Flowers & plants importing 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
- 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
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia · Asia
- machinery
- spare parts
- pharmaceuticals
- food products
- 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 primarily see high-value shipments, samples, and urgent 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 depending 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.
Popular goods imported from Saudi Arabia
- Petrochemical semi-finished products and plastics
- Industrial components and samples
- Specialty chemicals for the European market
- Dates and specific food products
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 Saudi Arabia?
Receive a tailored quote for import of Flowers & plants from Saudi Arabia. We reply on average within 4 hours.
The import process for Flowers & plants from Saudi Arabia
Quote & coordination
Pickup & export in Saudi Arabia
Arrival Schiphol & clearance
Delivery within the Netherlands
Frequently Asked Questions — Flowers & plants from Saudi Arabia
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 Saudi Arabia 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 Saudi Arabia take?
Flight time Saudi Arabia → Schiphol is approximately 6 hours. Including pickup in Saudi Arabia, 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 Saudi Arabia?
Receive a tailored quote for import of Flowers & plants from Saudi Arabia. We reply on average within 4 hours.