

  • Electronics and components (PCBs, displays, batteries)
  • Machines and precision parts
  • Textiles and fashion (with seasonal peaks)
  • Pharmaceutical raw materials (APIs)

Key Considerations for Frozen Air Freight

Uninterrupted Cold Chain

Frozen products must be kept at a minimum of -18°C for the entire duration of transport. This requires dry ice (carbon dioxide, UN1845 — classified as DGR), certified freezer containers (unit load devices), or a combination of both. Aircargo.nl arranges the correct cooling based on flight time and product.

Dry Ice — DGR Considerations

Dry ice is classified as dangerous goods (UN1845, class 9) and must be documented on the AWB and Shipper’s Declaration. The amount of dry ice per shipment is limited by airline regulations. Aircargo.nl always calculates the required amount of dry ice based on flight time plus buffer hours and properly records this in the documentation.

Health Certificates

Frozen products of animal origin (meat, fish, shellfish) require a veterinary health certificate when imported into the EU and are inspected at designated border inspection posts (BIP). Aircargo.nl pre-notifies the shipment to the NVWA for smooth customs clearance.

Import {[|]} Deep Freeze from China?

Receive a specific quote for importing Deep Freeze from China. We reply on average within 4 hours.

The Import Process for Deep Freeze from China

1

Quote & Coordination

Based on the specific requirements for Deep Freeze we prepare a quote within 4 hours. Our agent in China coordinates pickup and local export customs clearance.
2

Pickup & Export in China

The agent in China handles pickup, packaging according to IATA category perishables, and local export declaration. The shipment boards the next available direct flight.
3

Arrival at Schiphol & Clearance

After about 10.5 hours of flight, the shipment lands at Schiphol. Our AEO-certified customs department handles clearance—typically within a few hours.
4

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 — Deep Freeze from China

What IATA requirements apply for importing Deep Freeze?

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 Deep Freeze from China?

The total cost includes air freight rates, handling, clearance, and any import duties/VAT. For Deep Freeze (typically 100–8000 kg), we quote upfront so there are no surprises. Request a quote.

How long does importing by air freight from China take?

Flight time from China to Schiphol is about 10.5 hours. Including pickup in China, flight, clearance, and delivery, the turnaround time averages 3–5 business days.

What documents are required for importing Deep Freeze?

For import, a commercial invoice, packing list, and Air Waybill are mandatory. For Deep Freeze, Veterinary health certificate, Certificate of Origin, AWB with temperature specification and dry ice statement; DGR Shipper's Declaration for dry ice (UN1845); packing list and commercial invoice are also required. Imports from outside the EU are subject to import duties and VAT, depending on the HS code.

Is Deep Freeze 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 {[|]} Deep Freeze from China?

Receive a specific quote for importing Deep Freeze from China. We reply on average within 4 hours.

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