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Importing Machines & parts from America

Specialized transport of Machines & parts from America to the Netherlands. IATA category general, flight time approximately 9 hours to Schiphol.

Machines & parts

Specifications & requirements

IATA · general
Transit time
2-5 working days standard; 24-48 hours possible for AOG/urgent
Required documents
  • Detailed packing list with part numbers and values, commercial invoice, AWB
  • CE documentation
  • ATA carnet for temporary import
Typical shippers
  • manufacturing industry
  • automotive OEMs and suppliers
  • installation services
  • project logistics

Why machines & parts by air freight?

Machines and industrial parts are heavy and large — not the first association with air freight. Yet air freight is often the best choice for this type of goods, for three reasons:

1. Downtime costs more than transport — A production line halted due to a defective part often costs €5,000–50,000 per day in lost revenue. The extra cost of air freight versus sea freight is then negligible.

2. Value versus weight — Precision parts (CNC tools, hydraulic pumps, servo motors) have high value per kilogram. The air freight rates are reasonable relative to the value.

3. Time-critical projects — For installations, commissioning or repairs where technicians are waiting, delays are unacceptable. Air freight guarantees certainty about arrival time.

United States

United States · North America

Non-EU
Flight time
9 hours to Schiphol
Timezone
UTC−5
Currency
USD
Continent
North America
Customs complexity Medium
Top exports
  • 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 machines & parts

Weight and dimensions

Machines and heavy parts often exceed standard air freight dimensions or weights. Shipments over 500 kg per piece or with oversized dimensions require special freighter flights or positions on a cargo aircraft. Aircargo.nl has access to freighters from KLM Cargo, Lufthansa Cargo and other carriers for oversized cargo.

Detailed packing list

Machines generally have a complex composition: multiple parts, materials and values. A detailed and accurate packing list is essential for customs clearance, especially for destinations with high import duties on capital goods (India, Brazil).

AOG situations

When a mechanical production process stops due to a defective part, every minute is precious. Aircargo.nl has a 24/7 AOG desk for time-critical machine parts — from booking to delivery on the production floor.

Import {[|]} Machines & parts from United States?

Receive a specific quote for importing Machines & parts from United States. We reply on average within 4 hours.

The Import Process for Machines & parts from United States

1

Quote & Coordination

Based on the specific requirements for Machines & parts we prepare a quote within 4 hours. Our agent in United States coordinates pickup and local export customs clearance.
2

Pickup & Export in United States

The agent in United States handles pickup, packaging according to IATA category general, and local export declaration. The shipment boards the next available direct flight.
3

Arrival at Schiphol & Clearance

After about 9 hours of flight, the shipment lands at Schiphol. Our AEO-certified customs department handles clearance—typically within a few hours.
4

Delivery in the Netherlands

Delivery from our warehouse in Aalsmeer to your address in the Netherlands or the Benelux, with track & trace on every shipment.

Frequently Asked Questions — Machines & parts from United States

What IATA requirements apply for importing Machines & parts?

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 Machines & parts from United States?

The total cost includes air freight rates, handling, clearance, and any import duties/VAT. For Machines & parts (typically 200–50000 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 Machines & parts?

For import, a commercial invoice, packing list, and Air Waybill are mandatory. For Machines & parts, Detailed packing list with part numbers and values, commercial invoice, AWB; CE documentation; ATA carnet for temporary import are also required. Imports from outside the EU are subject to import duties and VAT, depending on the HS code.

Is Machines & parts 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 {[|]} Machines & parts from United States?

Receive a specific quote for importing Machines & parts from United States. We reply on average within 4 hours.

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