Customs Regulations in Netherlands

*NOTE: SHIPPING DOCUMENTS MUST STATE CUSTOMER'S CONTACT ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER (REQUIRED FOR IMPORT LICENSE) DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

• Passport (copy of pages 1-10)
• Work Contract (copy)
• Certificate of Residence
• Residence Agreement (Rental or Purchase Contract)
• Request for Import Permit -- ALL anticipated SHIPMENTS (including AUTO) MUST BE INCLUDED IN THE ORIGINAL PETITION. IMPORT PERMIT is granted ONLY ONCE.
• Application for Exemption from import duties
• For Customer coming from NON-EUROPEAN COMMUNITY countries:
  • Form is provided by Destination Agent
  • Original form of registration in Customer's new hometown
  • Statement from employer
• Inventory (five copies) detailed and signed by the Customer must be legible and show:
  • Contents of all cartons (PBO "packed by owner" and MISC. "miscellaneous", not acceptable)
  • APPLIANCE make, model and serial number
  • AUTO (or other motor vehicle) make, model, etc.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

• Used household goods and personal effects are duty-free provided:
  • The Customer has lived outside the Netherlands for at least 12 months (six months if previous residence was within the European Community)
  • Customer is transferring his principal residence to the Netherlands
  • The goods have been used for at least 12 months (six months if being imported within the European Community) prior to import
  • The goods are not sold or lent for at least 12 months (six months if being imported within the European Community) after importation
  • The goods are in accordance with the social status of the Customer
• Re-importation of used household goods within one year requires special documents for duty-free import
• If Customer is not staying in the Netherlands for a minimum of 12 months, bond will have to be posted for duties and taxes

DUTIABLE/RESTRICTED ITEMS

• New items (letter than six months old)
• Alcohol and tobacco products (provide detailed description)
• Electrical appliances
• Foodstuff
• Antiques and Works of Art
• All weapons and ammunition are subject to special license and registration documents issued by the Police
• If weapons are included with the household goods shipment, customer must be present for Customs clearance
• Medicine (doctor prescription required, otherwise prohibited)
• Precious metal objects (authorization from the "Kantoor Waarborg")

PROHIBITED ITEMS

• Drugs and narcotics
• All species of cactuses and orchids
• Explosives
• CB radios
• Meat products
• Products made from endangered or threatened exotic animals

MOTOR VEHICLES

• Customer's presence at Customs Office is required to sign papers of exemption for Customs clearance
• Duty-free if owned and used by Customer for six months or more and included in original request for Import Permit
• Auto is not to be sold for at least one year after Customs clearance in the Netherlands
• Keys must be available
• Documents required:
  • Original Registration Card
  • Purchase Invoice
  • International Liability Insurance Card (Green Card)
  • Title
  • Copy of Customer's Passport (pages 1-10)
  • Copy of Lease or deed of residence
  • Dutch Registration
  • Copy of Work Contract
  • Original Form of Registration in Customer's new hometown

PETS

• Customer's presence at Customs clearance is required
• Health Certificate and Certificate of Rabies Vaccination required
• Quarantine may be necessary