Machines & parts air freight from Kazakhstan to China

Why machines & parts by air freight?

Machines and industrial parts are heavy and large — not the first association with air freight. Yet air freight is often the best choice for this type of goods, for three reasons:

1. Downtime costs more than transport — A production line halted due to a defective part often costs €5,000–50,000 per day in lost revenue. The extra cost of air freight versus sea freight is then negligible.

2. Value versus weight — Precision parts (CNC tools, hydraulic pumps, servo motors) have high value per kilogram. The air freight rates are reasonable relative to the value.

3. Time-critical projects — For installations, commissioning or repairs where technicians are waiting, delays are unacceptable. Air freight guarantees certainty about arrival time.

Exporting to Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is the largest economy in Central Asia and a growing market for Dutch machinery, mining equipment, agri-technology, and pharmaceuticals. Schiphol does not have direct cargo flights to Kazakhstan — shipments are usually routed through Frankfurt (Lufthansa Cargo), Istanbul (Turkish Cargo), or Riga to Almaty (ALA) or Astana/Nur-Sultan (NQZ). Typical transit time is 1–3 days.

Customs & Regulations

Kazakhstan is a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and applies the common EAEU tariffs. Most shipments require ECCN classification and an EAC declaration of conformity. Food products, machinery, and electrical equipment require a TR CU (Technical Regulations of Customs Union) certificate. Customs in Almaty is known for thorough inspections.

Practical Tips

• EAC certification can take weeks to months — plan well in advance of shipment
• Documentation must be submitted in Russian or Kazakh for local customs clearance
• Additional export licenses from the Netherlands apply for dual-use and mining-related goods

Aircargo.nl has experience with Central Asian routes and works with reliable agents in Almaty. We handle the complete documentation chain — including assistance with EAC certification — for smooth processing.

Importing from China

China is by far the largest exporter to Europe. Most Dutch importers receive shipments from China weekly or even daily — ranging from consumer electronics and machine parts to clothing, toys, and semi-finished products.

Air Freight vs. Sea Freight

Sea freight from China takes 25–35 days. Air freight via Schiphol takes 2–4 business days — including pickup, customs clearance, and delivery within the Netherlands. This makes air freight ideal for urgent replenishment, high-value products, or goods with limited shelf life.

Customs on Imports from China

EU import duties apply when importing from China (depending on the type of goods, generally 3.5–12%). For certain product categories — including solar panels, steel, and e-bikes — anti-dumping duties are in effect. Aircargo.nl handles full customs clearance and calculates expected import costs upfront so you won’t face surprises.

Popular Goods from China

• Electronics and components (PCBs, displays, batteries)
• Machinery and precision parts
• Textiles and fashion (with seasonal peaks)
• Pharmaceutical raw materials (APIs)

Kazakhstan as a Crosstrade Destination

Kazakhstan is an increasingly important link in crosstrade routes between Europe and Central Asia. Almaty (ALA) serves as a regional cargo hub for transshipment to Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and parts of Western China. Schiphol regularly routes shipments via Frankfurt or Istanbul to ALA for further local distribution.

Aircargo.nl maintains agent relationships in Almaty and Astana and can coordinate multimodal routes—air to Almaty followed by road transport to neighboring EAEU countries where it is more economical.

Points of attention for machines & parts

Weight and dimensions

Machines and heavy parts often exceed standard air freight dimensions or weights. Shipments over 500 kg per piece or with oversized dimensions require special freighter flights or positions on a cargo aircraft. Aircargo.nl has access to freighters from KLM Cargo, Lufthansa Cargo and other carriers for oversized cargo.

Detailed packing list

Machines generally have a complex composition: multiple parts, materials and values. A detailed and accurate packing list is essential for customs clearance, especially for destinations with high import duties on capital goods (India, Brazil).

AOG situations

When a mechanical production process stops due to a defective part, every minute is precious. Aircargo.nl has a 24/7 AOG desk for time-critical machine parts — from booking to delivery on the production floor.