Dangerous Goods air freight from Germany to Chile

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 Germany

Germany is the Netherlands’ largest trading partner and as an EU member state, air freight to Germany is a smooth, low-documentation operation. There are no export formalities for the free movement of goods within the EU. Nevertheless, many shippers choose air freight to Germany for urgent or valuable shipments that cannot wait for truck transport.

When to choose air freight to Germany?

• AOG (Aircraft on Ground) — parts that must be immediately available at another airport
• Time-critical production parts for automotive or manufacturing industries
• Valuable goods where road transport risk is too high
• Goods arriving by air from a third country that need to be in Germany

Aircargo.nl offers daily connections to Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), and Düsseldorf (DUS). Due to the short distance, same-day or next-morning delivery is often possible.

Importing from Chile

Air freight imports from Chile are highly seasonal and mainly consist of fresh products: salmon, berries, cherries, grapes, asparagus, and avocados. Additionally, the Netherlands imports Chilean wine samples, copper samples, and specialty minerals.

Air Freight vs. Sea Freight

Sea freight from Valparaíso or San Antonio to Rotterdam takes 22–28 days. Air freight via Schiphol is ready for clearance within 1–2 business days — essential for fresh products, especially during peak season (November–February) when cherries and berries must reach the European market.

Customs on Imports from Chile

Under the EU-Chile Association Agreement, Chilean products benefit from preferential import duties or zero tariffs, provided a correct EUR.1 or invoice declaration is presented. For fresh products, EU phytosanitary and veterinary inspections are conducted at Schiphol by the NVWA. Aircargo.nl manages the complete clearance including NVWA coordination.

Frequently Requested Goods from Chile

• Fresh products (salmon, cherries, berries, grapes, asparagus)
• Wine and specialty foods
• Copper samples and specialty minerals
• High-quality forestry and wood products

Germany as a crosstrade partner

As an EU member and direct neighbor, Germany is rarely a classic crosstrade destination, but Schiphol plays a role as a gateway for goods destined for the German market from outside the EU. Aircargo.nl regularly manages shipments cleared via AMS and then transported by truck to Germany — efficient and fast.

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.