Customs Clearance Flowers & Plants for Singapore
Our customs team manages the complete customs clearance for Flowers & Plants to and from Singapore. AEO-F certified, experienced with the specific permits, certificates, and origin documents for this combination.
For Flowers & Plants between the Netherlands and Singapore 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 Singapore (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 applies specifically to Singapore, plus how Aircargo.nl handles this combination daily.
For Flowers & Plants from or to Singapore, you can benefit from the free trade agreement between the EU and Singapore. Origin document: REX. With 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 Singapore
EU-Singapore FTA (EUSFTA) in effect since November 2019: 0% duties for most industrial goods provided origin rules are followed. Singapore has one of the most efficient customs services worldwide — clearance within 1-2 hours is standard. No VAT upon import for commercial purposes (only 9% GST on final sale).
Typical Documents:
Commercial invoice with REX certificate of origin (statement on origin), packing list, Air Waybill, for specific goods TradeNet declaration by Singaporean agent.
Import Duties and Charges for Flowers & Plants Singapore
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: Singapore falls under “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 Flowers & Plants Singapore
Frequently Asked Questions about Flowers & Plants Singapore
How long does customs clearance take for Flowers & Plants from Singapore?
With correct documentation, clearance typically occurs within a few hours at Schiphol. For Singapore shipments, we use 2-4 hours at Schiphol; 1-2 hours in Singapore (very efficient) 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 Singapore?
For Flowers & Plants: see the product-specific certificates above. For Singapore: 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 Singapore collectively — monthly instead of per shipment.
Which origin document do I use for preferential tariff?
REX. 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 Singapore?
Send us your shipment details for customs clearance of Flowers & Plants to Singapore. We respond within 4 hours with a fixed price.