Dangerous Goods air freight from Turkey to Kazakhstan

Dangerous goods by air freight: how it works

Dangerous goods — from chemicals and acids to lithium batteries, gas cylinders, and pyrotechnics — can indeed be transported by air freight, provided they are correctly classified, packaged, and documented according to IATA DGR regulations.

Not every company has a DGR-certified employee in-house. Aircargo.nl takes care of this completely: we classify your goods, prepare the Shipper's Declaration, select the appropriate airline (not every airline accepts every DGR class), and ensure your shipment flies compliant.

Common DGR categories we ship

• Lithium batteries (UN3480, UN3481) — the most common DGR in air freight
• Liquids and chemicals (class 3, 6, 8)
• Aerosol cans and gases (class 2)
• Corrosive substances and acids (class 8)
• Magnetic materials (relevant for air navigation)

Exporting to Turkey

Turkey is one of the Netherlands’ key trading partners just outside the EU. The country is part of a customs union with the EU for industrial products, which greatly simplifies import procedures. Schiphol offers multiple direct cargo flights daily to Istanbul (IST) via Turkish Cargo — the market leader in air freight. Cargo-to-cargo transit typically takes 4–6 hours.

Customs & regulations

The EU-Turkey customs union applies to industrial products: Dutch goods in free circulation can be cleared duty-free under an A.TR certificate. This customs union does not apply to agricultural products — EUR.1 certificates or standard import duties are required in those cases. For foodstuffs, cosmetics, and medical devices, TITCK and Tarim Bakanligi registrations are necessary.

Practical tips

• A correct A.TR certificate is vital for duty-free clearance — verify this for every shipment
• Account for inflation-related exchange rate fluctuations when pricing
• Documentation in Turkish or English is accepted — Turkish customs are largely digitalized

Aircargo.nl works closely with Turkish Cargo and local agents in Istanbul, managing the full documentation process — including A.TR and EUR.1 certificates — for smooth handling.

Importing from Kazakhstan

Imports from Kazakhstan via air cargo are relatively limited and mainly involve high-quality industrial components, mining samples, pharmaceutical raw materials, and certain specialty foods such as caviar.

Air Cargo vs. Sea/Rail

Kazakhstan is landlocked — sea freight is not an option. Rail transport via the Trans-Asian route takes 18–25 days to Rotterdam, while air cargo via Schiphol is customs cleared within 1–3 business days. For urgent shipments or high-value goods, air freight is the logical choice.

Customs on Imports from Kazakhstan

EU import duties apply depending on the HS code. Reduced rates may apply under the GSP system for certain goods. Aircargo.nl handles clearance at Schiphol and offers fiscal representation when needed.

Frequently Requested Goods from Kazakhstan

• Mining samples and soil specimens
• Pharmaceutical raw materials and uranium derivatives (under license)
• Industrial parts and spare parts
• Specialty foods and agricultural samples

Turkey as a crosstrade hub

Istanbul (IST) is one of the most advanced cargo hubs in the world and home to Turkish Cargo — the market leader in air freight volume in Europe. Schiphol extensively uses Istanbul as a transit hub for shipments to Central Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Conversely, cargo from these regions is routed via IST to AMS for European distribution.

Aircargo.nl maintains direct connections with Turkish Cargo and local agents in Istanbul, coordinating freight documentation for both transit shipments and destination traffic to Turkey itself.

Important points for DGR shipments

IATA DGR classification mandatory

Dangerous goods must be classified according to the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR). The classification determines the UN class, packing group, permitted quantities per package, and the mode of transport (passenger aircraft or cargo aircraft only).

Documentation

Every DGR shipment requires a fully completed Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods, signed by a trained DGR specialist. Aircargo.nl employs certified DGR experts who prepare and verify all documentation.

Packaging

DGR goods must be packed in UN-certified packaging suitable for the UN class and packing group. Incorrect packaging is the most common reason for refusal by the airline.

Airline approval

Not all airlines accept all types of DGR. Aircargo.nl always selects the right carrier based on the DGR profile of your shipment.