Importing Pharmaceuticals from Thailand
Professional transport of Pharmaceuticals from Thailand to the Netherlands. IATA category pharma, flight time approximately 11 hours to Schiphol.
Pharmaceuticals
Specifications & requirements
- High value
- Temperature-controlled
- Limited shelf life
- Stackable
- GDP certificate, commercial invoice, packing list, temperature requirement specification, temperature logger report
- possibly import/export permit for controlled substances
- pharmaceutical manufacturers
- CROs
- hospital pharmacies
- wholesalers
- biotech startups
Why pharmaceuticals by air freight?
Pharmaceuticals require speed, control, and traceability — three core qualities of air freight. Medicines, vaccines, and biologicals are valuable, time-critical, and temperature-sensitive. Sea transport takes weeks and offers insufficient control over the cold chain. Air freight takes 1–3 days — with continuous monitoring.
Schiphol is one of Europe's leading pharma cargo hubs: KLM Cargo's Pharma Gateway Amsterdam (PGA) is certified for GDP transport and offers specialized storage and handling facilities for pharmaceutical air freight at the airport itself.
When is air freight indispensable for pharma?
- Clinical trials: samples and study medication must arrive exactly on time
- Acute drug shortages where every day counts
- Vaccines and biologicals with short shelf life or strict cold chain
- High-value APIs where risk of delay is unacceptable
- Compassionate use: individual patient shipments
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 air freight pharmaceuticals
GDP transport mandatory
Pharmaceuticals must be transported according to Good Distribution Practice (GDP) guidelines. This means an unbroken cold chain with temperature recording, certified storage, and documentation proving that the temperature remained within the required range during the entire transport. Aircargo.nl works exclusively with GDP-certified handlers and airlines.
Temperature requirements
Most pharmaceutical products require transport at 2–8°C (cold chain) or 15–25°C (room temperature). Biologicals, vaccines, and certain diagnostics require -20°C or lower (frozen transport). Each shipment is provided with a calibrated temperature logger and a temperature excursion report if applicable.
Regulatory documentation
- GDP certificate from the sender
- Import or export permit depending on product type and destination country
- Controlled substances: DEA license (US) or national narcotics permit
- Batch release certificates for biologicals
Import {[|]} Pharmaceuticals from Thailand?
Receive a specific quote for importing Pharmaceuticals from Thailand. We reply on average within 4 hours.
The Import Process for Pharmaceuticals from Thailand
Quote & Coordination
Pickup & Export in Thailand
Arrival at Schiphol & Clearance
Delivery in the Netherlands
Frequently Asked Questions — Pharmaceuticals from Thailand
What IATA requirements apply for importing Pharmaceuticals?
Our local agent handles export documentation according to IATA category pharma. 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 Pharmaceuticals from Thailand?
The total cost includes air freight rates, handling, clearance, and any import duties/VAT. For Pharmaceuticals (typically 10–2000 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 Pharmaceuticals?
For import, a commercial invoice, packing list, and Air Waybill are mandatory. For Pharmaceuticals, GDP certificate, commercial invoice, packing list, temperature requirement specification, temperature logger report; possibly import/export permit for controlled substances are also required. Imports from outside the EU are subject to import duties and VAT, depending on the HS code.
Is Pharmaceuticals 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 {[|]} Pharmaceuticals from Thailand?
Receive a specific quote for importing Pharmaceuticals from Thailand. We reply on average within 4 hours.