Customs Clearance Flowers & Plants for India
We take care of the complete customs clearance for Flowers & Plants to and from India. AEO-F certified, experienced with the specific permits, certificates, and origin documents for this combination.
For Flowers & Plants between the Netherlands and India require attention on multiple fronts. On one side, product-specific rules apply for Flowers & Plants (HS codes, certificates, possibly DGR). On the other side, the trade regime between the EU and India (Derde land zonder akkoord) determines which import duties and origin documents apply.
On this page you will find the combination: what specifically applies to Flowers & Plants, plus what applies specifically to India, plus how Aircargo.nl handles this combination daily.
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 India
No free trade agreement between the EU and India (in negotiation for years). Standard MFN tariffs apply. Indian Customs (CBIC) is known for rigorous document checks and a tendency toward physical inspections. For Dutch exports to India: detailed IEC code of the importer, correct HS code, and accurate valuation are essential. Anti-dumping measures are active in India mainly against certain Chinese products — not relevant for EU export.
Typical Documents:
Commercial invoice with the Indian importer’s IEC code, packing list, Air Waybill, Certificate of Origin (issued by Chamber of Commerce), and possibly permits for specific goods (BIS certification for electronics).
Import Duties and Charges for Flowers & Plants India
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: India falls under “Derde land zonder akkoord.” Origin document for preferential tariff: factuurverklaring. 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 Flowers & Plants India
Frequently Asked Questions about Flowers & Plants India
How long does customs clearance take for Flowers & Plants from India?
With correct documentation, clearance typically occurs within a few hours at Schiphol. For India shipments, we use 4-10 hours at Schiphol; on the Indian side, processing can take longer if inspections are required as a benchmark. For Flowers & Plants, additional inspections (phytosanitary, veterinary, NVWA) may require extra time — we notify you in advance to minimize waiting times.
What documents do I need for Flowers & Plants India?
For Flowers & Plants: see the product-specific certificates above. For India: see typical documents above. The combination means we gather both sets and coordinate them. You provide commercial invoice, packing list, and any certificates — we validate and prepare the declaration.
Can I pay import duties for this flow in a grouped manner?
Yes. Under our DPO permit (Deferred Payment Option), you can pay import duties and VAT for Flowers & Plants from India collectively — monthly instead of per shipment.
Which origin document do I use for preferential tariff?
factuurverklaring. We prepare this document under our authorization as customs agents, provided the origin rules (including product-specific rules for Flowers & Plants) are met.
How does your service work in practice?
We handle the entire process: pre-declaration (Pre-Lodgement), import declaration (DMS), any NVWA notifications for Flowers & Plants, and payment processing under DPO if desired. You get a single point of contact for the whole clearance.
Ready for customs clearance of Flowers & Plants India?
Send us your shipment details for customs clearance of Flowers & Plants to India. We respond within 4 hours with a fixed price.