Importing Flowers & plants from America
Professional transport of Flowers & plants from America to the Netherlands. IATA category perishables, flight time approximately 9 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
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 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.
Import {[|]} Flowers & plants from United States?
Receive a specific quote for importing Flowers & plants from United States. We reply on average within 4 hours.
The Import Process for Flowers & plants from United States
Quote & Coordination
Pickup & Export in United States
Arrival at Schiphol & Clearance
Delivery in the Netherlands
Frequently Asked Questions — Flowers & plants from United States
What IATA requirements apply for importing Flowers & plants?
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 Flowers & plants from United States?
The total cost includes air freight rates, handling, clearance, and any import duties/VAT. For Flowers & plants (typically 50–5000 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 Flowers & plants?
For import, a commercial invoice, packing list, and Air Waybill are mandatory. For Flowers & plants, Phytosanitary certificate, AWB, packing list, commercial invoice; CITES permit if applicable are also required. Imports from outside the EU are subject to import duties and VAT, depending on the HS code.
Is Flowers & plants 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 {[|]} Flowers & plants from United States?
Receive a specific quote for importing Flowers & plants from United States. We reply on average within 4 hours.