Machines & parts importing from China
Specialized transport of Machines & parts from China to the Netherlands. IATA category general, flight time approximately 10.5 hours to Schiphol.
Machines & parts
Specifications & requirements
- Detailed packing list with part numbers and values, commercial invoice, AWB
- CE documentation
- ATA carnet for temporary import
- manufacturing industry
- automotive OEMs and suppliers
- installation services
- project logistics
Why machines & parts by air freight?
Machines and industrial parts are heavy and large — not the first association with air freight. Yet air freight is often the best choice for this type of goods, for three reasons:
1. Downtime costs more than transport — A production line halted due to a defective part often costs €5,000–50,000 per day in lost revenue. The extra cost of air freight versus sea freight is then negligible.
2. Value versus weight — Precision parts (CNC tools, hydraulic pumps, servo motors) have high value per kilogram. The air freight rates are reasonable relative to the value.
3. Time-critical projects — For installations, commissioning or repairs where technicians are waiting, delays are unacceptable. Air freight guarantees certainty about arrival time.
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)
Points of attention for machines & parts
Weight and dimensions
Machines and heavy parts often exceed standard air freight dimensions or weights. Shipments over 500 kg per piece or with oversized dimensions require special freighter flights or positions on a cargo aircraft. Aircargo.nl has access to freighters from KLM Cargo, Lufthansa Cargo and other carriers for oversized cargo.
Detailed packing list
Machines generally have a complex composition: multiple parts, materials and values. A detailed and accurate packing list is essential for customs clearance, especially for destinations with high import duties on capital goods (India, Brazil).
AOG situations
When a mechanical production process stops due to a defective part, every minute is precious. Aircargo.nl has a 24/7 AOG desk for time-critical machine parts — from booking to delivery on the production floor.
Machines & parts importing from China?
Receive a tailored quote for import of Machines & parts from China. We reply on average within 4 hours.
The import process for Machines & parts from China
Quote & coordination
Pickup & export in China
Arrival Schiphol & clearance
Delivery within the Netherlands
Frequently Asked Questions — Machines & parts from China
What IATA requirements apply for importing Machines & parts?
Our local agent provides export documentation according to IATA category general. Upon arrival at Schiphol, our AEO-certified customs department clears the shipment. You will receive copies of all relevant documents.
What does import of Machines & parts from China cost?
The total cost includes air freight rates, handling, clearance, and possible import duties/VAT. For Machines & parts (typically 200–50000 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 Machines & parts?
For import, commercial invoice, packing list, and Air Waybill are mandatory. For Machines & parts additional Detailed packing list with part numbers and values, commercial invoice, AWB; CE documentation; ATA carnet for temporary import apply. Imports from countries outside the EU incur import duties and VAT — depending on the HS code.
Is Machines & parts 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.
Machines & parts importing from China?
Receive a tailored quote for import of Machines & parts from China. We reply on average within 4 hours.