Deep Frozen importing from China
Skilled transport of Deep Frozen from China to the Netherlands. IATA category perishables, flight time approximately 10.5 hours to Schiphol.
Deep Frozen
Specifications & requirements
- Temperature-controlled
- Limited shelf life
- Stackable
- Health certificate (veterinary), Certificate of Origin, AWB with temperature specification and dry ice declaration
- DGR Shipper's Declaration for dry ice (UN1845)
- packing list and commercial invoice
- fish wholesalers
- meat exporters
- pharmaceutical companies
- luxury food importers
- restaurant suppliers
Deep frozen by air freight: maintaining quality over long distances
At first glance, deep frozen products may not seem like a logical choice for air freight — sea freight in refrigerated containers is much cheaper after all. But for certain deep frozen products, air freight is the right choice due to quality, freshness, or urgency reasons.
When deep frozen by plane?
- High-quality seafood: deep frozen lobster, scallops, tuna, and other premium seafood for the restaurant sector — where quality deteriorates too much during prolonged sea freight transport
- Pharmaceutical deep frozen products: vaccines, biologicals, and certain blood products require -20°C or lower and cannot be transported by ship
- Seasonal urgency: if a specific deep frozen product must be urgently available — e.g., for a major buyer or a retail chain that missed stock
- Small, high-value batches: where the value per kg justifies the higher air freight rates
Aircargo.nl is fully equipped for deep frozen transport: from dry ice calculation to veterinary notifications and NVWA clearance.
China
China · Asia
- 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 working days — including pickup, customs clearance, and delivery in the Netherlands. This makes air freight ideal for urgent replenishment, high-value products, or goods with limited shelf life.
Customs for Imports from China
When importing from China, EU import duties apply (depending on the product type, usually 3.5–12%). For certain product categories — including solar panels, steel, and e-bikes — anti-dumping duties are in effect. Aircargo.nl handles the full customs clearance and calculates expected import costs in advance so you avoid surprises.
Most Requested Goods from China
- Electronics and components (PCBs, displays, batteries)
- Machines and precision parts
- Textiles and fashion (with seasonal peaks)
- Pharmaceutical raw materials (APIs)
Deep frozen air freight considerations
Uninterrupted frozen cold chain
Deep frozen products must be kept at a minimum of -18°C throughout the entire transport. This requires dry ice (carbon dioxide, UN1845 — DGR-classified), certified freezing containers (unit load devices), or a combination of both. Aircargo.nl arranges the correct cooling based on flight duration and product.
Dry ice — DGR consideration
Dry ice is a dangerous good (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 documents this correctly.
Health certificates
Deep frozen products of animal origin (meat, fish, shellfish) require a veterinary health certificate upon import into the EU and are inspected at designated border inspection posts (BIPs). Aircargo.nl pre-notifies the shipment to the NVWA for smooth clearance.
Deep Frozen importing from China?
Receive a tailored quote for import of Deep Frozen from China. We reply on average within 4 hours.
The import process for Deep Frozen from China
Quote & coordination
Pickup & export in China
Arrival Schiphol & clearance
Delivery within the Netherlands
Frequently Asked Questions — Deep Frozen from China
What IATA requirements apply for importing Deep Frozen?
Our local agent provides 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 import of Deep Frozen from China cost?
The total cost includes air freight rates, handling, clearance, and possible import duties/VAT. For Deep Frozen (typically 100–8000 kg) we calculate this upfront so you face no surprises. Request a quote.
How long does import by air freight from China take?
Flight time China → Schiphol is approximately 10.5 hours. Including pickup in China, flight, clearance, and delivery, the turnaround time averages 3–5 working days.
What documents are needed for importing Deep Frozen?
For import, commercial invoice, packing list, and Air Waybill are mandatory. For Deep Frozen additional Health certificate (veterinary), Certificate of Origin, AWB with temperature specification and dry ice declaration; DGR Shipper's Declaration for dry ice (UN1845); packing list and commercial invoice apply. Imports from countries outside the EU incur import duties and VAT — depending on the HS code.
Is Deep Frozen delivered to your home after clearance?
Yes. After clearance at Schiphol, we deliver throughout the Netherlands and the Benelux. You can also pick up at our warehouse in Aalsmeer.
Deep Frozen importing from China?
Receive a tailored quote for import of Deep Frozen from China. We reply on average within 4 hours.