Pharmaceuticals bringing in from China
Specialized transport of Pharmaceuticals from China to the Netherlands. IATA category pharma, flight time approximately 10.5 hours to Schiphol.
Pharmaceuticals
Specifications & requirements
- High value
- Temperature-controlled
- Limited shelf life
- Stackable
- GDP certificate, commercial invoice, packing list, temperature requirement specification, temperature logger report
- possibly import/export permit for controlled substances
- pharmaceutical manufacturers
- CROs
- hospital pharmacies
- wholesalers
- biotech startups
Why pharmaceuticals by air freight?
Pharmaceuticals require speed, control, and traceability — three core qualities of air freight. Medicines, vaccines, and biologicals are valuable, time-critical, and temperature-sensitive. Sea transport takes weeks and offers insufficient control over the cold chain. Air freight takes 1–3 days — with continuous monitoring.
Schiphol is one of Europe's leading pharma cargo hubs: KLM Cargo's Pharma Gateway Amsterdam (PGA) is certified for GDP transport and offers specialized storage and handling facilities for pharmaceutical air freight at the airport itself.
When is air freight indispensable for pharma?
- Clinical trials: samples and study medication must arrive exactly on time
- Acute drug shortages where every day counts
- Vaccines and biologicals with short shelf life or strict cold chain
- High-value APIs where risk of delay is unacceptable
- Compassionate use: individual patient shipments
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 air freight pharmaceuticals
GDP transport mandatory
Pharmaceuticals must be transported according to Good Distribution Practice (GDP) guidelines. This means an unbroken cold chain with temperature recording, certified storage, and documentation proving that the temperature remained within the required range during the entire transport. Aircargo.nl works exclusively with GDP-certified handlers and airlines.
Temperature requirements
Most pharmaceutical products require transport at 2–8°C (cold chain) or 15–25°C (room temperature). Biologicals, vaccines, and certain diagnostics require -20°C or lower (frozen transport). Each shipment is provided with a calibrated temperature logger and a temperature excursion report if applicable.
Regulatory documentation
- GDP certificate from the sender
- Import or export permit depending on product type and destination country
- Controlled substances: DEA license (US) or national narcotics permit
- Batch release certificates for biologicals
Pharmaceuticals bringing in from China?
Request a specific quote for import of Pharmaceuticals from China. We respond on average within 4 hours.
This is how we import Pharmaceuticals from China
Quote & coordination
Pickup & export in China
Arrival Schiphol & clearance
Delivery within the Netherlands
Frequently Asked Questions — Pharmaceuticals from China
What IATA requirements apply for importing Pharmaceuticals?
Our local agent provides export documentation according to IATA category pharma. Upon arrival at Schiphol, our AEO-certified customs department clears the shipment. You will receive copies of all relevant documents.
What does import of Pharmaceuticals from China cost?
The total cost includes air freight rates, handling, clearance, and possible import duties/VAT. For Pharmaceuticals (typically 10–2000 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 Pharmaceuticals?
For import, commercial invoice, packing list, and Air Waybill are mandatory. For Pharmaceuticals additional GDP certificate, commercial invoice, packing list, temperature requirement specification, temperature logger report; possibly import/export permit for controlled substances apply. Imports from countries outside the EU incur import duties and VAT — depending on the HS code.
Is Pharmaceuticals 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.
Pharmaceuticals bringing in from China?
Request a specific quote for import of Pharmaceuticals from China. We respond on average within 4 hours.