Fresh produce imported into the UK from non-EU countries typically requires a phytosanitary certificate issued by the plant health authority in the country of origin. The certificate must confirm the produce is free from regulated pests and diseases. For certain produce types and origins, additional conditions may apply including treatment requirements or specific inspection points of entry. We advise on the phytosanitary requirements for your specific produce type and origin country before the shipment departs.

We select carriers with dedicated cool cargo handling facilities at both origin and destination airports. We book cargo on direct or near-direct routings to minimise the number of handling stages and time on the ground. We specify temperature requirements explicitly in the booking instructions and confirm cold chain handling capability with the carrier before departure. For the most time-critical perishables, we select airlines with a strong track record for on-time performance on the specific route.

We monitor produce shipments actively and contact you immediately if a delay or routing change occurs. For delays that threaten product quality, we identify the next available alternative routing. If a shipment arrives at the destination in a condition that does not meet quality standards due to a transit failure, we assist with the documentation required for an insurance claim. We recommend cargo insurance for all fresh produce air freight given the perishable nature of the cargo.