Air Freight Europe
LOGISTICS SUPPORT
Ludmila
Freight Forwarding Specialist
Air FREIGHT SOLUTIONS
Air Freight Europe - Fast Cargo Into and Out of Every European Market
Air freight Europe services from GreenLine Global move time-critical cargo in both directions. We ship air freight to Europe from the Americas, Asia, and the Middle East. We also ship air freight from Europe to worldwide markets. Services cover general air cargo, express, charter, and dangerous goods. Imports need ICS2 PLACI and ENS filing before loading. Exports need an EU export declaration and MRN. Our customs clearance team files both. For heavier, less urgent cargo, compare our ocean freight Europe service.
GreenLine has run European corridors since 2008 from our hub in Tallinn, Estonia. We route through Frankfurt (FRA), Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), Paris CDG, Leipzig/Halle (LEJ), Liège (LGG), and London Heathrow (LHR). Key origins include New York JFK, Chicago O’Hare, Shanghai Pudong, and Bangkok. Every quote is transparent and itemised – no hidden airport or handling fees. We offer airport-to-airport and door-to-door options. Final delivery runs on our road freight Europe network.
How it works
Air Freight Europe Process - From Quote to Delivery
One GreenLine team runs the whole chain, whichever direction your cargo flies. The process covers collection, airline booking, and ICS2 filing for imports. It also covers export declarations and security screening for exports, plus customs clearance and final delivery.
Quote, Route & Book
Send us your cargo details, origin, and destination. We return an itemised quote within 24 hours. It covers airfreight, fuel and security surcharges, handling, and delivery. We price on chargeable weight and confirm standard, express, or charter.
Collect, Screen & Document
We collect, pack, and issue the air waybill, invoice, packing list, and Certificate of Origin. Imports get ICS2 PLACI and ENS filing. Exports get an EU export declaration, MRN, and security screening.
Fly & Track in Real Time
Your cargo flies on transatlantic, Asia-Europe, and Gulf hub routings. We book belly and freighter capacity with major airlines. You get milestone tracking from departure to arrival. We flag missed connections before they cost you time.
Final step
Clear Customs & Deliver Door-to-Door
On imports, we file with the EU Member State customs authority - German Zoll, Dutch Douane, French DGDDI, or Estonian EMTA. We settle EU duties and VAT and deliver across Europe. On exports, our agents clear destination customs, such as US CBP, and deliver to the consignee.
Our air freight services to and from Europe
Air Cargo Europe - Every Speed, Every Cargo Type
No two air shipments are identical. Deadline, weight, dimensions, and cargo class set the right service. GreenLine matches each shipment to the fastest compliant option on European lanes.
General Air Cargo
Consolidated · Back-to-back · 2-5 days
The core service for boxed and palletised goods. We consolidate your cargo on scheduled flights to cut cost per kilo. Each shipment travels under its own House Air Waybill.
Express & Priority
Next flight out · 1-2 days
Priority space on the next available flight. Built for urgent spare parts, samples, and line-down situations. We pre-file customs data so cargo clears on arrival.
Air Charter
Full & part charter · Main deck
Dedicated aircraft for volumes or deadlines scheduled flights cannot meet. We source main-deck freighters and arrange airport slots, landing permits, and ground handling at both ends.
Dangerous Goods by Air
IATA DGR · Classes 2-9 · Lithium batteries
We ship chemicals, aerosols, and lithium batteries under the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. We check packing and labels and prepare the Shipper's Declaration. We book only carriers that accept your UN class.
Pharma & Temperature-Controlled
+2-8°C · +15-25°C · Active & passive
Pharmaceuticals, biologics, and perishables in active or passive containers. We route through IATA CEIV Pharma handlers where available. Temperature logs support EU GDP requirements.
Oversized & Project Air Cargo
Main deck · Heavy-lift · Door-to-door
Engines, turbines, and machine assemblies that exceed belly-hold limits. We plan main-deck loading, special handling, and road legs at both ends. See our project cargo service.
