From Secure Import to tighter customs checks and overcapacity

25 February 2025

Although 2024 was a turbulent year for the air freight sector, the period did close on an upward trend. We join Air Freight Manager Rob van der Werve for a brief look back on this period, but above all, a look ahead to 2025. How is Ritra managing tighter customs checks, overcapacity, and ‘Secure Import’ developments? Read it in this new article!

Sharp rise for air freight cargo in 2024

The global air freight sector saw unprecedented growth in 2024. With a volume increase of 11.3% compared to 2023, the sector has grown tremendously. Contributing factors include various global developments and the continued expansion of e-commerce.

Another key driver for this rise was the Red Sea crisis. Attacks by Houthi rebels led to disruptions to shipping routes, so that many shippers were forced to switch to air freight to prevent additional delays.

As well as this shift from sea freight to air freight, the continued growth of e-commerce played a major role. The combination of geopolitical tensions and the explosive rise of online orders has seen the air freight sector grow significantly.

Well begun is half done

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) predicts that the demand for air freight will remain high in 2025. This underlines the increasing importance of air freight within the logistics chain, especially in a world where trade routes are constantly changes and uncertainties persist.

Rob: “Air freight is and always will be about customisation. Although market rates serve as a guide, Ritra’s focus is not on scale, but on levels of quality and direct, personal contact with customers. This is what makes us a reliable and efficient air freight partner.”

Thorough preparation and clear agreements between the supplier and the client are essential to prevent delays and unforeseen costs. Extra costs, such as those for transfers at Schiphol, can add up significantly when processes are not optimal.

After Rotterdam terminals, the ‘chain of trust’ now arrives for handling at Schiphol

Handling procedures at Schiphol have been further tightened since mid-February 2024. Right now, only four handling agents still operate for airlines. Shipments are processed exclusively on the basis of EDI nominations. This means collections for forwarders’ customs warehouses take place at fixed timeslots.

Rob: “To guarantee speed and efficiency, our own carrier collects shipments 24/7. This prevents unnecessary delays and extra hangar costs. In doing this, we have joined Secure Import, a database in which – among other things – recipients’ CoC details are linked to a nominated agent at Schiphol. It ensures fast and controlled handling.”

Dealing with overcapacity and tighter checks 

Since Chinese New Year, air freight rates have dropped temporarily due to a shift within the e-commerce market, which has led to overcapacity. At the same time, regulations and controls related to e-commerce and samples have been and continue to be increasingly strict. Both EU customs and Dutch customs are intensifying checks on the declared value of shipments.

Our specialised customs team is at your service for speedy advice, and we keep in close contact with Customs so we can offer our customers the very best support in an increasingly complex, regulatory landscape.

Your reliable Air Freight Partner

Our specialised Ritra Air team can help you with all your regular air freight export requests, and we also have the expertise to transport your hazardous goods. What’s more, for many destinations, we can guarantee complete door-to-door delivery via our own global network. Choosing Ritra means choosing an air freight partner who puts speed, control, and quality first!

Please do not hesitate to contact us for a customised solution and experience the advantages of an efficient, reliable air freight service with a personal touch!