Customs Clearance Dry Ice & Frozen Goods: HS Codes, Certificates, and Permits
Aircargo.nl handles the complete customs clearance for Dry Ice & Frozen Goods. From classification and HS codes to permits, certificates, and declarations. AEO-F certified under permit number NL AEOF 0002440.
Importing and exporting Dry Ice & Frozen Goods involves many steps. An incorrect HS code, missing certificate, or forgotten preferential origin document can cause delays, additional charges, or denial by Customs. Aircargo.nl has daily experience with Dry Ice & Frozen Goods and knows the specific pitfalls and permits applicable to this type of goods.
On this page, you will see the key customs aspects of Dry Ice & Frozen Goods: typical HS code examples, import duty indicators, required certificates, and the Aircargo.nl permits that provide the most benefits for these goods.
Customs Considerations for Dry Ice & Frozen Goods
Dry ice shipments involve two parallel tracks: the hazardous material side and the goods side. The dry ice itself (UN1845) is not fiscally taxed but requires DGR compliance. The underlying goods determine customs treatment: fresh fish and meat undergo veterinary and phytosanitary inspections by the NVWA, pharmaceuticals fall under GDP and IGJ regulations. Food products from third countries nearly always require a health certificate and NVWA notification. Our AEO-F status reduces customs interventions, but veterinary inspections remain independent.
HS Code Examples for Dry Ice & Frozen Goods
The HS code follows the underlying goods, not the dry ice. Fish: 0303 frozen fish, 0306 crustaceans and shellfish. Meat: 0202 frozen beef, 0207 frozen poultry. Ice cream: 2105.00. Pharmaceuticals: chapter 30. Dry ice itself falls under 2811.21 (carbon dioxide), but as coolant it is generally not declared separately.
Our customs specialists classify your shipment based on product description, composition, and use. For ongoing shipments, we can apply for a Binding Tariff Information (BTI) — valid for three years and legally binding.
Import Duties and Taxes
Import duties follow the underlying goods. Frozen fish: typically 0-12% depending on type and origin, often 0% under trade agreements. Frozen meat: 0-12% plus possible tariff quotas. Pharmaceuticals: usually 0% under the Pharmaceutical Tariff Elimination Agreement. Dry ice as coolant carries no separate import duties. VAT in the Netherlands: 9% for food and medicines, 21% for others.
We calculate your exact amount due in advance based on customs value, origin, and any preferential trade agreements. Under our Deferred Payment Authorization (DPO), import duties and VAT can be settled collectively.
Our ACE license (Authorized Consignee) allows frozen shipments to come directly from Schiphol into our controlled environment, crucial for an unbroken cold chain. For pharmaceutical frozen goods, we utilize the TST license for temporary storage under suspension of duties during batch release.
What to Expect During Inspection
Increased chance of veterinary or phytosanitary inspection for food products: frozen fish, meat, and seafood from third countries are inspected by NVWA at the border. This inspection is separate from customs and is not reduced by our AEO-F status. For pharmaceutical frozen goods, focus lies on administrative checks of GDP compliance and uninterrupted cold chain.
Dry Ice & Frozen Goods falls under the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. DGR class: Class 9 — UN1845 (Carbon Dioxide, solid / dry ice). We have certified DGR specialists in-house and are IATA accredited for handling DGR shipments at Schiphol.
Popular origins and destinations for Dry Ice & Frozen Goods
Frequently Asked Questions about customs clearance of Dry Ice & Frozen Goods
What do I need to start the customs clearance for my shipment?
You provide the commercial invoice, packing list, and Air Waybill. We validate that all product-specific certificates are present and prepare the declaration under our AEO-F authorization.
How do you determine the correct HS code?
We send you a brief intake requesting product description, photos, and composition. Based on that, we determine the correct TARIC code (10 digits) or GN code (8 digits for export) and identify any preferential tariffs under free trade agreements.
How long does customs clearance take?
With a correct and complete declaration, clearance usually occurs within a few hours at Schiphol. For AEO-F certified declarations, the likelihood of Code 10 (clearance without further checks) is demonstrably higher. In case of a physical check, Customs aims for a response time of 120 to 150 minutes.
Can I pay import duties collectively?
Yes. Under our Deferred Payment Authorization (DPO), import duties and VAT can be paid collectively—monthly instead of per shipment. This offers a direct cash flow advantage for regular import flows.
What if I am not established in the EU?
We offer both direct representation (for EU-based customers) and indirect representation (for clients outside the EU) under our authorization as a customs broker. Read more on our representation page.
Ready to customs clearance for your Dry Ice & Frozen Goods?
Send us your shipment details for customs clearance of Dry Ice & Frozen Goods. We respond within 4 hours with a fixed price.