Importing Into 🇳🇱 Netherlands
De Minimis Threshold
US$165
€150 EUR
Shipments below this value may enter without customs duty. VAT may still apply depending on local rules.
EU rules apply. €150 customs duty de minimis. BTW (Dutch VAT) applies to all imports regardless of value as of July 2021. Netherlands is a major EU entry point — Schiphol and Port of Rotterdam handle enormous import volumes.
As of: 2021-07-01
VAT / GST on Imports
21%
Applied on the customs value (CIF — cost, insurance, freight) plus any applicable duties.
Required Documentation
| # | Document |
|---|---|
| 01 | Customs Import Declaration (AGS system / EU SAD) |
| 02 | Commercial Invoice |
| 03 | Packing List |
| 04 | Airway Bill or Bill of Lading |
| 05 | EUR.1 or Invoice Declaration (for EU FTA preference) |
| 06 | Import Licence (for goods subject to quotas or controls) |
| 07 | CITES permit (for protected species) |
| 08 | Phytosanitary or health certificate (for plants/food from non-EU) |
Requirements vary by shipment value, HS chapter, and origin country. Learn about each document type →
Restricted Import Categories
- ⚠Firearms and weapons (Dutch Weapons and Ammunition Act — strict restrictions)
- ⚠Medicines (CBG/MEB authorisation for commercial imports)
- ⚠Soft drugs — cannabis in coffeeshops is a tolerance policy (gedoogbeleid), but importing cannabis is illegal
- ⚠Food products from outside EU (SPS border inspection)
- ⚠Plants and plant materials (phytosanitary certificate required from non-EU)
- ⚠Endangered species (CITES permits required)
- ⚠Certain chemicals (REACH compliance)
Prohibited Import Categories
- ✗Narcotics (cannabis import is prohibited even though domestic tolerance policy exists)
- ✗Hard drugs
- ✗Counterfeit goods
- ✗Pornographic material involving minors
- ✗Endangered species products without CITES permits
- ✗Certain weapons
Special Notes
- 01The Netherlands has a drug tolerance policy for small amounts of cannabis for personal use in licensed coffeeshops, but importing cannabis from abroad is a criminal offence.
- 02BTW (Belasting Toegevoegde Waarde) VAT is 21% standard, 9% reduced (food, medicines, books).
- 03The Netherlands is a major EU import hub — Port of Rotterdam is Europe's largest port.
- 04Netherlands Customs uses the AGS (Automated Goods System) for customs declarations.
- 05The Netherlands has strong IP enforcement — counterfeit goods are regularly seized.
- 06EU's Import Control System (ICS2) for safety and security declarations applies.
Documented Import Rules
Vape / E-Cigarette
🇳🇱 Netherlands
Vape / E-Cigarette requires declaration / permit for personal import into Netherlands.
Alcohol / Spirits
🇳🇱 Netherlands
Alcohol / Spirits requires declaration / permit for personal import into Netherlands.
Tobacco Cigarettes
🇳🇱 Netherlands
Tobacco Cigarettes requires declaration / permit for personal import into Netherlands.
CBD Oil
🇳🇱 Netherlands
CBD Oil requires declaration / permit for personal import into Netherlands.
Cannabis Seeds
🇳🇱 Netherlands
Cannabis Seeds requires declaration / permit for personal import into Netherlands.
Sterilised hemp seeds (food grade)
🇳🇱 Netherlands
Sterilised hemp seeds (food grade) requires declaration / permit for personal import into Netherlands.
Codeine (Medication)
🇳🇱 Netherlands
Codeine (Medication) requires declaration / permit for personal import into Netherlands.
Adderall (Medication)
🇳🇱 Netherlands
Adderall (Medication) requires declaration / permit for personal import into Netherlands.
Tramadol (Medication)
🇳🇱 Netherlands
Tramadol (Medication) requires declaration / permit for personal import into Netherlands.
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