Importing Flowers & plants from Japan
Expert transport of Flowers & plants from Japan to the Netherlands. IATA category perishables, flight time approximately 11 hours to Schiphol.
Flowers & plants
Specifications & requirements
- Temperature-controlled
- Limited shelf life
- Phytosanitary certificate, AWB, packing list, commercial invoice
- CITES permit if applicable
- 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
Japan
Japan · Asia
- auto parts
- electronics
- precision instruments
- pharmaceuticals
- optics
Importing from Japan
Japan exports globally renowned products: auto parts (Toyota, Honda, Nissan supply chains), electronics (Sony, Panasonic, Kyocera), precision instruments, and optical equipment. Dutch importers in the automotive and high-tech sectors frequently use air freight from Japan.
Flight Time & Lead Time
With a flight time of around 11 hours, Japan is one of the longer routes from AMS. Combined with customs clearance in the Netherlands, this results in a realistic door-to-door lead time of 3–5 business days. For AOG parts, there are options for priority handling at Narita (NRT) or Osaka (KIX).
EU-Japan EPA on Imports
Japanese products benefit from the EPA: many categories enjoy zero import duty when entering the EU, provided accompanied by a Japanese Origin Declaration. Aircargo.nl always verifies whether your shipment qualifies for EPA tariffs.
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 Japan?
Request a customized quote for importing Flowers & plants from Japan. We respond on average within 4 hours.
How We Import Flowers & plants from Japan
Quote & Coordination
Pickup & Export in Japan
Arrival at Schiphol & Clearance
Delivery in the Netherlands
Frequently Asked Questions — Flowers & plants from Japan
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 Japan?
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 Japan take?
Flight time from Japan to Schiphol is about 11 hours. Including pickup in Japan, 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 Japan?
Request a customized quote for importing Flowers & plants from Japan. We respond on average within 4 hours.