Importing Electronics from America
Professional transport of Electronics from America to the Netherlands. IATA category general, flight time approximately 9 hours to Schiphol.
Electronics
Specifications & requirements
- High value
- Stackable
- Commercial invoice, packing list, AWB
- lithium battery declaration (if applicable)
- dual-use screening
- EXP declaration for export outside EU
- OEM manufacturers
- electronics wholesalers
- e-commerce retailers
- contract manufacturers
Why electronics by air freight?
Electronics is especially well suited for air freight. The high value per kilogram makes the relatively higher transport costs of air freight economically justifiable — and the short lead time limits the capital tied up in goods in transit.
Production lines come to a halt if parts don't arrive on time. Air freight guarantees that your PCBs, semiconductors or displays are on the production floor within days — not weeks as with sea freight. This makes air freight not only fast but also financially wise for high-value, time-critical components.
Typical air freight shipments electronics
- Semiconductor chips and wafers (high risk, high value)
- Replacement parts for production equipment (machine downtime costs thousands per hour)
- Consumer electronics for seasonal peaks (Black Friday, Christmas)
- Medical electronic equipment (strict regulation, time-critical)
- Prototypes and pre-series products for product launches
United States
United States · North America
- electronics
- pharmaceuticals
- machinery
- auto parts
- valuable goods
Importing from the United States
Imports from the US often involve high-value goods: medical equipment, semiconductors, aerospace parts, pharmaceuticals, and specialized machinery. The approximately 9-hour flight time makes air freight the logical choice for time-sensitive or valuable shipments.
Customs on imports from the US
The US and the EU do not have a free trade agreement, so standard EU import duties apply. Additional MDR/IVDR requirements apply for pharmaceuticals and medical devices when imported into the EU. Aerospace parts fall under EASA regulations and require specific certificates (EASA Form 1 or FAA 8130-3).
Popular goods imported from the US
- Medical and surgical equipment
- Semiconductors and chipsets
- Aerospace parts (AOG)
- Pharmaceuticals and biotech products
- Machinery and industrial tools
Aircargo.nl manages daily imports from the US — including customs clearance, any FDA documentation, and delivery throughout the Netherlands.
Points of attention for air freight electronics
Electronics is a broad category — from consumer gadgets to industrial PCBs and semiconductors. Most points of attention revolve around two things: lithium batteries and export control.
Lithium batteries (DGR)
Products with built-in or loose lithium batteries are subject to IATA DGR regulations (UN3480, UN3481, UN3090, UN3091). This also applies to phones, laptops and power banks. Shipments must be correctly classified, packaged and documented. Aircargo.nl is DGR-certified and handles this completely.
Export control
Certain electronics and semiconductors fall under dual-use regulations (EU Dual-Use Regulation 2021/821). For export to countries outside the EU an export license may be required. This applies particularly to chips, encryption equipment and communication technology. Aircargo.nl routinely screens for export control obligations.
Packaging & ESD
- ESD-sensitive components must be in antistatic packaging
- Screen markings (screens, displays) require firmly supported transport
- High-value shipments are transported securely (screened cargo)
Import {[|]} Electronics from United States?
Receive a specific quote for importing Electronics from United States. We reply on average within 4 hours.
The Import Process for Electronics from United States
Quote & Coordination
Pickup & Export in United States
Arrival at Schiphol & Clearance
Delivery in the Netherlands
Frequently Asked Questions — Electronics from United States
What IATA requirements apply for importing Electronics?
Our local agent handles export documentation according to IATA category general. 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 Electronics from United States?
The total cost includes air freight rates, handling, clearance, and any import duties/VAT. For Electronics (typically 5–5000 kg), we quote upfront so there are no surprises. Request a quote.
How long does importing by air freight from United States take?
Flight time from United States to Schiphol is about 9 hours. Including pickup in United States, flight, clearance, and delivery, the turnaround time averages 3–5 business days.
What documents are required for importing Electronics?
For import, a commercial invoice, packing list, and Air Waybill are mandatory. For Electronics, Commercial invoice, packing list, AWB; lithium battery declaration (if applicable); dual-use screening; EXP declaration for export outside EU are also required. Imports from outside the EU are subject to import duties and VAT, depending on the HS code.
Is Electronics 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 {[|]} Electronics from United States?
Receive a specific quote for importing Electronics from United States. We reply on average within 4 hours.