Guide to Sending Parcels
to the Netherlands

Today's Netherlands was built by its global, seafaring people into a modern and industrial society. As a result of being one of the world's biggest traders today, the Netherlands is a top economic performer in Europe.

And in the area of e-commerce, 14 million of the nation's 17 million people shop and purchase. In 2019, that will account for 14.5 billion USD of revenues, and growing at 7% per year. That can buy you a lot of gouda cheese!.

Information on this page was found from Netherlands Customs and European Union Taxation , as well as from other Dutch government sources.

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Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to the Netherlands. Whether you are an everyday shopper or a business, you can easily save up to 50% on your international shipping costs by way of accessing our group buying power.

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IconEasy Tracking Information

Shipments through Secureship come with full, easy to read tracking information to Netherlands


IconDisclaimer

While we have made every effort to ensure that the information on this page is accurate, Customs laws and procedures change regularly so it is important to consult a licensed broker in Netherlands before shipping any goods.

Full tracking information for parcels to Netherlands is available with Secureship
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
May 11, 2024
8:49 am
The Hague, HA, NE
Delivered
May 10, 2024
7:18 am
Rotterdam, RO, NE
In transit
May 9, 2024
9:03 pm
Delft, DE, NE
International Clearance
May 9, 2024
8:14 am
Amsterdam, AM, NE
In transit
May 9, 2024
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
May 8, 2024
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan

IconTypes of Shipments

Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will require different paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting statement, for example.

Documents Only

Shipping documents with no commercial value to the Netherlands is duty and tax free.
Some typical examples of shipped documents include:

  • Bids or proposals for work or contracts
  • Diplomas
  • Drivers' licences
  • Gift cards
  • Passports

Some items have limitations or criteria in order to be considered documents. They are shown in the table below.

Document Type Restriction
Airline tickets Must be validated
Annual reports Must only be shipped to shareholders or company officials
Blueprints Must have no commercial value and are for intercompany use or as a bid invitation (for example, architectural plans for an EU contract)
Brochures Must be for intercompany use or for non-commercial purposes
Business cards A maximum of 15 business cards allowed
Cheques Only personalised cheques allowed
Event tickets

Tickets for football (soccer) matches, concerts, or stage performances may be sent, but to a maximum of 10 kg per shipment

Tickets shipped from a printing company to ticket sales office or an organiser of an event may not be sent as documents

Examination Papers Considered a document if shipped in an express envelope or letter pack
Greeting Cards and Invitations

Only considered documents if personalised

Non-personalised invitations and greeting cards require an invoice

Manuals (Technical) Only the appropriate number of manuals is allowed
Negatives

Only negatives, slides or print films being sent to a press or publishing agency are allowed

If the items have had value added through press or editorial charges, they then require an invoice

Newsletters

Considered documents if they are intercompany shipments for intercompany use

NOTE: Shipments from a publisher or printing company are non-documents

Newspapers Must be for non-commercial purposes
Stationery Must be personalised and an appropriate amount for non-commercial use
Traveller's Cheques Only allowed if personalised

Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US

Shipping Gifts

Gifts shipped to the Netherlands from Canada incur no duties or taxes if the parcel has a value of less than €45 (about $67 CDN).

As well, the parcel must not exceed the quantity restrictions for alcohol, tobacco and perfumes as shown below under Restrictions.

Gift Checklist

  • A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
  • The words 'Gift Shipment' or 'Unsolicited Gift' are included on the commercial invoice, even if the shipment is sent at Christmas time (see sample)
  • List the items in the parcel and write the value of each
  • Sending more than one gift in the parcel? Wrap and tag each one individually.

Restrictions

Gifts of alcohol, tobacco or perfumes are restricted to certain quantities as outlined below:

  • 1 L of distilled spirits (alcohol content greater than 22%)
  • 1 L of distilled spirit with an alcohol content of less than 22% (such as sake, aperitifs)
  • 1 L sparkling wine; (or a proportional amount of the 3 items above)
  • 2 L non-sparkling wine
  • 50 cigarettes or 25 cigarillos (maximum of 3 g per cigarillo) or 10 cigars or 50 g rolling tobacco (or a proportional amount of these items)
  • 50 g of perfume or 250 mL of eau de toilette

Shipments from Individual-to-Individual

Gift shipments from an individual in Canada to an individual in the Netherlands will incur taxes and duties depending on the value of the parcel. See the table below for details.

Parcel Value Duties & Taxes
€45 or Less (about $67 CDN) No duties
No VAT
Greater than €45 but less than €700(about $1045 CDN) Duty of 2.5% on the value of the goods
VAT
Alcohol, tobacco and perfume incur excise taxes
Greater than €700(about $1045 CDN) Import duties*
VAT (21%, 9% or 0%)*
Alcohol, tobacco and perfume incur excise taxes

* Rates vary depending on the type of good. See here for details. Some examples of how to calculate import duties.

