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.

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.

Importing goods

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

Customs Declaration
- Submit an Import Declaration via the Automated Import System (AGS).
- Key documents include a commercial invoice, bill of lading, and packing list.
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.
Additional Non-Financial Requirements
- For product-specific rules (e.g., health, safety, and labeling), use the Access2Markets portal (Access2Markets).
Inspection and Clearance
- Customs may inspect goods. Normal processing time is 1-3 days with correct documentation.
Release of Goods
- Once approved, your goods are ready for transport to their final destination.

Service Providers for Assistance

DHL Global Forwarding – dhl.com
Kuehne+Nagel – kuehne-nagel.com
Rotterdam Customs Services – rotterdamcustoms.com
H.J. van Benthem Customs Services – hjvanbenthem.nl
Seabird International Customs Services – seabird.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 looks at three things

Whatever you ship, customs checks the same three things. The classification: the HS code that sets the duty rate. The customs value: the price plus, depending on the Incoterm, transport and insurance. And the origin, which can lower the rate under a trade agreement.

On top of that come the registrations: an importer number or EORI, a VAT registration or a local importer of record, and product certificates for food, cosmetics, medical devices and electrical goods.

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.

Tell us what you want to ship and where to and we ask you all relevant questions to get to the most likely code.

Get your HS code VAlidation Report for only € 39

Importing into the Netherlands in three steps

Step 1

Classify and check

Determine the HS code for every product, look up the duty rate, and check which certificates or approvals the country asks for before you ship anything.

Step 2

Arrange papers

Make sure there is a registered importer, and prepare the invoice, packing list, transport document and, where it lowers the duty, a certificate of origin.

Step 3

Ship and clear

Let a customs broker file the declaration, pay duties and import VAT, and keep the documents. Customs audits can go back several years.