Customs Clearance Import — Your Shipment Released Within Hours
We handle the complete import declaration for airfreight shipments from any origin, with immediate clearance at Schiphol. AEO-F certified, holding our own licenses 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, recalculation of import duties, or physical inspection. Aircargo.nl takes full responsibility for this process.
We submit the electronic declaration via DMS (Customs Management System) under our own customs broker license. Thanks to our AEO-F status, our declarations receive priority handling, and the chance of physical inspections is demonstrably lower. For customers with regular import flows, we also offer a liquidity advantage through our Deferred Payment Authorization, where import duties and VAT are billed collectively instead of 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 either 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 in advance what you owe based on customs value, origin, and trade regime. No surprises afterward.
- Deferred Payment (DPO)Under our DPO license, you can settle import duties and VAT collectively. Better for your cash flow than paying per shipment.
- Clearance Outside Office Hours PossibleFor time-critical airfreight, we arrange clearance outside the regular Customs office hours.
- Transfer to Customs WarehouseIf you prefer not to pay VAT and duties yet, we can immediately transfer the shipment to our private customs warehouse (CWP).
Our ACE (Authorized Consignee) license allows goods under customs control to come directly from Schiphol to our location in Aalsmeer. The physical delivery happens with us, not at a customs office. This saves time, transport handling, and reduces risk of delays.
Which Documents Do You Need for Import?
- Commercial InvoiceWith correct customs value, currency, delivery terms (Incoterm), and goods description.
- Packing ListNumber of packages, gross and net weight, dimensions per package.
- Air WaybillThe transport document issued by the airline or master forwarder.
- Certificate of Origin (if preferential tariff)EUR.1, Form A, A.TR for Turkey, or REX declaration depending on country of origin.
- Product-Specific CertificatesPhytosanitary (plants), veterinary (animal products), GGB (foodstuffs), CE, REACH, CITES — depending on your product.
- Your EORI Number and VAT NumberRequired for identification as importer. Foreign clients may be able to 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 generally follows within a few hours, often the same business day. Dutch Customs uses selection codes: Code 10 means release without further inspection, Code 40 indicates a physical inspection. For AEO-certified declarants, the percentage of Code 10 is consistently higher. When a physical inspection is notified, Customs proceeds within a 120 to 150-minute reaction time.
Import Duties, VAT, and What You Can Save
When importing, you pay two types of charges: import duties (so-called 'customs duties on import,' usually 0-12% depending on product and origin) and import VAT (21% or 9% in the Netherlands). Certain trade agreements allow products to qualify for preferential rates: 0% or a reduced percentage. You need a valid certificate of origin, like a EUR.1 certificate. We verify if your shipment qualifies for preferential clearance and request the correct document from your supplier.
For regular importers, we offer two additional solutions. With your own Article 23 license, you shift import VAT to your periodic VAT return: effectively, you pay no import VAT upfront. If you are established in the Netherlands and do not yet have an Article 23 license, we assist you in preparing the application with the Dutch Tax Authorities. For import duties, we can group payments through our DPO license: one invoice per month instead of per shipment.
Import customs by country AEO
Fast release at Schiphol — pick a country for customs requirements, lead times and required documents.
Popular destinations
Frequently Asked Questions About Import Clearance
What do I need to start importing via Aircargo.nl?
A valid EORI number and (for Dutch companies) a VAT number. For each shipment, we need at least a commercial invoice, packing list, and Air Waybill. Additional certificates may be required for specific product groups. We send you a brief intake beforehand so everything is correct the first time.
How is the customs value calculated?
The customs value is the transaction value of the goods (invoice price) plus transport costs up to the first place of entry into the EU. For airfreight, this is usually Schiphol. Customs duties are calculated on this customs value. VAT is then calculated on customs value plus import duties plus other costs to the final destination in the Netherlands.
What is the difference between Code 10 and Code 40?
Code 10 means your declaration has been document-checked and goods are released. Code 40 means Customs performs a physical inspection: scanner or visual check of goods. The percentage of Code 40 shipments under AEO declarations is significantly lower than average.
Can I import without my own VAT registration in the Netherlands?
A VAT number is mandatory for companies established in the Netherlands. If you are established outside the EU, you can work with a Dutch fiscal representative who handles your VAT obligations. Aircargo.nl does not act as a fiscal representative but works with specialized partners who can support you.
Is import VAT always 21%?
Not always. In the Netherlands, 21% is the standard rate, 9% applies to items like books, foodstuffs, 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 clearance. For regular import flows, we’re happy to arrange a framework contract.