Lithuania
Air freight, sea freight and customs in Vilnius
Vilnius is a centre for laser and life-science companies that ship high-value, time-critical goods.
Services in Vilnius
- Air freight in VilniusAir freight for time-critical and high-value cargo between Europe, the Americas and Asia.
- Sea freight in VilniusFCL and LCL sea freight on the main trade lanes, with pre-carriage and on-carriage by road or rail.
- Customs clearance in VilniusImport and export clearance by our in-house customs teams in 8 countries and by partner teams in the Ziem network.
Airports, seaports and connections in Vilnius
- AirportVilnius Airport
VNO - AirportKaunas
KUN - SeaportKlaipeda
Vilnius Airport (VNO) is Lithuania's busiest passenger airport and carries belly cargo on flights to the main European hubs, from where freight connects onward. Kaunas Airport (KUN), reached by motorway, is the country's main freighter airport and offers additional cargo capacity. For sea freight, the Port of Klaipeda on the Baltic coast is Lithuania's only seaport and handles container, ro-ro and bulk traffic for the whole country, including Vilnius.
The A1 motorway links Vilnius with Kaunas and Klaipeda, and the A2 runs north to Panevezys. The Vilnius Intermodal Terminal, operated by the national railway, connects the capital with Klaipeda by container rail. The Rail Baltica project is building a European-gauge rail link through the Baltic states. We arrange pick-up and delivery across Vilnius and the surrounding region.
Industries in Vilnius and how we support them
Vilnius is a centre for lasers and photonics, with manufacturers of scientific and industrial lasers exporting worldwide, and for life sciences and biotechnology, including large operations of Thermo Fisher Scientific. IT, fintech and business services are also strong. Many of these products are compact, high-value and time-critical. Ziem Logistics supports these companies with air freight through our airline network via Vilnius or Kaunas, Next Flight Out and On-Board Courier for lasers, components and samples, temperature-controlled life-science shipments, sea freight via Klaipeda, and in-house customs clearance with Lithuanian Customs.
Operational logistics facts for Vilnius
| Hub | Specialisation | Local advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Vilnius Airport (VNO) | Belly cargo via European hubs | Air freight departures from the capital |
| Vilnius laser and photonics cluster | Scientific and industrial lasers | High-value, export-controlled shipments with OBC option |
| Vilnius Intermodal Terminal | Container rail to Klaipeda | Sea freight delivered inland by rail |
| Kaunas Airport (KUN) | Freighter capacity | Additional main-deck capacity reached via the A1 |
Customs clearance in Lithuania
In-house customs team
Customs clearance in Lithuania is handled by our own in-house customs team.
Air freight to and from Lithuania is booked through our carrier network.
Importers in Lithuania need an EORI number issued by Lithuanian Customs.
Frequently asked questions
Do you use Vilnius or Kaunas for air freight?
Vilnius (VNO) offers belly capacity on routes to European hubs, while Kaunas (KUN) handles freighter traffic. We choose based on cargo size and destination, using air freight through our airline network, and confirm cut-off times with every booking.
Can you send lasers or optical instruments from Vilnius by On-Board Courier?
Yes. An On-Board Courier collects in Vilnius and carries the item door to door, which suits sensitive optical equipment. Export controls and airline rules are checked with you before travel.
Does winter weather affect departures from Vilnius?
Yes, de-icing between November and March can delay departures. We plan urgent shipments with this in mind and keep you informed of any changes.
Who clears imports arriving at Vilnius Airport?
Our own customs team files the import declaration with Lithuanian Customs under the EU Union Customs Code. We need your EORI number, the commercial invoice, packing list and tariff code. With complete documents the declaration can be lodged before the goods arrive.
Do laser exports from Lithuania need a licence?
Some lasers and optical components are classed as dual-use goods and need an export licence from the Lithuanian authorities for destinations outside the EU. We check the classification and include the licence reference on the declaration.
Can you clear life-science materials for Vilnius laboratories?
Yes. We file the declaration in-house and check whether additional permits apply for biological materials or chemicals. Temperature-sensitive goods are released and delivered according to agreed handling instructions.