Customs Clearance for Flowers & Plants to and from Canada
We manage the complete customs clearance for Flowers & Plants to and from Canada. AEO-F certified, experienced with specific permits, certificates, and origin documents for this combination.
For Flowers & Plants between the Netherlands and Canada require attention on multiple fronts. On one side are the product-specific rules for Flowers & Plants (HS codes, certificates, possibly DGR). On the other side: the trade regime between the EU and Canada (Derde land met vrijhandelsakkoord) determines which import duties and origin documents apply.
On this page you will find the combination: what specifically applies to Flowers & Plants, plus what specifically applies to Canada, plus how Aircargo.nl handles this combination daily.
For Flowers & Plants from or to Canada, you can benefit from the free trade agreement between the EU and Canada. Origin document: REX. With a correct origin declaration, 0% or reduced import duties apply. Note: Flowers & Plants often have product-specific origin rules (Product Specific Rules). We verify in advance if your shipment qualifies.
Specific Rules for Flowers & Plants
Flowers and plants are phytosanitary sensitive. For every shipment from a third country, Dutch Customs plus the NVWA require a valid phytosanitary certificate. For CITES species (orchids, certain cycas varieties) a CITES permit is additionally required. Inspections are consistently more stringent than for ordinary goods due to strict visual inspection protocols.
HS Code Examples:
Cut flowers — chapter 06: 0603.11 roses, 0603.12 carnations, 0603.19 other fresh cut flowers. Live plants: 0602.90 other live plants. Bulbs and tubers: 0601.10. For export use 8-digit CN codes, for import 10-digit TARIC codes.
Specific Rules for Canada
CETA — EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement — provisionally in effect since 2017. 0% duties on ~98% of all goods when origin rules are followed. Origin Declaration on the invoice suffices (REX system). Canadian customs (CBSA) is efficient and transparent. Specific registrations apply for agricultural and pharmaceutical products (Health Canada, CFIA).
Typical Documents:
Commercial invoice with REX origin statement, packing list, Air Waybill, possibly CFIA permit for food, Health Canada registration for pharmaceuticals.
Import Duties and Fees for Flowers & Plants from Canada
Import duties on cut flowers from non-EU countries generally range from 5-12% depending on type and season. Under free trade agreements (Kenya under EBA, Israel, Morocco) duties are often 0%. On top of import duties there is 9% VAT for fresh flowers in the Netherlands.
Under which regime: Canada falls under the “Derde land met vrijhandelsakkoord”. Origin document for preferential tariff: REX. We calculate exactly what you owe in advance and prepare the correct origin document.
Our ACE license (Authorized Consignor) allows flower shipments to come directly from Schiphol to our facility in Aalsmeer — crucial due to the short shelf life. With our DPO license (Deferred Payment), we invoice import duties grouped instead of per shipment.
Key Figures for Flowers & Plants Canada
Frequently Asked Questions about Flowers & Plants Canada
How long does customs clearance take for Flowers & Plants from Canada?
With correct documentation, release usually follows within a few hours at Schiphol. For Canada shipments, we expect 3-5 hours at Schiphol; 2-6 hours on the Canadian side (efficient). Additional inspections (phytosanitary, veterinary, NVWA) may require extra time for Flowers & Plants — we notify you in advance to minimize waiting times.
What documents do I need for Flowers & Plants Canada?
For Flowers & Plants: see the product-specific certificates above. For Canada: see typical documents above. The combination means we gather both sets and coordinate them. You provide the commercial invoice, packing list, and any certificates — we validate and file the declaration.
Can I pay import duties for this flow on a grouped basis?
Yes. Under our DPO permit (Deferred Payment), you can pay import duties and VAT for Flowers & Plants from Canada on a grouped basis — monthly instead of per shipment.
Which origin document do I use for a preferential tariff?
REX. We prepare this document under our authorization as customs broker, provided the origin rules (including product-specific rules for Flowers & Plants) are met.
How does your service work in practice?
We provide complete handling: pre-lodgement, import declaration (DMS), any NVWA notifications for Flowers & Plants, and payment processing under DPO if desired. You get one point of contact for the entire process.
Ready for customs clearance of Flowers & Plants Canada?
Send us your shipment details for customs clearance of Flowers & Plants to Canada. We respond within 4 hours with a fixed price.