European airport operations, customs & delivery
From European Airport to Your Door - and Back Out Again
Primary European gateway airports
Major Cargo Hubs
Frankfurt and Leipzig/Halle serve Germany and Central Europe. Amsterdam Schiphol and Liège feed the Benelux. Paris CDG covers France and Southern Europe. London Heathrow covers the UK. Tallinn serves the Baltics and Nordics. We pick the airport closest to your final address.
EU import & export customs
Declarations in Both Directions
For imports, we file the EU import declaration and verify HS codes. We apply Common Customs Tariff rates and any preferential origin. For exports, we lodge the export declaration and secure the MRN. That record proves exit for your VAT zero-rating.
First-mile & last-mile across Europe
Door-to-Door in 47+ Countries
We collect export cargo from any European address and truck it to the departing airport. On imports, we deliver after release via our road freight Europe network. Need stock near a hub? Use our warehousing service.
Compliance & import / export rules
Air Freight Europe Requirements - Shipping Cargo To and From Europe
Air cargo faces stricter timing than any other mode. EU customs wants data before the aircraft is even loaded. Exports need security clearance before they reach the ramp. GreenLine runs every check below before your cargo moves.
Import · Air freight to Europe
EU Import Requirements for Air Cargo
ICS2 PLACI & ENS Filing
Import Control System 2 covers all air cargo into or through the EU. The PLACI data set is due before loading at origin. The full ENS follows 4 hours before arrival on long-haul flights. GreenLine files both as standard.
EORI & Import Declaration
The EU importer needs a valid EORI number. ICS2 also requires the consignee's EORI in the PLACI data. Each consignment needs an import customs declaration with correct HS codes, values, and origin.
Duty, VAT & Low-Value Parcels
Duty follows the EU Common Customs Tariff. VAT applies at the member state's rate, from 17% to 27%. Since 1 July 2026, B2C items under 150 euros pay a flat 3 euro duty per item category.
CE Marking & Product Safety
Electronics, machinery, toys, and PPE need CE marking before sale in the EU. Consumer goods must also meet the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR). Non-compliant goods can be held at the airport of entry.
SPS Controls at Border Control Posts
Food, plants, and animal products clear at an airport Border Control Post (BCP). They need a health or phytosanitary certificate and a CHED pre-notification in TRACES. We book the inspection before landing.
Air Cargo Security (ACC3 / RA3)
Airlines flying cargo into the EU from non-EU airports need ACC3 designation. Cargo must be secured by an RA3 regulated agent or screened before loading. We route only through compliant carriers and agents.
* Requirements vary depending on the country of origin and destination. Contact us to confirm what applies to your shipment.
Export · Air freight from Europe
EU Export Requirements for Air Cargo
Export Declaration & MRN
Every commercial export needs an electronic export declaration in the EU Export Control System (ECS). Customs issues a Movement Reference Number (MRN). The exit record supports VAT zero-rating.
Known Consignor & Screening
EU aviation security rules require all air cargo to be secure before loading. Cargo from a Known Consignor flies without extra checks. Other cargo is screened by a regulated agent. We arrange either route.
Dual-Use & Export Licences
Some electronics, lasers, and machine tools are dual-use items under Regulation (EU) 2021/821. They need an export licence before shipment. We flag likely controlled goods at the quote stage.
EU Sanctions Screening
EU restrictive measures ban certain goods, end users, and destinations. We screen consignees and commodities against current EU sanctions lists. Restricted shipments stop before booking, not at the airport.
IATA Dangerous Goods Declaration
Hazardous exports need a Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods under IATA DGR. Lithium batteries follow specific packing instructions and state-of-charge limits. We check packaging, marks, and labels before tender.
Destination Advance Data
Many destinations want cargo data before departure. The USA requires ACAS pre-loading data for US CBP. The UK requires a Safety and Security GB ENS. We file these with our destination agents.
* Requirements vary depending on the country of origin and destination. Contact us to confirm what applies to your shipment.
What we move
Cargo Types & Air Freight Specializations To and From Europe
GreenLine flies standard and specialist cargo in both directions. Every shipment carries the right ICS2 data on import and the right export filing on departure.
