Importing Flowers & plants from Thailand
Expert transport of Flowers & plants from Thailand to the Netherlands. IATA category perishables, flight time approximately 11 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
Thailand
Thailand · Asia
- automotive parts
- machinery
- agri-technology
- pharmaceuticals
- high-tech
Importing from Thailand
Thailand is a major supplier of fresh products (orchids, tropical fruit, seafood), automotive parts (Thailand is the "Detroit of Asia"), electronics, jewelry, and specialty foods. Many Dutch importers receive weekly shipments via Schiphol.
Air Freight vs. Sea Freight
Sea freight from Laem Chabang or Bangkok to Rotterdam takes 25–32 days. Air freight via Schiphol is customs-cleared within 1–2 business days—essential for fresh products like orchids and tropical fruit, as well as automotive AOG parts.
Customs for Imports from Thailand
Under the EU GSP system, many Thai products qualify for reduced import duties if accompanied by a valid Form A. Fresh products undergo EU phytosanitary and veterinary inspections at Schiphol via the NVWA. Aircargo.nl handles full customs clearance including NVWA and KCB coordination for fresh products.
Popular Goods from Thailand
- Fresh products (orchids, tropical fruit, seafood)
- Automotive parts and components
- Jewelry and gemstones
- Specialty foods (sauces, spices, dried fruits)
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.
Import {[|]} Flowers & plants from Thailand?
Request a customized quote for importing Flowers & plants from Thailand. We respond on average within 4 hours.
How We Import Flowers & plants from Thailand
Quote & Coordination
Pickup & Export in Thailand
Arrival at Schiphol & Clearance
Delivery in the Netherlands
Frequently Asked Questions — Flowers & plants from Thailand
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 Thailand?
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 Thailand take?
Flight time from Thailand to Schiphol is about 11 hours. Including pickup in Thailand, 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 Thailand?
Request a customized quote for importing Flowers & plants from Thailand. We respond on average within 4 hours.