Flowers & plants importing from Mexico
Specialized transport of Flowers & plants from Mexico to the Netherlands. IATA category perishables, flight time approximately 11.5 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
Mexico
Mexico · North America
- automotive parts
- machinery
- pharmaceuticals
- technology
- agri-equipment
Importing from Mexico
Imports from Mexico by airfreight mainly consist of automotive parts, medical equipment, high-tech electronics (from nearshoring factories), avocados, berries, and specialty foods like tequila and chili.
Airfreight vs. Seafreight
Seafreight from Veracruz, Manzanillo, or Altamira to Rotterdam takes 14–20 days. Airfreight via Schiphol is ready for customs clearance within 1–2 business days — essential for perishables, automotive AOG parts, and samples.
Customs on Imports from Mexico
Under the EU-Mexico Global Agreement, many Mexican products qualify for preferential import duties provided they have a proper issuer’s declaration or EUR.1 certificate. For perishables, EU phytosanitary inspections apply at Schiphol via the NVWA. Aircargo.nl handles full customs clearance.
Popular Goods from Mexico
- Automotive and aerospace parts (from Bajio and Monterrey)
- Medical equipment and orthopedic products
- Perishables (avocados, berries, asparagus)
- Specialty foods (tequila, mezcal, chili, vanilla)
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.
Flowers & plants importing from Mexico?
Receive a tailored quote for import of Flowers & plants from Mexico. We reply on average within 4 hours.
The import process for Flowers & plants from Mexico
Quote & coordination
Pickup & export in Mexico
Arrival Schiphol & clearance
Delivery within the Netherlands
Frequently Asked Questions — Flowers & plants from Mexico
What IATA requirements apply for importing Flowers & plants?
Our local agent provides 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 import of Flowers & plants from Mexico cost?
The total cost includes air freight rates, handling, clearance, and possible import duties/VAT. For Flowers & plants (typically 50–5000 kg) we calculate this upfront so you face no surprises. Request a quote.
How long does import by air freight from Mexico take?
Flight time Mexico → Schiphol is approximately 11.5 hours. Including pickup in Mexico, flight, clearance, and delivery, the turnaround time averages 3–5 working days.
What documents are needed for importing Flowers & plants?
For import, commercial invoice, packing list, and Air Waybill are mandatory. For Flowers & plants additional Phytosanitary certificate, AWB, packing list, commercial invoice; CITES permit if applicable apply. Imports from countries outside the EU incur import duties and VAT — depending on the HS code.
Is Flowers & plants delivered to your home after clearance?
Yes. After clearance at Schiphol, we deliver throughout the Netherlands and the Benelux. You can also pick up at our warehouse in Aalsmeer.
Flowers & plants importing from Mexico?
Receive a tailored quote for import of Flowers & plants from Mexico. We reply on average within 4 hours.