General & Palletised Cargo
Boxed and palletised goods on consolidated flights. We build pallets to airline ULD contours to avoid rejections. Delivery runs to any European warehouse or distribution centre.
Spare Parts & Industrial Components
Production-critical parts for stopped lines and machines. We book next flight out and pre-clear at arrival. For full machines, see our machinery shipping service.
Dangerous Goods & Lithium Batteries
Chemicals, aerosols, and UN3480 / UN3481 batteries under IATA DGR. Some items fly cargo aircraft only. We match each UN class to an accepting airline and route.
Pharma & Perishables
Medicines, fresh food, and flowers in controlled temperature ranges. EU food imports clear at an airport Border Control Post. We pre-notify the BCP and keep temperature records end to end.
E-Commerce & Retail Wholesale
Bulk B2B stock and fast restocks for European fulfilment centres. Low-value B2C items now carry the 3 euro EU duty. We connect arrivals to our warehousing network.
High-Value & Electronics
Semiconductors, laptops, and lab instruments with secure handling and limited touchpoints. Imports need CE and RoHS compliance. Exports may need a dual-use licence, which we check up front.
Project & Oversized Air Cargo
Engines, turbine parts, and assemblies on main-deck freighters or charters. We plan loading surveys, special handling, and road escorts. See our project cargo service.
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Origin & destination corridors
Where We Fly To Europe and From Europe
GreenLine runs established air corridors in both directions. Transit times below are typical airport to airport. Select your route for a direct quote.
Air Freight to Europe - Where We Ship From
Air Freight from Europe - Where We Deliver
Not seeing your route? GreenLine flies cargo to and from Europe across over 40 countries on 4 continents. Contact us with your origin and destination for a direct quote.
Industries we serve
Air Freight Europe Across Every Sector
EU rules change by sector and by direction of trade. An import may need CE marking, while the same product's export may need a licence. GreenLine applies sector knowledge to both.
Credentials & compliance
Operating to the Highest European Air Freight Standards Since 2008
FAQS
Air Freight Questions
Direct flights from New York JFK, Chicago O’Hare, and Los Angeles reach Frankfurt, Amsterdam, or London Heathrow in 1 to 3 days airport to airport. Door-to-door delivery usually takes 3 to 6 business days. That window includes collection, ICS2 filing, EU customs clearance, and final delivery. Express services cut this to 1 to 2 days. Cargo from China and Southeast Asia typically takes 2 to 4 days airport to airport. GreenLine tracks every flight and alerts you to any schedule change.
Standard air freight consolidates your cargo with other shipments on scheduled flights. This lowers your cost per kilo. Express air freight books priority space on the next available flight. It suits urgent spare parts, samples, and production-critical goods. Both modes charge on chargeable weight – the greater of actual weight or volumetric weight at 167 kg per cubic metre. GreenLine compares both options in your quote.
Yes. All air cargo entering or transiting the EU falls under Import Control System 2 (ICS2). A pre-loading data set, known as PLACI, must reach EU customs before loading at origin. The complete Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) follows at least 4 hours before arrival on long-haul flights. On flights under 4 hours, the ENS is due by take-off. Missing data can stop cargo from boarding. GreenLine files house-level PLACI and ENS data as standard.
Yes. For imports, GreenLine files the EU import declaration, calculates duty and VAT, and delivers to any European address after release. For exports, we lodge the EU export declaration and obtain the Movement Reference Number (MRN). We also arrange security screening or Known Consignor acceptance before the flight. To request a quote, email sales@greenlineglobal.com with your commodity, weight, dimensions, pickup and delivery addresses, and target date.
EU customs duty follows the Common Customs Tariff. Rates depend on the HS code and country of origin, from 0% to 17% for most goods. Import VAT applies at the destination member state’s rate, from 17% to 27%. Since 1 July 2026, low-value B2C items under 150 euros pay a flat 3 euro duty per item category. Part of the air transport cost to the EU border counts toward the customs value. GreenLine calculates your full landed cost in every quote.