Import & Export
When we go on a holiday or business trip, we often return with souvenirs in addition to our personal luggage. But what may or may not be imported into the Netherlands? Often we only find out when we reach the airport, sometimes unfortunately too late! In order to prepare you for your trip and prevent unpleasant surprises, Rotterdam Airport has prepared a list telling you everything you need to know about imports and exports.
Import & export within the European Union »
Import & export outside the European Union »
Commercial aims
If you are exporting or importing goods for commercial business, you must always report to the Customs authorities. Even if you are in possession of a licence to deal in a certain article, we advise you to report to the Customs desk on your return to Rotterdam Airport.
For you own use
Of course, your own personal property can be freely taken in and out of the country without your having to pay tax. However, on entering the country, the Customs may request that you produce proof that certain (luxury) articles, such as (video) cameras, jewellery, laptops and musical instruments, were already in your possession when you left the country. We therefore advise you, either to take the purchase receipt or guarantee for such items with you, or to obtain a Customs statement before departure.
There are rules for taking certain items with you for your own use or possession, and some items may even be forbidden. Below you will find a list of items that may not be imported into or exported from the Netherlands under any circumstances:
protected species of animals and plants (e.g. coral or cacti) or products made from these
flowers, bulbs, plants and fruit
goods of animal origin (stuffed animals, meat, fish and dairy products)
drugs and medicines
fake designer goods
weapons (real or fake) and ammunition
art and antiques
erotica
politically- and religiously-sensitive texts
pets
If such items are found in your baggage, you may be fined and the items you have bought may be confiscated. Especially in the case of the importing of fake weapons, strong measures will be taken. The rules vary between countries. To find out which rules apply to your country of destination, we advise you to contact the embassy or the consulate of the country concerned, or to phone the tax and customs department for advice.
Within the European Union
The import and export of goods is governed by rules. For all the countries of the European Union (EU) (Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Finland, France, Greece, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Ireland, Italy, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Cyprus, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic) free traffic of goods is possible in principle. The following rules apply:
- No declaration of goods is necessary, provided that the maximum amount permitted has not been exceeded.
- If the maximum amount permitted is exceeded, it must be proved that the excess is destined for personal use.
- If it cannot be proved that the excess is for personal use, tax must be paid for these goods.
The maximum allowances that you can carry tax-free are:
- 110 litres of beer,90 litres of wine, 20 litres of fortified wine, 10 litres of strong drink (spirits)
- 800 cigarettes, 400 cigars and 1 kilo of tobacco.
Different rules for particular areas
In some areas such as the Canary Islands and the Channel Islands, the same quantity of merchandise may be imported/exported as in the countries outside the EU. The islands belong to the customs area of the EU, but do not take part in the BTW (Value Added Tax) and excise (duty) areas of the EU.
Similarly, other rules apply if you buy tobacco products in the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia or Slovenia and then travel on to, or via Denmark, Finland, Germany, Sweden, England or Austria. In such a case you are allowed to import only 200 cigarettes tax-free.
For journeys from Estonia, there is also a limitation on loose tobacco (tax-free 250 g). Likewise on leaving the Czech Republic, the tax-free limit for the number of cigars is 10, for cigarillos 20 and for loose tobacco 250 g.
Outside the European Union
If you travel from the Netherlands to a country outside the EU or vice versa and you take goods with you, then it is possible that you will have to pay customs and excise duties and BTW. The amount and value of the goods is the important factor here.
The maximum allowed quantities of tax-free articles are (for 17-year-olds and above):
200 cigarettes or 250 g of tobacco or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars
1 litre of a strong drink (spirits) or 2 litres of sparkling wine or fortified wine
2 litres of non-sparkling wine
50 g perfume and 0.25 litres of eau de toilette
500 g of coffee or 200 g of coffee extract or coffee essence
100 g of tea or 40 g of tea extract or essences
If you take more than these amounts then you must pay tax (import duties, excise and BTW).
For all other (imported) goods a maximum total value of € 175,- per person applies. If this maximum value is exceeded, then on return to the Netherlands, customs duties and BTW will have to be paid on the excess amount.
TIPS
- Do not be taken in by special offers where expensive branded articles (watches, clothing, perfumes etc.) are offered at very low prices. These are most likely to be imitations. The same applies for remarkably cheap CDs, videotapes and software. These could be illegal copies.
- If in doubt, do not purchase animals or plants (including products originating from them), even if they are being sold in 'reputable' surroundings, such as a hotel lobby. Often the seller informs the customer that there are no import and export restrictions, which is not the case.
- Prevent the spreading of animal diseases such as foot and mouth. Take no animal products with you on your travels and avoid contact with cattle, pigs, sheep and goats as much as possible.
Warning: the possession of drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, heroin, and XTC will be heavily punished throughout the world. This applies to EU countries as well as countries outside the EU.
For more information you can phone 0800-0143 (Customs), or if phoning from abroad contact via +31 (0)45 -5743031. Also more information can be found on www.douane.nl
