Find importers and wholesalers in the Netherlands

If you want to sell your product in a country, you mostly need a wholesaler that can also act as your importer.

It strongly depends on your expectations of such an importer how easy you can find him.

If you just want to outsource the formalities and some logistics, you will easily find a party. If you look for an importer that will also find retailers or direct customers for your product, this may be more difficult.

Importers and wholesalers in the Netherlands

The Netherlands has a population of about 18 million people and a GDP per capita of approximately $62,000 USD in 2023, one of the highest in the European Union.

The Dutch economy is known for logistics and trade, agri-food and horticulture, chemicals and high-tech industry. Through the port of Rotterdam and Schiphol airport, the country is the main entry point for goods into the European market.

The main imports include machinery and electronics, fuels, chemicals, vehicles and food. A large part of these imports is re-exported to other European countries, so many Dutch importers and wholesalers act as a distribution platform for the whole of Europe.

Key cities include Amsterdam, the capital and business centre; Rotterdam, the largest port in Europe; The Hague, the seat of government; Utrecht, a central logistics location; and Eindhoven, the centre of the technology industry.

What an importer really does

An importer or wholesaler can take over customs clearance, storage, product checks, repacking and returns handling. Often it also acts as importer of record: the party legally responsible for the goods in the country.

Decide what you expect. A party that only handles the formalities and the logistics is easy to find. One that also actively sells your product to retailers or end customers is much harder, and will ask for margin, exclusivity or marketing support in return.

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Finding an importer in the Netherlands in three steps

Step 1

Decide what you need

Formalities and logistics only, or active selling as well? Your answer decides which parties fit and how much margin you have to give away.

Step 2

Shortlist and check

Look for parties that already import comparable products. Check their licences, their storage, their customer base and whether they can act as importer of record.

Step 3

Agree the terms

Settle pricing, stock levels, who owns the goods, who pays duties and VAT, and how complaints and returns are handled before the first shipment leaves.