EU vs. non-EU flower shipments: what’s the difference?

Shipping within the European Union

Within the European Union, flower shipments move freely between member states. There is no customs clearance in the traditional sense, and inspections are limited. This allows for fast handling and short lead times, which is critical for fresh products.

That does not mean the process is informal. Orders are still registered digitally, products are labeled accurately, and every shipment remains fully traceable. Timing remains just as important, because even short delays can affect freshness further down the supply chain.

For EU shipments, the focus is on precision and flow. Flowers move quickly from warehouse to transport, with minimal waiting and no unnecessary handling.

Close-up of a logistics employee using a handheld digital scanner to scan barcodes on a stack of Tuning BV export boxes in a warehouse facility.

Smiling Tuning BV account manager handling a client call on a mobile phone while working at a desk with multiple screens in a bright office.

Exporting outside the European Union

Non-EU shipments follow a stricter export process. Countries such as the United States require formal documentation and official inspections before flowers are allowed to leave the Netherlands.

At Tuning, this process is handled in-house. Export lists, invoices, and transport documents are prepared digitally and checked carefully against the physical shipment. For destinations outside the EU, inspections are carried out by authorized authorities to confirm that products meet plant health and safety requirements.

Only after approval can a shipment be sealed and released for air transport. These checks add time and complexity, which is why planning and sequencing are critical

Timing and coordination make the difference

The key difference between EU and non-EU shipments is not just paperwork, but coordination. Inspections, documentation, cooling, and flight departures must align precisely. A delay in one step can affect the entire schedule.

This is where experience matters. Knowing when inspections take place, how long clearance typically takes, and how to build cooling and storage around those moments helps prevent unnecessary waiting and temperature fluctuations.

Close-up of a Tuning BV employee applying a barcode label to a white bucket of fresh pink roses to ensure accurate tracking for export.

Tuning BV logistics employee using a handheld scanner at a mobile workstation to process orders amidst roll containers filled with fresh flowers in a distribution center.

One approach, different requirements

While the procedures differ, the objective remains the same. Flowers must arrive fresh, on time, and in the condition customers expect.

At Tuning, EU and non-EU shipments are managed within one integrated process. The steps may change, but the discipline does not. By understanding the requirements of each destination and planning accordingly, borders become part of the workflow rather than an obstacle.