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Vegetables & Fruit by Air Freight to Germany

Professional transport of Vegetables & Fruit from the Netherlands to Germany. IATA category perishables, flight time approx. 1.5 hours from Schiphol.

Vegetables & Fruit

Specifications & requirements

IATA · perishables
  • Temperature-controlled
  • Limited shelf life
  • Stackable
Transit time
24-72 hours door-to-warehouse; phytosanitary inspection may add an extra 4-8 hours
Temperature
4°C — 12°C
Required documents
  • Phytosanitary certificate, Certificate of Origin, commercial invoice, packing list
  • health certificate for animal products
Typical shippers
  • supermarket chains
  • fresh produce importers
  • traders
  • horticultural exporters

Fresh vegetables & fruit: air freight as the only option

Fresh vegetables and fruit have a shelf life of days — not weeks. Products like asparagus, strawberries, mangoes or avocados from distant destinations simply cannot be shipped by sea without quality loss. Air freight is the only way to bring fresh produce from the field to the supermarket within the product life cycle.

The Netherlands is the logistics hub of the European fresh produce trade. The proximity of Schiphol, the flower auction in Aalsmeer and the large cold stores in Haarlemmermeer make it the ideal hub for fresh air freight.

Popular routes

  • Kenya, Ethiopia → NL: French beans, sugar snaps, avocados
  • Peru, Chile → NL: berries, asparagus, grapes (winter season)
  • Morocco → NL: tomatoes, peppers (but also by road)
  • NL → worldwide: Dutch tomatoes, peppers, strawberries

Germany

Germany · Europe

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

Exporting to Germany

Germany is the Netherlands' largest trading partner, and as an EU member state, air freight to Germany is a smooth, minimal-documentation process. There are no export formalities due to the free movement of goods within the EU. However, many shippers choose air freight to Germany for urgent or high-value shipments that can’t wait for truck transport.

When to use air freight to Germany?

  • AOG (Aircraft on Ground) — parts that must be available immediately at another airport
  • Time-critical production components for the automotive or manufacturing industries
  • Valuable goods where road transport risks are too high
  • Goods already arriving by plane from a third country and destined for Germany

Aircargo.nl offers daily connections to Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), and Düsseldorf (DUS). Due to the short distance, same-day or next-morning delivery is possible in many cases.

Considerations for vegetables & fruit air freight

Cold chain

Fresh vegetables and fruit are extremely temperature sensitive. Depending on the product, the optimal transport temperature varies from 0–1°C (berries, leafy greens) to 10–14°C (tropical fruit). Aircargo.nl arranges specialized cold cargo handling at Schiphol and monitors the temperature chain from start to finish.

Phytosanitary inspections

All fresh products from non-EU countries undergo phytosanitary inspection upon entry into the EU. This can add 4–8 hours of extra processing time. Aircargo.nl notifies your shipment in advance to the NVWA to minimize delays.

Customs & import duties

Fresh fruit and vegetables fall under the EU Common Customs Tariff (CCT) and may incur high seasonal import duties — especially for products that compete with EU cultivation (tomatoes, strawberries, citrus).

Vegetables & Fruit exporting to Germany?

Get a specific quote for Vegetables & Fruit to Germany. We typically respond within 4 hours.

How we ship Vegetables & Fruit to Germany

1

Quote & booking

Based on weight, volume, and specific requirements for Vegetables & Fruit, we provide a quote within 4 hours and book capacity on the next direct flight to Germany.
2

Packaging & documents

According to IATA category perishables, we prepare all necessary documentation—including commercial invoice, packing list, and any export or certification requirements for Germany.
3

Export & departure Schiphol

Our AEO-certified customs team handles the export declaration. The shipment is handed over to the airline at Schiphol.
4

Arrival & delivery

After about 1.5 hours of flight, the shipment lands in Germany. Our local agent handles customs clearance and delivery to the desired address.

Frequently Asked Questions — Vegetables & Fruit to Germany

What IATA requirements apply to Vegetables & Fruit?

Vegetables & Fruit is classified under IATA category perishables. This determines packaging, labeling, and documentation requirements. Aircargo.nl fully manages this for you in compliance with the applicable IATA regulations.

What does air freight of Vegetables & Fruit to Germany cost?

The price depends on weight, volume, any special handling, and the chosen carrier. Vegetables & Fruit typically weighs between 100 and 10000 kg. Request a non-binding quote — we usually respond within 4 hours.

How long does delivery to Germany take?

The flight time from Schiphol to Germany is approximately 1.5 hours. Including pickup, export customs, and local delivery, the total transit time averages 3–5 business days.

What documents are needed to export Vegetables & Fruit to Germany?

Standard required documents include a commercial invoice, packing list, and Air Waybill. For Vegetables & Fruit, Phytosanitary certificate, Certificate of Origin, commercial invoice, packing list; health certificate for animal products are additionally required. Aircargo.nl prepares all documentation for you.

Can Aircargo.nl pick up Vegetables & Fruit from me?

Yes, we collect your shipment anywhere in the Netherlands. Alternatively, you can deliver yourself to our warehouse in Aalsmeer, just 10 minutes from Schiphol.

Vegetables & Fruit exporting to Germany?

Get a specific quote for Vegetables & Fruit to Germany. We typically respond within 4 hours.

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