Valuable Goods air freight from Germany to Chile

Valuable Goods by Air Freight: Security and Speed

Gold, diamonds, watches, art, jewelry, banknotes, and other valuable goods share two things in common: they are small (light shipments) and have an extremely high value per kilogram. Air freight is not only the fastest transport mode for these types of goods — it is also the safest.

Sea freight with a container full of valuables is a security nightmare: container theft, lengthy stays in ports, limited traceability. Air freight through secured cargo terminals with direct handling from plane to vault minimizes risk.

What Do We Ship as Valuable Goods?

• Precious metals: gold, silver, platinum (in bars or coins)
• Gemstones: certified diamonds, rubies, emeralds
• Luxury watches and jewelry (for brands, retailers, and private individuals)
• Art and antiques (with ATA Carnet for temporary import)
• Banknotes and securities (on behalf of banks and central banks)
• Smartphones and high-end electronics with high street value

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 Notes on Valuable Goods

Secure Handling Mandatory

Valuable goods at Schiphol are processed exclusively through secure cargo terminals with access control, CCTV, and armed security when required. Aircargo.nl partners with specialized valuables handlers certified for high-value cargo.

Insurance

Standard air freight insurance covers a maximum of 22 SDR per kilogram — almost always insufficient for valuable goods. Aircargo.nl always recommends additional all-risk transport insurance based on actual value. We can arrange this insurance upon request.

Documentation

A detailed value declaration including serial numbers, photos, and certificates (e.g., GIA certificate for diamonds, authenticity certificates for art) is essential. High-value shipments are routinely subjected to extra inspections in some countries (e.g., India, UAE).

Routing & Splitting

For very high values (over €500,000), we advise splitting the shipment over multiple flights to reduce risk. This requires coordination with the recipient and possibly additional security measures at the destination.