Shipments from Business-to-Individual

Gift shipments from a business in Canada to an individual in the Netherlands will incur taxes and duties depending on the value of the parcel. See the table below for details.

Parcel Value Duties & Taxes
€22 or Less
(about $33 CDN)
No duties No VAT
Greater than €22 but Less than €150 (about $225 CDN) No duties VAT (21% or 9% or 0) Excise taxes on alcohol, tobacco and perfumes
Greater than €150(about $225 CDN) Import duties VAT (21% or 9% or 0) Excise taxes on alcohol, tobacco and perfumes

Some examples of how to calculate import duties can be found here.

Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts

Ship To Invoice
Johannes Vermeer
Voldersgracht 21
2611EV Delft
Netherlands

Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Each Gift Shipment: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set

CA $79.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Gifts
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $79.99
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Sending Multiple Gifts to the Netherlands

If a package has 2 or more gifts, it is considered 1 shipment if it is shipped to 1 address and all the gifts are on the same invoice or have the same airbill number.

If you have several gifts within one package, import tax is calculated on the value of the entire package. For instance, if the package has 2 gifts, 1 of €25 and 1 of €200, import taxes will be calculated on €225.
Be sure to:

  • Words "Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package" appear in General Description of Goods as well as the Detailed description of goods (see sample)
  • Individually wrap and tag each gift separately
  • Ensure the names on each tag are different and clearly marked on the commercial invoice

Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts

Ship To Invoice
Johannes Vermeer
Voldersgracht 21
2611EV Delft
Netherlands

Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Each Gift - Roger: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set

CA $39.99
1 Each Gift - Erica: Handwoven French Canadian Catalogne Blanket

CA $49.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Gifts
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $89.98
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Sources:
https://belastingdienst.nl/wps/wcm/connect/bldcontenten/belastingdienst/individuals/abroad_and_customs/receiving_goods_from_abroad/internet_purchases
https://www.belastingdienst.nl/wps/wcm/connect/bldcontenten/belastingdienst/individuals/abroad_and_customs/receiving_goods_from_abroad/from_individuals/am_i_liable_to_pay_import_taxes

Shipping Personal Effects

Sending your personal effects to the Netherlands from Canada is a simple process, and most items in your shipment will be duty and tax free.

Moving Temporarily

If you are a student moving to the Netherlands for a short period of time, you may bring your personal effects duty and tax free. See the conditions below that apply.

The goods eligible for this exemption include:

  • Clothing
  • Linen
  • Used furniture for your room
  • Equipment and supplies specifically for studying, for e.g., books, computer
Moving Temporarily - Conditions
  • You must have a residence in the Netherlands
  • You are registered with an educational facility in the Netherlands (it could be private or special)
  • To be exempt from duties, you must complete a Customs declaration, which is then filed by your transportation company on your behalf
Moving Temporarily - Required Documents
  • A signed inventory listing your personal goods you are shipping to the Netherlands
  • A certificate of registration from the municipality where you will be living. This could be:
    • a copy of a rental agreement
    • a certificate of enrolment at the school you will be studying at

Moving Permanently

Situations in which you may be moving permanently to the Netherlands include:

  • You have been given employment by a Dutch company or institution
  • You have married recently, or will be soon, and wish to send your personal effects to the Netherlands

You will be able to ship your personal effects from Canada to the Netherlands tax and duty-free if you meet the conditions below.

Moving Permanently - Conditions
  • You are transferring your residence from Canada to the Netherlands
  • You have lived outside of the EU for at least 12 consecutive months
  • The items shipped are used and have been owned by you for at least 6 months
  • The goods are imported within 12 months of living in the Netherlands
  • You will not loan, lease or transfer your goods for 12 months after they have been imported
  • To be exempt from duties, you must complete a Customs declaration, which is then filed by your transportation company on your behalf

Notes:

  • The duty and tax exemption does not apply to alcohol shipped as part of personal effects.
  • Tobacco products must have a valid Dutch excise seal on them. If not, they will be ceased and duties charged.
  • Also, non-portable equipment for professional endeavours are not tax and duty exempt.
Moving Permanently - Required Documents
  • A signed inventory listing of your personal goods that you are shipping to the Netherlands
  • A certificate of registration from the municipality where you will be living that indicates the day you moved to the Netherlands. This could be:
    • an employment contract
    • an employer's statement
    • a work permit
    • a rental contract or mortgage document for your home in the Netherlands

Sources:
https://belastingdienst.nl/wps/wcm/connect/bldcontenten/belastingdienst/individuals/moving_internationally/international_migration_and_removal_goods/from_a_non_eu_country/i_am_moving_to_the_netherlands_to_study_and_i_want_to_import_my_removal_goods_tax_free_into_the_netherlands
https://belastingdienst.nl/wps/wcm/connect/bldcontenten/belastingdienst/individuals/moving_internationally/international_migration_and_removal_goods/from_a_non_eu_country/i_am_moving_to_the_netherlands_and_i_want_to_import

Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects

Ship To Invoice
Johannes Vermeer
Voldersgracht 21
2611EV Delft
Netherlands

Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal effects being delivered to my new address.

