Customs Clearance Flowers & Plants: HS Codes, Certificates, and Permits
Our team coordinates the complete customs clearance for Flowers & Plants. From classification and HS codes to permits, certificates, and declarations. AEO-F certified under permit number NL AEOF 0002440.
Importing and exporting Flowers & Plants 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 Flowers & Plants and knows the specific pitfalls and permits applicable to this type of goods.
On this page, you will see the key customs aspects of Flowers & Plants: 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 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 for Flowers & Plants
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.
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 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.
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 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.
What to Expect During Inspection
Higher likelihood of physical inspection by NVWA: plants are visually checked for harmful organisms. Our AEO-F status reduces the number of customs checks but does not affect phytosanitary inspections — those are independently regulated.
Popular origins and destinations for Flowers & Plants
Frequently Asked Questions about customs clearance of Flowers & Plants
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 Flowers & Plants?
Send us your shipment details for customs clearance of Flowers & Plants. We respond within 4 hours with a fixed price.