Netherlands
Netherlands Customs Information – Hercules Worldwide
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
- Passport; copy of pages 1-10
- Copy of work contract
- Certificate of residence
- Resident agreement (rental or purchase contract)
- Request for import permit **All shipments, including auto, must be included in original petition. IMPORT PERMIT IS GRANTED ONLY ONCE**
- Application for exemption (import duties)
- Those importing from non-European community countries require:
- Form provided by destination agent
- Original form of registration from new hometown
- Statement from employer
- 5 detailed and signed (by you) copies of inventory, must be legible and show:
- Contents of all cartons (do NOT accept PBO “packed by owner” and misc. “miscellaneous)
- Include make, model and serial number for any and all appliances/electrical equipment
- Include make, model and so on for automobile or other motor vehicle
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
- May ship household goods and personal effects duty-free if:
- You have lived outside the Netherlands for a minimum of 12 months; 6 months if previous residence was inside the European community
- You are transferring your primary residence to the Netherlands
- Household goods and effects have been in use and in possession for at least 12 months; 6 months for those importing from a European community (used prior to shipment)
- Imported goods are not sold or lent for a minimum of 12 months after arriving; 6 months if imported from a European community
- Goods are in accordance with your social status
- Special documents are required for the duty-free re-importation of used household goods within one year
- If you are not staying in Netherlands for at least 12 months, a bond will have to be posted for duties and taxes
RESTRICTED ITEMS/DUTIABLE
- New items (used for less than 6 months)
- Tobacco products and alcohol require detailed description
- Electrical appliances
- Foodstuffs
- Works of art and antiques
- All ammunition and weapons require special license and registration documents issued by the police
- You must be present for customs clearance if you include weapons with your household goods shipment
- Doctor prescription is required for the import of medicine, otherwise it is prohibited
- Authorization from the Kantoor Waarborg required for import of precious metal objects
PROHIBITED ITEMS
- Narcotics and drugs
- Explosives
- CB radios
- All species of orchids and cactuses
- Meat products
- Products made from endangered or threatened exotic animals
MOTOR VEHICLES
- Your presence is required at the customs office to sign papers of exemption for the clearance process
- May ship vehicle duty-free if owned and used by you for a minimum of 6 months, and is included in original request for import permit
- Must provide keys
- The following documents are required:
- Original registration card
- Purchase invoice
- International liability insurance card (green card)
- Title
- Copy of lease or deed of residence
- Copy of passport, pages 1-10
- Dutch registration
- Copy of work contract
- Original form of registration in new hometown
PETS
- Your presence is required at customs clearance for importation of pets
- Requires health certificate and certificate of rabies vaccination
- May require a quarantine period
**NOTE- all customs regulations and procedures are subject to change at any time. The above customs information is provided as a brief summary of Netherlands customs regulations and applies only to household goods shipments, and is for your general guidance. Hercules Worldwide is not liable for any damage, delays, duties, costs, taxes or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance, omissions or errors. Always check full requirements and restrictions with the local embassy or consulate.**
