Dangerous Goods air freight from United States to Turkey

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 the United States

The US is the largest importer in the world and a top destination for Dutch exporters. Schiphol offers daily direct cargo flights to New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago (ORD), and Atlanta (ATL), with a flight time of about 9 hours. Due to the wide availability, air freight rates to the US are generally competitive.

US Customs & Border Protection (CBP)

US customs requires a correct Airway Bill, commercial invoice, and packing list for every shipment. Shipments over $800 require a formal customs entry (ISF declaration). Electronics, pharmaceuticals, and dual-use goods may require additional permits, such as an EAR export license or FDA registration of the manufacturer.

What you need to know

• Lithium batteries are subject to IATA DGR rules — always notify in advance
• Certain goods fall under EAR (Export Administration Regulations) and require a BIS license
• The US has no VAT but does charge customs duties — your buyer pays these upon import
• ISF 10+2 declaration is mandatory for sea freight; AMS (Advance Manifest System) applies for air freight

Aircargo.nl handles the complete export documentation towards the US and has established relationships with US customs agents at all major hubs.

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

US as a crosstrade hub via Schiphol

Schiphol is one of the few European airports with a fully equipped customs bonded warehouse, allowing goods from the US to transit via AMS to Asia, the Middle East, or Africa without formal EU import procedures. This makes the US–Schiphol route particularly suitable as a crosstrade hub for multinationals organizing their European distribution through the Netherlands.

Aircargo.nl coordinates US crosstrades for clients in sectors such as pharma, aviation, and tech, managing the full transit — including handling, documentation, and onward carriage — from a single point.

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.