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Importing Flowers & plants from Germany

Professional transport of Flowers & plants from Germany to the Netherlands. IATA category perishables, flight time approximately 1.5 hours to Schiphol.

Flowers & plants

Specifications & requirements

IATA · perishables
  • Temperature-controlled
  • Limited shelf life
Transit time
24-48 hours door-to-auction (import); 1-3 working days for export
Temperature
2°C — 8°C
Required documents
  • Phytosanitary certificate, AWB, packing list, commercial invoice
  • CITES permit if applicable
Typical shippers
  • flower exporters
  • auction companies
  • cut flower importers
  • horticultural companies

Why flowers & plants by airfreight?

Cut flowers and plants have a shelf life of only a few days. Airfreight is not an option — it is the only option. Roses picked in Kenya on Monday must be in the auction in Aalsmeer by Wednesday. This is only possible via airfreight with a controlled cold chain.

The Netherlands is the world’s largest trading nation in cut flowers and Schiphol is the epicenter. Aircargo.nl has many years of experience with the specific requirements of flower transport: speed, cooling, phytosanitary documentation, and direct delivery to the auction.

Typical flower transport routes

  • Kenya (roses, lilies) → Schiphol: multiple times per day
  • Ecuador & Colombia (roses, chrysanthemums) → Schiphol via Miami or direct
  • Ethiopia → Schiphol: growing cut flower sector
  • Export Dutch flowers → US, Japan, Russia, China

Germany

Germany · Europe

EU
Flight time
1.5 hours to Schiphol
Timezone
UTC+1
Currency
EUR
Continent
Europe
Customs complexity Low
Top exports
  • auto parts
  • machinery
  • pharmaceuticals
  • medical equipment
  • electronics

Importing from Germany

Importing from Germany by air freight is relatively rare—most goods move by road or rail. When air freight is desirable, it typically involves urgent machine parts, medical equipment, or time-critical industrial components. As an EU country, customs clearance isn't required and shipments are processed quickly.

Aircargo.nl also handles reverse logistics from Germany: returns, repairs, or goods sent back that need to be returned quickly to origin or redirected to another destination.

Points of attention for flower transport

Cold chain

Flowers must be kept between 2–8°C throughout the entire transport. Any temperature interruption accelerates the aging process and reduces shelf life for the end customer. Aircargo.nl works exclusively with certified cool-chain handlers at Schiphol.

Phytosanitary requirements

A phytosanitary certificate is mandatory for importing plants and cut flowers from countries outside the EU. This certificate is issued by the plant health authority of the exporting country and confirms that the shipment is free from pests. Aircargo.nl routinely checks and processes all phytosanitary documents.

CITES

Certain orchids and exotic plants fall under CITES protection and require a CITES permit. Always contact us if you are unsure about the CITES status of your products.

Import {[|]} Flowers & plants from Germany?

Request a customized quote for importing Flowers & plants from Germany. We respond on average within 4 hours.

How We Import Flowers & plants from Germany

1

Quote & Coordination

Based on the specific requirements for Flowers & plants we prepare a quote within 4 hours. Our agent in Germany coordinates pickup and local export customs clearance.
2

Pickup & Export in Germany

The agent in Germany handles pickup, packaging according to IATA category perishables, and local export declaration. The shipment boards the next available direct flight.
3

Arrival at Schiphol & Clearance

After about 1.5 hours of flight, the shipment lands at Schiphol. Our AEO-certified customs department handles clearance—typically within a few hours.
4

Delivery in the Netherlands

Delivery from our warehouse in Aalsmeer to your address in the Netherlands or the Benelux, with track & trace on every shipment.

Frequently Asked Questions — Flowers & plants from Germany

What IATA requirements apply for importing Flowers & plants?

Our local agent handles export documentation according to IATA category perishables. Upon arrival at Schiphol, our AEO-certified customs department clears the shipment. You will receive copies of all relevant documents.

What does it cost to import Flowers & plants from Germany?

The total cost includes air freight rates, handling, clearance, and any import duties/VAT. For Flowers & plants (typically 50–5000 kg), we quote upfront so there are no surprises. Request a quote.

How long does importing by air freight from Germany take?

Flight time from Germany to Schiphol is about 1.5 hours. Including pickup in Germany, flight, clearance, and delivery, the turnaround time averages 3–5 business days.

What documents are required for importing Flowers & plants?

For import, a commercial invoice, packing list, and Air Waybill are mandatory. For Flowers & plants, Phytosanitary certificate, AWB, packing list, commercial invoice; CITES permit if applicable are also required. Imports from outside the EU are subject to import duties and VAT, depending on the HS code.

Is Flowers & plants delivered to your home after clearance?

Yes. After clearance at Schiphol, we handle delivery throughout the Netherlands and the Benelux. You can also pick up yourself at our warehouse in Aalsmeer.

Import {[|]} Flowers & plants from Germany?

Request a customized quote for importing Flowers & plants from Germany. We respond on average within 4 hours.

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