Dangerous Goods air freight from China to United States

Dangerous goods by air freight: how it works

Dangerous goods — from chemicals and acids to lithium batteries, gas cylinders, and pyrotechnics — are indeed allowed to be shipped by air freight, provided they are properly classified, packed, and documented according to IATA DGR regulations.

Not every company has a DGR-certified employee on staff. Aircargo.nl handles everything for you: we classify your goods, prepare the Shipper's Declaration, select the right airline (not every airline accepts all DGR classes), and ensure your shipment is compliant before it takes to the air.

Common DGR categories we ship

• Lithium batteries (UN3480, UN3481) — the most common DGR in air freight
• Liquids and chemicals (class 3, 6, 8)
• Aerosol cans and gases (class 2)
• Corrosive substances and acids (class 8)
• Magnetic materials (relevant for air navigation)

Exporting to China

China is the world’s second-largest importer and one of the most sought-after destinations for Dutch air freight. Schiphol offers direct cargo flights to Shanghai (PVG), Beijing (PEK), and Guangzhou (CAN), ensuring most shipments arrive cargo-to-cargo within 12–14 hours.

Customs & Regulations

Chinese customs are known to be strict. Every shipment requires an accurate commercial invoice, a detailed packing list, and often a Certificate of Origin. For food products, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, mandatory registration with the GACC (General Administration of Customs China) is required. Electronics intended for the Chinese market must comply with CCC certification.

Practical Tips

• Ensure all documents are provided in English and preferably also in Chinese
• Dual-use goods require an export license from the Netherlands
• Chinese holidays (including Golden Week and Chinese New Year) cause significant delays — plan well in advance

Aircargo.nl handles shipments to China daily and is familiar with the pitfalls. We manage the complete export documentation and coordinate with our local agents for smooth processing.

Importing from the United States

Imports from the US often involve high-value goods: medical equipment, semiconductors, aerospace parts, pharmaceuticals, and specialized machinery. The approximately 9-hour flight time makes air freight the logical choice for time-sensitive or valuable shipments.

Customs for imports from the US

The US and the EU do not have a free trade agreement, so standard EU import duties apply. Additional MDR/IVDR requirements apply for pharmaceuticals and medical devices when imported into the EU. Aerospace parts are subject to EASA regulations and require specific certificates (EASA Form 1 or FAA 8130-3).

Frequently requested goods from the US

• Medical and surgical equipment
• Semiconductors and chipsets
• Aerospace parts (AOG)
• Pharmaceuticals and biotech products
• Machinery and industrial tools

Aircargo.nl manages daily import shipments from the US — including customs clearance, any FDA documentation, and delivery throughout the Netherlands.

China as a Crosstrade Destination

In crosstrade operations, Schiphol acts as a European hub for goods not shipped directly from the Netherlands. China is a highly demanded link in crosstrade routes both as origin and destination, for example for goods routed from the US, UK, or Middle East to China via AMS.

Aircargo.nl has direct relationships with Chinese cargo agents in Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen and can coordinate the entire documentation flow — including Chinese customs formalities — from Aalsmeer.

Important points for DGR shipments

IATA DGR classification required

Dangerous goods must be classified according to the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR). The classification determines the UN class, packing group, allowed quantity per package, and mode of transport (passenger aircraft or cargo aircraft only).

Documentation

Every DGR shipment requires a fully completed Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods, signed by a trained DGR specialist. Aircargo.nl employs certified DGR experts who prepare and verify all documentation.

Packing

DGR goods must be packed in UN-certified packaging appropriate to their UN class and packing group. Incorrect packaging is the most common reason airlines refuse shipments.

Airline approval

Not all airlines accept all types of DGR. Aircargo.nl always selects the right carrier based on your shipment’s DGR profile.