Importing Flowers & Plants from Saudi Arabia
Specialized transport of Flowers & Plants from Saudi Arabia to the Netherlands. IATA category perishables, flight time approximately 6 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
- horticulture businesses
Why ship flowers & plants by air freight?
Cut flowers and plants have a shelf life of only a few days. Air freight is not just an option — it’s the only option. Roses picked in Kenya on Monday need to be at the auction in Aalsmeer by Wednesday. This is only possible through air freight 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 years of experience with the specific demands of flower transport: speed, cooling, phytosanitary documentation, and direct delivery to the auction.
Typical flower transport routes
- Kenya (roses, lilies) → Schiphol: several times daily
- Ecuador & Colombia (roses, chrysanthemums) → Schiphol via Miami or direct
- Ethiopia → Schiphol: growing cut flower sector
- Export Dutch flowers → USA, Japan, Russia, China
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia · Asia
- machinery
- spare parts
- pharmaceuticals
- foodstuffs
- automotive parts
Importing from Saudi Arabia
Imports from Saudi Arabia mainly consist of petrochemical products, plastics, dates, and specialized industrial components. For air freight, we mostly see high-value shipments, samples, and urgent spare parts for the chemical sector.
Air freight vs. sea freight
Sea freight from Jeddah or Dammam takes 18–22 days to Rotterdam. Air freight via Schiphol takes 1–2 business days including handling — ideal for samples, AOG spare parts, or urgent replacements.
Customs for imports from Saudi Arabia
EU import duties apply based on the HS code. Anti-dumping or countervailing duties may apply for petrochemical products. Aircargo.nl manages full customs clearance with Dutch customs and provides fiscal representation when needed.
Frequently requested goods from Saudi Arabia
- Petrochemical semi-finished products and plastics
- Industrial components and samples
- Specialty chemicals for the European market
- Dates and specific food products
Key considerations for flower transport
Cold chain
Flowers must be kept at 2–8°C throughout transport. Any break in temperature accelerates aging and reduces shelf life for the end buyer. Aircargo.nl only works with certified cold-chain handlers at Schiphol.
Phytosanitary requirements
Imports of plants and cut flowers from outside the EU require a phytosanitary certificate. This certificate is issued by the plant health authority of the exporting country and confirms the shipment is free of pests. Aircargo.nl routinely verifies 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’re unsure about the CITES status of your products.
Import {[|]} Flowers & Plants from Saudi Arabia?
Request a customized quote for importing Flowers & Plants from Saudi Arabia. We respond on average within 4 hours.
How We Import Flowers & Plants from Saudi Arabia
Quote & Coordination
Pickup & Export in Saudi Arabia
Arrival at Schiphol & Clearance
Delivery in the Netherlands
Frequently Asked Questions — Flowers & Plants from Saudi Arabia
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 Saudi Arabia?
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 Saudi Arabia take?
Flight time from Saudi Arabia to Schiphol is about 6 hours. Including pickup in Saudi Arabia, 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 Saudi Arabia?
Request a customized quote for importing Flowers & Plants from Saudi Arabia. We respond on average within 4 hours.