How to Import Flowers from Holland to Saudi Arabia

Step 1 — Sourcing at grower and auction level

Orders are placed at the Dutch trade locations early in the morning. Two sources are used: direct purchasing from growers for products where consistency matters, and the auction clock for daily availability, seasonal peaks and sharp pricing.

Buying this early in the chain matters more than anything else for vase life. A rose that leaves the grower on Monday and flies on Tuesday arrives in a completely different condition than the same rose after several days of local trading.

Step 2 — Grading, bunching and cold chain

Flowers arrive graded and bunched by the grower — usually 10, 20 or 50 stems per bunch depending on the product — with the stem length and quality class marked. They are kept at controlled temperature from the moment they are cut. Most cut flowers travel between 2 and 8 °C; tropicals and some summer flowers travel warmer.

Step 3 — Packing for air freight

Boxes are packed tight so that nothing shifts in flight. Heads are protected with sleeves, paper or netting, stems are secured with straps or cross-boarding, and boxes are labelled with content, consignee and handling instructions. Air-freight cartons are usually half-length or full-length depending on stem length.

• Stems immobilised so heads never rub during handling
• Hydration or dry-pack depending on product and flight time
• Ventilation holes aligned for cooling in the aircraft hold
• Clear labelling for fast customs and fast delivery

Step 4 — Documents and customs

Cut flowers are a plant product, so a phytosanitary certificate issued by the Dutch plant protection authority travels with each consignment, together with the commercial invoice, packing list and air waybill. On arrival in Saudi Arabia the consignment is cleared and inspected before release.

This is the step where most independent businesses lose time and product. Web-Flora keeps the paperwork with the shipment so the boxes move through clearance without waiting.

Step 5 — Air freight and local delivery

The flight from Amsterdam to the Kingdom is short in flower terms — hours, not days. After clearance, boxes are delivered locally in Riyadh, straight to your shop or studio, so you can unpack, cut and hydrate immediately.

Web-Flora supplies florists, wedding and event professionals, hotels and premium retailers in Saudi Arabia with fresh Dutch flowers. Minimum order is 2 boxes (around €600), shipments leave the Netherlands weekly, and Ahmed Frindi is your direct personal contact.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need my own import licence to buy Dutch flowers?

Not when you buy through Web-Flora. The shipment travels under our consolidated import process, and you receive the boxes delivered locally.

How long are the flowers in transit?

Flowers are typically bought, packed and flown within roughly 24–48 hours, then cleared and delivered locally.

What documents travel with the flowers?

A phytosanitary certificate, commercial invoice, packing list and air waybill.