Flowers & plants importing from Turkey
Skilled transport of Flowers & plants from Turkey to the Netherlands. IATA category perishables, flight time approximately 3.5 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
Turkey
Turkey · Asia
- machinery
- automotive parts
- pharmaceuticals
- agri-equipment
- technology
Importing from Turkey
Imports from Turkey are diverse: textiles and fashion, automotive parts, hazelnuts and dried fruits, high-quality machinery, and — specifically for air freight — fresh products like citrus fruits and cherries. Schiphol receives daily volumes from IST.
Air Freight vs. Sea and Road Transport
Sea freight from Istanbul or Mersin to Rotterdam takes 8–12 days. Road transport is a popular alternative and takes 5–7 days. Air freight via Schiphol is ready for clearance within 1 working day — ideal for fresh products and urgent shipments.
Customs for Imports from Turkey
Under the EU-Turkey customs union, industrial products can be imported duty-free with an A.TR certificate. Agricultural products are subject to EU import duties or preferential tariffs under EUR.1. Fresh products require EU phytosanitary inspections via the NVWA. Aircargo.nl handles complete customs clearance.
Top Imported Goods from Turkey
- Fresh products (citrus, cherries, grapes, figs)
- Hazelnuts and dried fruits
- Textiles, fashion, and leather goods
- Automotive parts and machine components
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 Turkey?
Receive a tailored quote for import of Flowers & plants from Turkey. We reply on average within 4 hours.
The import process for Flowers & plants from Turkey
Quote & coordination
Pickup & export in Turkey
Arrival Schiphol & clearance
Delivery within the Netherlands
Frequently Asked Questions — Flowers & plants from Turkey
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 Turkey 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 Turkey take?
Flight time Turkey → Schiphol is approximately 3.5 hours. Including pickup in Turkey, 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 Turkey?
Receive a tailored quote for import of Flowers & plants from Turkey. We reply on average within 4 hours.