Importing Pharmaceuticals from Israel
Professional transport of Pharmaceuticals from Israel to the Netherlands. IATA category pharma, flight time approximately 4.5 hours to Schiphol.
Pharmaceuticals
Specifications & requirements
- High value
- Temperature-controlled
- Limited shelf life
- Stackable
- GDP certificate, commercial invoice, packing list, temperature requirement specification, temperature logger report
- possibly import/export permit for controlled substances
- pharmaceutical manufacturers
- CROs
- hospital pharmacies
- wholesalers
- biotech startups
Why pharmaceuticals by air freight?
Pharmaceuticals require speed, control, and traceability — three core qualities of air freight. Medicines, vaccines, and biologicals are valuable, time-critical, and temperature-sensitive. Sea transport takes weeks and offers insufficient control over the cold chain. Air freight takes 1–3 days — with continuous monitoring.
Schiphol is one of Europe's leading pharma cargo hubs: KLM Cargo's Pharma Gateway Amsterdam (PGA) is certified for GDP transport and offers specialized storage and handling facilities for pharmaceutical air freight at the airport itself.
When is air freight indispensable for pharma?
- Clinical trials: samples and study medication must arrive exactly on time
- Acute drug shortages where every day counts
- Vaccines and biologicals with short shelf life or strict cold chain
- High-value APIs where risk of delay is unacceptable
- Compassionate use: individual patient shipments
Israel
Israel · Asia
- medical equipment
- semiconductors
- agri-tech
- fresh produce
- defense components
Importing from Israel
Imports from Israel mainly consist of high-tech products: medical devices, semiconductor equipment, defense components, and agri-tech. Additionally, the Netherlands imports significant volumes of fresh produce such as dates, citrus fruits, and flowers via Schiphol.
Air Freight vs. Sea Freight
Sea freight from Haifa or Ashdod to Rotterdam takes 8–12 days. Air freight via Schiphol is usually ready for clearance within 1 business day — essential for fresh products and high-value tech shipments.
Customs on Imports from Israel
Under the EU-Israel Association Agreement, many Israeli products benefit from preferential import duties or even zero tariffs, provided they have a valid EUR.1 or invoice declaration. Phytosanitary checks for fresh products are performed at Schiphol by the NVWA. Aircargo.nl manages the complete clearance including NVWA coordination.
Top Imported Goods from Israel
- Medical equipment and diagnostics
- Semiconductor and optical components
- Fresh produce (dates, citrus, herbs, flowers)
- Software-hardware and defense technology
Points of attention for air freight pharmaceuticals
GDP transport mandatory
Pharmaceuticals must be transported according to Good Distribution Practice (GDP) guidelines. This means an unbroken cold chain with temperature recording, certified storage, and documentation proving that the temperature remained within the required range during the entire transport. Aircargo.nl works exclusively with GDP-certified handlers and airlines.
Temperature requirements
Most pharmaceutical products require transport at 2–8°C (cold chain) or 15–25°C (room temperature). Biologicals, vaccines, and certain diagnostics require -20°C or lower (frozen transport). Each shipment is provided with a calibrated temperature logger and a temperature excursion report if applicable.
Regulatory documentation
- GDP certificate from the sender
- Import or export permit depending on product type and destination country
- Controlled substances: DEA license (US) or national narcotics permit
- Batch release certificates for biologicals
Import {[|]} Pharmaceuticals from Israel?
Receive a specific quote for importing Pharmaceuticals from Israel. We reply on average within 4 hours.
The Import Process for Pharmaceuticals from Israel
Quote & Coordination
Pickup & Export in Israel
Arrival at Schiphol & Clearance
Delivery in the Netherlands
Frequently Asked Questions — Pharmaceuticals from Israel
What IATA requirements apply for importing Pharmaceuticals?
Our local agent handles export documentation according to IATA category pharma. 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 Pharmaceuticals from Israel?
The total cost includes air freight rates, handling, clearance, and any import duties/VAT. For Pharmaceuticals (typically 10–2000 kg), we quote upfront so there are no surprises. Request a quote.
How long does importing by air freight from Israel take?
Flight time from Israel to Schiphol is about 4.5 hours. Including pickup in Israel, flight, clearance, and delivery, the turnaround time averages 3–5 business days.
What documents are required for importing Pharmaceuticals?
For import, a commercial invoice, packing list, and Air Waybill are mandatory. For Pharmaceuticals, GDP certificate, commercial invoice, packing list, temperature requirement specification, temperature logger report; possibly import/export permit for controlled substances are also required. Imports from outside the EU are subject to import duties and VAT, depending on the HS code.
Is Pharmaceuticals 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 {[|]} Pharmaceuticals from Israel?
Receive a specific quote for importing Pharmaceuticals from Israel. We reply on average within 4 hours.