Customs Handling for Imports, Your Shipment Cleared Within Hours
We handle the complete import declaration for air freight shipments from any origin, with immediate clearance at Schiphol. AEO-F certified, with our own permits for Authorized Consignee and deferred payment.
An import shipment from a non-EU country is only released after a correct import declaration with Dutch Customs. Errors in the HS code, a missing certificate of origin, or an incorrect declared customs value lead to delays, reassessment of import duties, or physical inspection. Aircargo.nl takes full responsibility for this.
We submit the electronic declaration via DMS (Customs Management System) under our own authorization as a customs broker. Our AEO-F status ensures our declarations are prioritized, significantly reducing the chance of physical inspection. For customers with regular import flows, we offer a liquidity advantage through our Deferred Payment Permit: import duties and VAT are settled collectively rather than per shipment.
The Import Process in Four Steps
From arrival at Schiphol to delivery at your address
Pre-Arrival
Arrival at Schiphol
Handling Duties and VAT
Forwarding
What We Arrange for Your Import Shipment
- Electronic Import Declaration via DMSWe submit your declaration immediately under our AEO-F authorization, with direct or indirect representation.
- Classification and HS Code AdviceWe determine the correct goods code (10-digit TARIC) and advise you on preferential tariffs or exemptions.
- Calculation of Import Duties and VATWe calculate upfront what you owe based on customs value, origin, and trade regime. No surprises afterward.
- Deferred Payment (DPO)Under our DPO permit, you can settle import duties and VAT collectively. Better for your cash flow than paying per shipment.
- Clearance Outside Office Hours PossibleFor time-critical air freight, we arrange clearance outside regular Customs office hours.
- Forwarding to Customs WarehouseIf you do not yet want to pay VAT and duties, we can forward the shipment directly to our private customs warehouse (CWP).
Our ACE (Authorized Consignee) permit allows goods under customs control to be shipped directly from Schiphol to our location in Aalsmeer. The physical delivery takes place at our facility, not at a customs office. This saves time, transportation steps, and reduces risk of delays.
Which Documents Do You Need for Import?
Commercial Invoice
With correct customs value, currency, delivery terms (Incoterm), and description of goods.
Packing List
Number of packages, gross and net weight, dimensions per package.
Air Waybill
The transport document issued by the airline or master forwarder.
Certificate of Origin (if preferential tariff applies)
EUR.1, Form A, A.TR for Turkey, or REX declaration depending on country of origin.
Product-Specific Certificates
Phytosanitary (plants), veterinary (animal products), GGB (food), CE, REACH, CITES—depending on your product.
Your EORI Number and VAT Number
Required for identification as importer. Foreign clients may use a fiscal representative.
What You Can Expect
How Long Does Customs Clearance Take for Imports at Schiphol?
With a complete and correct declaration, release usually follows within a few hours, often the same business day. Dutch Customs operates with selection codes: Code 10 means release without further inspection, Code 40 indicates a physical inspection. For AEO-certified declarants, the Code 10 percentage is consistently higher. If a physical inspection is required, Customs applies a response time of 120 to 150 minutes for the inspection to take place.
Import Duties, VAT, and What You Can Save
When importing, you pay two types of charges: import duties (the so-called 'import rights', often 0-12% depending on product and origin) and import VAT (usually 21% or 9% in the Netherlands). Under certain trade agreements, products may be eligible for a preferential rate: 0% or a reduced percentage. For this, a valid certificate of origin, such as an EUR.1 certificate, is required. We verify if your shipment qualifies for preferential clearance and request the correct document from your supplier.
We offer two additional solutions for regular importers. With your own Article 23 permit, you can shift import VAT to your periodic VAT return: effectively paying no import VAT. If you are established in the Netherlands and do not yet have an Article 23 permit, we assist you with the application preparation for the Tax Authorities. For import duties themselves, we can settle collectively via our DPO permit: one invoice per month instead of per shipment.
Import customs by country AEO
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Frequently Asked Questions about Import Handling
What do I need to start importing via Aircargo.nl?
A valid EORI number and (for Dutch companies) a VAT number. Per shipment, we need at minimum a commercial invoice, packing list, and the Air Waybill. Additional certificates may be required for specific product groups. We send you a short intake in advance to ensure everything is correct from the start.
How is the customs value calculated?
The customs value is the transaction value of goods (invoice price) plus transport costs up to the first EU entry point. For air freight, this is usually Schiphol. Customs calculates import duties on this customs value. VAT is then calculated on customs value plus import duties plus other costs to the final destination within the Netherlands.
What is the difference between Code 10 and Code 40?
Code 10 means your declaration has been checked on documents and goods are released. Code 40 means Customs carries out a physical inspection: scanning or visual inspection of the goods. For shipments under AEO declarations, the percentage of Code 40 is significantly lower than average.
Can I import without my own VAT registration in the Netherlands?
For companies established in the Netherlands, a VAT number is mandatory. If you are established outside the EU, you can work with a Dutch fiscal representative who manages your VAT obligations. Aircargo.nl does not act as a fiscal representative but collaborates with specialized partners who can support you.
Is import VAT always 21%?
Not always. In the Netherlands, 21% is standard, 9% applies to items like books, food, medicines, and certain agricultural products, and 0% applies to some very specific goods. Customs determines the rate based on the HS code on your declaration.
Ready to prepare your import shipment?
Send us your documents and we’ll get back to you within 4 hours with a fixed price for customs handling. For regular import flows, we’re happy to offer a framework agreement.