Vegetables & Fruit air freight from China to United States
We arrange international air freight of Vegetables & Fruit from China to United States — as crosstrade from the Netherlands. IATA category perishables. One point of contact, transparent invoicing, local agents in both countries.
Vegetables & Fruit
Specifications & requirements
- Temperature-controlled
- Limited shelf life
- Stackable
- Phytosanitary certificate, Certificate of Origin, commercial invoice, packing list
- health certificate for animal products
- supermarket chains
- fresh produce importers
- traders
- horticultural exporters
Fresh vegetables & fruit: air freight as the only option
Fresh vegetables and fruit have a shelf life of days — not weeks. Products like asparagus, strawberries, mangoes or avocados from distant destinations simply cannot be shipped by sea without quality loss. Air freight is the only way to bring fresh produce from the field to the supermarket within the product life cycle.
The Netherlands is the logistics hub of the European fresh produce trade. The proximity of Schiphol, the flower auction in Aalsmeer and the large cold stores in Haarlemmermeer make it the ideal hub for fresh air freight.
Popular routes
- Kenya, Ethiopia → NL: French beans, sugar snaps, avocados
- Peru, Chile → NL: berries, asparagus, grapes (winter season)
- Morocco → NL: tomatoes, peppers (but also by road)
- NL → worldwide: Dutch tomatoes, peppers, strawberries
Route China → United States
- electronics
- machines
- textiles
- toys
- pharmaceuticals
- electronics
- pharmaceuticals
- machinery
- auto parts
- valuable goods
Exporting to China
China is the second largest importer in the world and one of the most sought-after destinations for Dutch air freight. Schiphol has direct cargo flights to Shanghai (PVG), Beijing (PEK), and Guangzhou (CAN), enabling most shipments to be cargo-to-cargo within 12–14 hours.
Customs & Regulations
Chinese customs are known to be strict. Each shipment requires a correct commercial invoice, detailed packing list, and in many cases a Certificate of Origin. For foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, mandatory registration with the GACC (General Administration of Customs China) applies. 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 accordingly
Aircargo.nl handles shipments to China daily and is familiar with the pitfalls. We arrange the complete export documentation and coordinate with our local agents for smooth handling.
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 on imports from the US
The US and 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 importing into the EU. Aerospace parts fall under 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 crosstrades, Schiphol acts as a European hub for goods not shipped from the Netherlands itself. China is a highly sought-after link in crosstrade routes both as a country of origin and destination, for example for goods routed via AMS from the US, UK, or Middle East to China.
Aircargo.nl has direct relationships with Chinese cargo agents in Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen and can coordinate the complete documentation flow — including Chinese customs formalities — from Aalsmeer.
Considerations for vegetables & fruit air freight
Cold chain
Fresh vegetables and fruit are extremely temperature sensitive. Depending on the product, the optimal transport temperature varies from 0–1°C (berries, leafy greens) to 10–14°C (tropical fruit). Aircargo.nl arranges specialized cold cargo handling at Schiphol and monitors the temperature chain from start to finish.
Phytosanitary inspections
All fresh products from non-EU countries undergo phytosanitary inspection upon entry into the EU. This can add 4–8 hours of extra processing time. Aircargo.nl notifies your shipment in advance to the NVWA to minimize delays.
Customs & import duties
Fresh fruit and vegetables fall under the EU Common Customs Tariff (CCT) and may incur high seasonal import duties — especially for products that compete with EU cultivation (tomatoes, strawberries, citrus).
Quote for Vegetables & Fruit: China → United States?
Receive a specific quote for crosstrade air freight of Vegetables & Fruit from China to United States. We respond on average within 4 hours.
How it works Vegetables & Fruit from China to United States
Quote & crosstrade planning
Pickup in China
Flight & monitoring
Custom clearance & delivery in United States
Frequently Asked Questions — Vegetables & Fruit from China to United States
What does crosstrade air freight of Vegetables & Fruit from China to United States cost?
The price depends on weight, volume, carrier choice, and any special handling. For Vegetables & Fruit, a typical weight ranges between 100 and 10000 kg. Request a non-binding quote — we respond within 4 hours.
How long does a crosstrade from China to United States take?
Depending on routing, 3–7 business days. Direct flights between China and United States are faster; transit via a hub like Schiphol adds a few hours of transit time. We choose the optimal routing based on your deadline and the commodity requirements of Vegetables & Fruit.
What IATA requirements apply to Vegetables & Fruit?
Vegetables & Fruit falls under IATA category perishables. This determines packaging, labeling, and documentation requirements. Aircargo.nl handles this entirely in accordance with the applicable IATA regulations, tailored to the specific requirements of China (export) and United States (import).
Does Aircargo.nl handle customs in both countries?
Yes. Our agents in both China and United States handle the full customs clearance. You have one point of contact in Aalsmeer — Aircargo.nl coordinates both sides, including any certificates specific to Vegetables & Fruit.
Which documents are needed for this crosstrade?
Standard requirements are a commercial invoice, packing list, and Air Waybill. For Vegetables & Fruit, additional Phytosanitary certificate, Certificate of Origin, commercial invoice, packing list; health certificate for animal products are required. For crosstrades from China to United States, additional certificates may be needed — Aircargo.nl prepares all documentation for you.
Quote for Vegetables & Fruit: China → United States?
Receive a specific quote for crosstrade air freight of Vegetables & Fruit from China to United States. We respond on average within 4 hours.