Importing Vegetables & Fruit from Thailand
Specialized transport of Vegetables & Fruit from Thailand to the Netherlands. IATA category perishables, flight time approximately 11 hours to Schiphol.
Vegetables & Fruit
Specifications & requirements
- Temperature-controlled
- Limited shelf life
- Stackable
- Phytosanitary certificate, Certificate of Origin, commercial invoice, packing list
- health certificate for animal products
- 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
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)
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).
Import {[|]} Vegetables & Fruit from Thailand?
Request a customized quote for importing Vegetables & Fruit from Thailand. We respond on average within 4 hours.
How We Import Vegetables & Fruit from Thailand
Quote & Coordination
Pickup & Export in Thailand
Arrival at Schiphol & Clearance
Delivery in the Netherlands
Frequently Asked Questions — Vegetables & Fruit from Thailand
What IATA requirements apply for importing Vegetables & Fruit?
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 Vegetables & Fruit from Thailand?
The total cost includes air freight rates, handling, clearance, and any import duties/VAT. For Vegetables & Fruit (typically 100–10000 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 Vegetables & Fruit?
For import, a commercial invoice, packing list, and Air Waybill are mandatory. For Vegetables & Fruit, Phytosanitary certificate, Certificate of Origin, commercial invoice, packing list; health certificate for animal products are also required. Imports from outside the EU are subject to import duties and VAT, depending on the HS code.
Is Vegetables & Fruit 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 {[|]} Vegetables & Fruit from Thailand?
Request a customized quote for importing Vegetables & Fruit from Thailand. We respond on average within 4 hours.