Country Customs Information

View Customs Rules



Imports

General Import Guidelines
  • The importer must have a valid EORI number from Customs Authorities
  • The imported goods must conform to activities licensed to the importing company
  • Imported goods must be accompanied with an International Waybill, an Original Commercial Invoice, and a Packing List
  • All imported goods weighing above 2 kg containing food products (meat, milk or their products) will require a health certificate from Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA)
  • HS Codes must be stated clearly on Commercial Invoice. If the HS Codes are not stated, Customs will determine proper HS Codes based on the goods based on the stated description


Top


Import Duties and Fees

  • The customs valuation is based on CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) which means that the amount used to assess customs duty is the sum of cost of goods, insurance and shipping cost to The Netherlands
  • Customs tariff applicable on imported goods depend on HS Codes
  • The standard rate of VAT imposed on imported goods into The Netherlands is 21%
  • International express or courier imports with declared value below EUR 22.50 are duty free
  • Goods with declared value of more than EUR 22.50 will be treated as normal cargo goods, and will require a formal customs clearance


The following is a trade agreement with The Netherlands that can benefit from customs reduction rate. To benefit from customs reduction, EUR1 accompanied with Commercial Invoice are required
  • European Union (EU)

To benefit from EU customs exemption a EUR1 Certificate is required (if the value of the goods are above EUR 6,000)

Goods with declared value below EUR 6,000 a EUR1 statement must be mentioned on the Commercial Invoice with both of signature (in blue ink) and company’s stamp

Standard VAT is applied on all goods originating from EU Member States


Top


Duties Exemption

A number of goods are exempted from customs duties and VAT. Below are some of the applied exemptions:
  • Goods addressed to government or semi-government agencies
  • Diplomatic goods
  • Personal effects
  • Books and printed matter (if mentioned in the Dutch turnover Tax Act 1968)


Personal Effects

To seek personal effects exemption that are originated from non-EU Member States a Permit exemption for Personal Effects is required. You can refer to Useful Customs Forms (1) Permit exemption for Personal Effects


Top


Imports Required Documents

General Imports

Import Declaration is processed in the event of goods being imported into The Netherlands from other countries. The below documents are needed:
  • Original Waybill
  • Original Commercial Invoice
  • Packing List (detailed)
  • EORI number (for companies)
  • VAT number (for companies)
  • BSN number (for individuals)


Re-Export

Import Declaration is processed in the event of importing goods into The Netherlands for purposes of re-exporting. The below documents are needed:
  • Original Waybill
  • Original Commercial Invoice
  • Packing List (detailed)
  • EORI Number


Temporary Import - Exhibition / Repair and Return

Upon entry of goods into The Netherlands on temporary basis for the purpose of taking part in an exhibition or repairs / maintenance, a deposit amount equivalent to customs duties and VAT has to be made for the benefit of Customs Authorities. The deposit is refunded upon exporting the goods. If the goods are not being exported the deposit is forfeited. The below documents are needed:

  • Original Waybill
  • Original Commercial Invoice
  • Packing List (detailed)
  • EORI Number


When completing your Commercial Invoice, we recommend that you abide by Aramex guidelines to ensure timely and efficient clearance Read More


Top


Exports

When exporting goods from The Netherlands some documents and regulations will be applied before the exit of goods to the destination. Failure to submit required documents may delay goods when exporting


Exporters need to include the following documents with their goods:

  1. Original Commercial Invoice
  2. Fee: EUR 35 (customs declaration), EUR 35 arranging official customs stamp on exporters EUR1/ATR certificate, or EUR 65 done by aramex, (including official customs stamp)
  3. In case the shipper produces an EX-A or NCTS document (Customs export documents) with the goods, please contact Aramex Netherlands in advance to obtain the Office of Exit details
  4. For certain goods, a strategic export license is required. Example where these licenses are needed include: military environments or where international boycotts apply. For more information click here to check if your goods require an export license
Other documents that could be required would depend on the specific requirements of the destinations. Aramex maintain a list of needed documents and customs information per country (please select country name on this page)


Important Notes
  • All exported goods might be inspected by Customs Authorities
  • Aramex will not transport goods that are prohibited by the laws or regulations of The Netherlands. For more information click here
  • For more information on exporting from The Netherlands click here


Top


Transiting Goods

Transiting Goods through The Netherlands can only remain for eight days from the date of arrival into the country

To process Transiting Goods, the below documents are needed:

  • Original Waybill
  • Original Commercial Invoice
  • Packing List (detailed)


Top


Prohibited / Restricted Goods

Aramex will not transport goods that are prohibited by the laws or regulations of The Netherlands

In accordance to Aramex Shipping Policy, the following items are not acceptable for transport by Aramex:

  • Monetary items including currency, fake money, and coins
  • Publications that are offensive to religions, morals, human rights or aims to cause corruption and disorder
  • Narcotics and drugs including heroin, opium, drugs raw material (powder, liquid), cannabis leaves, etc.
  • Counterfeit goods covering all brands of clothes, machinery, shoes, electronics, watches etc.
  • Fireworks*
  • Ivory and ivory products*
  • Furs*
  • Jewelry, precious metals , stones, articles or antiques of exceptional high value*
  • Bullion*
  • Chemical waste and nuclear waste
  • Hazardous as defined in IATA Regulations*
  • Ammunitions*
  • Human remains, including ashes*
  • Animals, plants, food items and perishable*

* Certain goods which are listed above as prohibited may be accepted by Aramex on a contractual basis, if exporters / importers are able to comply with all applicable regulations

Some goods require approval from the designated authority prior to importing into The Netherlands. Some examples are shown below:



Top


Aramex Clearance Service

Aramex offers clearance service covering the following Customs Ports:

  • Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
  • Port of Rotterdam

Aramex offers a wide range of customs clearance services (starting with Delivery Order collection up to delivery of goods). In addition, Aramex offers storage in Aramex warehouses when needed.

In key locations, Aramex employees are certified and supported by a customer service team to keep customers updated, and address all inquiries. Please contact our Aramex Customer Service team for an offer


Top


References

  1. The Netherlands Customs
  2. Customs Terminologies


Useful Customs Forms
  1. Permit exemption for Personal Effects in Dutch