Customs Clearance for Fruits & Vegetables to and from China
Our customs team handles the complete customs clearance for Fruits & Vegetables to and from China. AEO-F certified, experienced with specific permits, certificates, and origin documents for this combination.
For Fruits & Vegetables concerning China require attention on multiple fronts. On one side are the product-specific rules for Fruits & Vegetables (HS codes, certificates, possibly DGR). On the other side: the trade regime between the EU and China (Derde land zonder akkoord) determines which import duties and origin documents apply.
On this page you will find the combination: what specifically applies to Fruits & Vegetables, plus what specifically applies to China, plus how Aircargo.nl handles this combination daily.
Specific Rules for Fruits & Vegetables
Fresh fruits and vegetables are subject to the plant passport scheme and the Common Health Entry Document (CHED) upon import. The NVWA inspects every shipment from risk countries. Additional measures apply for citrus, grapes, and brassicas to prevent Xanthomonas and other quarantine organisms. Arrival and customs declaration must be coordinated as tightly as possible to minimize freshness loss.
HS Code Examples:
Fresh vegetables — chapter 07: 0702.00 tomatoes, 0703.10 onions, 0704.90 cabbage. Fruit — chapter 08: 0803.90 bananas, 0805.10 oranges, 0806.10 grapes, 0808.10 apples. Some codes have seasonal import duties (variable tariffs according to GMO regulation).
Specific Rules for China
By far the largest non-EU origin of Dutch air freight. No free trade agreement between the EU and China — shipments are subject to standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariffs. Anti-dumping measures apply to various product groups: aluminum, steel products, bicycles, e-bikes, certain LED products, urea, and solar panels under specific conditions. Counterfeit controls are more intensive than average.
Typical Documents:
Commercial invoice, packing list, Air Waybill, Certificate of Origin (via CCPIT) optional for trade purposes, dual-use screening for electronics, anti-dumping checks for steel/aluminum/bicycles.
Import Duties and Fees for Fruits & Vegetables from China
Import duties on fresh fruits and vegetables are highly variable and often seasonal. Many products feature an entry price system under the GMO regulation—specific tariffs apply below a minimum price. Tropical fruits (bananas, pineapples): 0-176 EUR per 1000kg. From LDC or GSP countries often 0%. VAT: 9%.
Under which regime: China falls under the “Derde land zonder akkoord”. Origin document for preferential tariff: factuurverklaring. We calculate exactly what you owe in advance and prepare the correct origin document.
ACE (Approved Consignee) is crucial for fast clearance at Schiphol. DPO (Deferred Payment) helps importers with daily volumes to pay import duties in bulk. CGU covers the guarantee.
Key Figures for Fruits & Vegetables China
Frequently Asked Questions about Fruits & Vegetables China
How long does customs clearance take for Fruits & Vegetables from China?
With correct documentation, release usually follows within a few hours at Schiphol. For China shipments, we expect 4-8 hours after Schiphol arrival (provided AEO status and correct paperwork). Additional inspections (phytosanitary, veterinary, NVWA) may require extra time for Fruits & Vegetables — we notify you in advance to minimize waiting times.
What documents do I need for Fruits & Vegetables China?
For Fruits & Vegetables: see the product-specific certificates above. For China: 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 Fruits & Vegetables from China on a grouped basis — monthly instead of per shipment.
Which origin document do I use for a preferential tariff?
factuurverklaring. We prepare this document under our authorization as customs broker, provided the origin rules (including product-specific rules for Fruits & Vegetables) are met.
How does your service work in practice?
We provide complete handling: pre-lodgement, import declaration (DMS), any NVWA notifications for Fruits & Vegetables, and payment processing under DPO if desired. You get one point of contact for the entire process.
Ready for customs clearance of Fruits & Vegetables China?
Send us your shipment details for customs clearance of Fruits & Vegetables to China. We respond within 4 hours with a fixed price.