Procurement, sourcing and import from the Netherlands

Purchasing products or services seems easy, but this is not always the case. How do you know that you have the best deal, especially if you haven’t done much business before in the Netherlands?

It already helps if you have a structured approach for your procurement and to keep your options open. Working with a local consultant or agency may help to identify more potential suppliers and to get the products that you just bought accross the border to their destination.

Find the right suppliers in the Netherlands

The Netherlands are a logistic import and exports hub for Europe and Amsterdam is an important junction for internet traffic and financial services. Apart from the Dutch language, English is commonly spoken and the country is open to doing business with foreign companies. Setting up a legal entity is relatively easy. The Dutch are rather direct, and expect their counterparts to be the same.

The Netherlands exports a range of products that highlight its expertise in agriculture, technology, and industry. It sells goods like machinery and equipment, which are important for various industries. The country is also known for exporting flowers and plants, such as tulips, which are famous worldwide. Additionally, the Netherlands exports chemicals and pharmaceuticals, showing its advanced manufacturing capabilities.

Wages in the Netherlands are generally higher compared to neighboring countries. People earn more money, which helps them afford a good standard of living. However, living costs in cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam can be high, so people might spend more on housing and daily expenses.

The Netherlands is famous for its expertise in logistics and transportation. It has one of the busiest ports in Europe, in Rotterdam, which handles goods from around the world. The country is also a leader in agriculture technology, known for innovations in greenhouse farming and dairy products. Overall, the Netherlands’ economy thrives on its exports of machinery, flowers, chemicals, and its role as a hub for global trade and logistics.

Shipping your products

If you purchase tangible products, you have to ship them out of the country. Depending on the country where you want these goods, this may have implications.

First of all you may have to pay import duties or settle VAT. There are certain thresholds for both of these charges, e.g. while importing in the EU you don’t have to pay import duties on any shipment worth less than € 150.

There may also be non-financial barriers, like certifications or approvals to be obtained. Especially for food, cosmetics or medicine this may be the case. Check this in advance, even before you invest in your marketing.

VAlidate the HS-codes you use for shipping

Almost every country or trade block in the world has its own detailing on the international HS-code list. With our report you strongly reduce the risk on misclassifications, delays and higher custom duties than expected.

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A structured sourcing approach in the Netherlands

Step 1

Supplier search

Try to identify in total 6 to 10 possible suppliers and check their websites. Approach them with a general request to see whether they have the products or services you need.

Step 2

Supplier selection

Submit your requirements to a group of three to five selected suppliers and ensure you get the right comparable quotations to make a choice. Negotiate with one or two of them to get the best result.

Step 3

Supplier management

Now start collaborating, making sure you have an efficient ordering process and limited risks where it comes to quality control and shipping the products.