Importing goods and customs clearance in the Netherlands

If you want to ship your goods to the Netherlands then you have to get them through customs and formally import them. This article describes a number of important aspects.

Please note that if you need help, there are various parties available to support you. 

Connect directly with a trusted import advisor in the Netherlands

Our local consultant can advise you on the best way to get your goods in the country and comply to all regulations.

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    Shipping your products

    If you sell physical products, you need to get them delivered into the Netherlands. Depending on the country you are in, this may be a challenge.

    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 bariers, 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.

    Travel to the Netherlands for a better impression

    The best preparation for doing business in any country is visiting it. This way you can experience the culture, check the shops and build your network.

    With Trip.com you can compare flights and also book your hotel.

    Hotellook compares different hotel sites so you always have the best rate.

    Localrent connects you to national rental car providers per country.

    Importing goods into the Netherlands

    When importing goods into the Netherlands, it is essential to follow a structured process to ensure compliance with customs regulations. The Dutch customs authority, Douane (part of the Belastingdienst), oversees import procedures. They provide an English-language website with detailed information on import duties, forms, and procedures: Dutch Customs – English.

    General Import Process

    1. Customs Declaration
      • Submit an Import Declaration via the Automated Import System (AGS).
      • Key documents include a commercial invoice, bill of lading, and packing list.
    2. Import Duties and VAT
      • Calculate duties using the EU TARIC database (TARIC Calculator).
      • VAT rates depend on the goods:
        • Standard VAT rate: 21%.
        • Lower VAT rate: 9% for food, medicines, and specific goods.
    3. Additional Non-Financial Requirements
      • For product-specific rules (e.g., health, safety, and labeling), use the Access2Markets portal (Access2Markets).
    4. Inspection and Clearance
      • Customs may inspect goods. Normal processing time is 1-3 days with correct documentation.
    5. Release of Goods
      • Once approved, your goods are ready for transport to their final destination.

    Service Providers for Assistance

    1. DHL Global Forwardingdhl.com
    2. Kuehne+Nagelkuehne-nagel.com
    3. Rotterdam Customs Servicesrotterdamcustoms.com
    4. H.J. van Benthem Customs Serviceshjvanbenthem.nl
    5. Seabird International Customs Servicesseabird.nl

    Importing Small Parcels

    For single parcels, couriers like DHL, FedEx, UPS, and PostNL provide reliable shipping services. Costs from the USA typically range between €25-€50 for a 2kg parcel, while economy shipping from China may cost €15-€30. Express shipping (3-5 days) is available at higher rates. Always check rates directly with service providers for accurate pricing.

    Customs clearance for the Netherlands

    Getting your products imported and delivered in a specific country can be a challenge. I have good experience with Tecex, who can act as your importer of record and even physical distributor. If you leave your details, they will contact you. 

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      Your first name

      Last name

      Your company email

      Mobile number

      What is your company website?

      Where is your company based?

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      Our consultants typically charge between 3.000 and 15.000 Euro on fees for market research or a partner search, depending on the complexity and country.

      Frequently asked questions

      The best way to find an importer in the Netherlands is to understand the sales channel for your product, and what parties are involved. Then find the right importers or wholesalers at the beginning of that chain. Before starting to push your product, approach a number of them to ask what they need. This way you can position your product better before you reach out to a broader group.
      First check whether your product normally is sold through web shops in the Netherlands or that other distribution structures are more common. Then determine the characteristics of your ideal web shop, and find a number of these, or outsource this search. When you approach the first few, you will learn what they find important and who your competitors are.
      As in any country, convincing an importer or wholesaler to put your product in his assortment is difficult. Importers in the Netherlands look at the rotation of the product, how easy and often they can sell it, and multiply this with the margin they can make on it. The result should be higher than they earn now from any competing product. Only if you have proper sales data, for example from other countries, they will engage in a discussion with you.