Customs Clearance for Pharmaceuticals to and from United States
Aircargo.nl handles the complete customs clearance for Pharmaceuticals to and from United States. AEO-F certified, experienced with specific permits, certificates, and origin documents for this combination.
Shipments of Pharmaceuticals concerning United States have specific customs considerations. On one side are the product-specific rules for Pharmaceuticals (HS codes, certificates, possibly DGR). On the other side: the trade regime between the EU and United States (Derde land zonder akkoord) determines which import duties and origin documents apply.
Below you will read the combination: what specifically applies to Pharmaceuticals, plus what specifically applies to United States, plus how Aircargo.nl handles this combination daily.
Specific Rules for Pharmaceuticals
Pharmaceutical shipments are subject to strict regulations on multiple fronts. Customs requires GMP and GDP-compliant distribution licenses; the IGJ (Healthcare and Youth Inspectorate) oversees product specifications; and narcotics or psychotropic substances require an opium law permit from the CIBG. Temperature excursions are grounds for rejection — ensure comprehensive documentation for the entire chain.
HS Code Examples:
Chapter 30 — pharmaceutical products: 3004.90 other medicines, 3002.41 vaccines, 3006.30 diagnostic reagents. For clinical samples: 3002.12. Importers of medicines are subject to stricter TARIC controls than supplements or medical devices (Chapter 90).
Specific Rules for United States
Major trading partner of the EU without a free trade agreement. From the US to the EU: standard MFN tariffs plus possible anti-dumping duties on steel and aluminum. Sanctions on specific entities via OFAC. For exports to the US, specific US Customs requirements apply: AES filing for shipments over $2,500 or license-controlled goods, ITAR for military and dual-use items.
Typical Documents:
Commercial invoice, packing list, Air Waybill, EORI on the EU side, ITN (Internal Transaction Number) for export to the US, AES filing where applicable, dual-use export license if relevant.
Import Duties and Fees for Pharmaceuticals from United States
Most medicines are subject to 0% import duties in the EU under the Pharmaceutical Tariff Elimination Agreement. Medical devices and non-prescription supplements may incur 2–6% duties. VAT in the Netherlands: 9% for medicines, 21% for cosmetics and supplements.
Under which regime: United States 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.
With our TST license, we can store pharmaceutical shipments in temporary storage with suspension of duties and VAT for up to 90 days — for example during batch release by your own quality department. Our CWP (customs warehouse) is suitable for longer-term inventory management. ACE (Authorized Consignee) allows direct transfer to our controlled environment without delay at Schiphol.
Key Figures for Pharmaceuticals United States
FAQ on Pharmaceuticals United States
How long does customs clearance take for Pharmaceuticals from United States?
With correct documentation, release usually follows within a few hours at Schiphol. For United States shipments, we expect 4-6 hours at Schiphol; export AES filing 2-24 hours before departure. Additional inspections (phytosanitary, veterinary, NVWA) may require extra time for Pharmaceuticals — we notify you in advance to minimize waiting times.
What documents do I need for Pharmaceuticals United States?
For Pharmaceuticals: see the product-specific certificates above. For United States: 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 Pharmaceuticals from United States 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 Pharmaceuticals) are met.
How does your service work in practice?
We provide complete handling: pre-lodgement, import declaration (DMS), any NVWA notifications for Pharmaceuticals, and payment processing under DPO if desired. You get one point of contact for the entire process.
Start customs clearance of Pharmaceuticals United States?
Request a quote for customs clearance of Pharmaceuticals from United States. We respond within 4 hours with a fixed price.