🇳🇱 Import Customs & Duties: Netherlands
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$0
Duty applies from $0
VAT / Sales Tax
21%
CIF value + duty. Reduced rate of 9% for food, books, medicines, and cultural goods.
Clearance Time
1-2 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-3.7% | HS 85 |
| Clothing | 12% | HS 61-62 |
| Footwear | 8-17% | HS 64 |
| Food products | 0-26% | HS 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-4% | HS 84 |
| Cosmetics | 2.5-6.5% | HS 33 |
| Books | 0% | HS 49 |
| Toys | 0-4.7% | HS 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Import Duty Calculator
Customs Clearance Process
Dutch Customs (Douane) follows EU Customs Code. AGS electronic declaration system, one of the most advanced in Europe. Rotterdam/Schiphol are major EU entry points. Fiscal representation allows deferred VAT payment for businesses.
What to Actually Expect
Dutch customs is among the fastest and most efficient in the EU. Rotterdam is Europe's largest port and Schiphol a major air cargo hub. PostNL handles postal customs quickly. Express shipments clear same day. Fiscal representation scheme makes the Netherlands attractive for EU import.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
EU-standard licensing. The Netherlands is a major logistics hub, many goods enter the EU via Rotterdam/Schiphol and are re-exported. Special customs warehousing and fiscal representation widely used.
Certificate of Origin
KVK (Chamber of Commerce) issues certificates. EU preferential certificates (EUR.1, EUR-MED) for FTA partners. Netherlands is a major re-export hub, certificates critical for transit goods.
Learn more →Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Duty & Tax Estimate
Estimated import charges when shipping goods to Netherlands:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $2 | $11 | $13 |
| $100 | $4 | $22 | $26 |
| $200 | $8 | $44 | $52 |
| $500 | $21 | $109 | $130 |
| $1000 | $42 | $219 | $261 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to Netherlands
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Netherlands?
Netherlands has no duty-free threshold. All imported goods are subject to duties regardless of their value.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Netherlands?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Netherlands is 21%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. Reduced rate of 9% for food, books, medicines, and cultural goods.
How long does customs clearance take in Netherlands?
Typical customs clearance in Netherlands takes 1-2 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Netherlands?
To import into Netherlands, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Netherlands?
Netherlands prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.