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
5 Pairs Personal Effects: 5 pairs of various types of shoes

IN $40.00
1 Each Personal Effects: Arc'terix Winter Jacket

CA $478.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Personal Effects
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $678.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Shipping Promotional Material to the NetherlandsFood, Chocolate, Candies

Small quantities of non-animal food products, chocolate and candies may be shipped to the Netherlands without an accompanying health certificate. Limitations to quantities are shown below.

Shipping animal food products to the Netherlands should be avoided as they require a health certificate issued by the Canadian government.

You May Ship

  • Up to 20 kg of fish or fish products, providing they are not protected
  • Caviar: a maximum of 125 g is allowed; if the value is more than €430 (about $640 CDN), duty taxes will apply
  • Up to 5 kg of fruit or vegetables
  • Chocolate, candies and other sweets
  • Up to 2 kg of infant-specific food products including powdered milk*
  • Particular foods for medical purposes*

* The foods are a commercial, shelf-stable product in an unopened container labelled with a registered trademark.

Do Not Ship

  • Cheese and other milk and milk products
  • Meat, fresh or processed
  • Protected species of fish and their products

Sources:
https://www.belastingdienst.nl/wps/wcm/connect/bldcontenten/belastingdienst/individuals/abroad_and_customs/restricted_prohibited_import_export/animal_products_foodstuffs/
https://www.belastingdienst.nl/wps/wcm/connect/bldcontenten/belastingdienst/individuals/abroad_and_customs/restricted_prohibited_import_export/plants_flowers_fruit_vegetables/

Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies

Ship To Invoice
Johannes Vermeer
Voldersgracht 21
2611EV Delft
Netherlands

Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Box Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2021 (shelf life of 6 months or longer)

CA $20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Permanent / Sold
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Shipping Promotional Material to the NetherlandsSamples

Product samples may be shipped from Canada to the Netherlands duty and tax free if they are of negligible value. The purpose of sending samples is to encourage orders of the product.

Shipments are classified as samples and eligible for duty and tax exemptions if:

  • The recipient is a business
  • The sample(s) is/are in a limited quantity or sizes
  • The sample has been made unsellable by one of the following methods:
    • Torn or slashed
    • Defaced with indelible marking
    • Perforated
  • The commercial invoice includes a description of the sample with its mutilation

Sources:
https://www.export.gov/article?id=Netherlands-Temporary-Entry
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
https://treatydatabase.overheid.nl/en/Verdrag/Details/007262.html

Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample

Ship To Invoice
Johannes Vermeer
Voldersgracht 21
2611EV Delft
Netherlands

Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Box Commercial Sample - Advanced reading copy of Dan Brown's novel.

CA $20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Commercial Sample
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Shipping Promotional Material to the NetherlandsAdvertising Material

Advertising material includes items that are handed out to promote products or services. Advertising items include:

  • Catalogues
  • Price lists
  • Advertising posters
  • Calendars
  • Photographs
  • Films

Advertising and promotional materials can be shipped to the Netherlands from Canada duty and tax free.

Advertising Material Checklist
  • A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
  • Write 'Promotional Material - Not for Resale' on the commercial invoice in the general description of goods (see sample)

Sources:
https://www.export.gov/article?id=Netherlands-Temporary-Entry
https://treatydatabase.overheid.nl/en/Verdrag/Details/007262.html
https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetailsII.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=XI-A-5&chapter=11&Temp=mtdsg2&clang=_en

Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material

Ship To Invoice
Johannes Vermeer
Voldersgracht 21
2611EV Delft
Netherlands

Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Each Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.

CA $163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Promotional Material
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Shipping Promotional Material to the NetherlandsRepairs

Shipping products to the Netherlands for repair is a fairly straightforward process and is exempt from duties and taxes under the inward processing rules of the European Union.

Inward processing means goods from outside the EU brought into the EU to have work done on them, such as repairs.

Items Under Warranty

As Canada and the Netherlands have a free-trade agreement (CETA), repairs under warranty returning to Canada from the Netherlands are duty-free and will not be charged GST.

Items No Longer Under Warranty

Repaired equipment that is no longer under warranty and returning to Canada from the Netherlands will be charged GST on the value of the repair and on any new parts required to complete the repair.

Sending Product for Repair to the Netherlands

When sending product for repair to the Netherlands, include the following information on the parcel:

  • Write 'REPAIR & RETURN' on the commercial invoice under General Description or Remarks
  • Indicate the Serial/Product number under the Detailed Description of Goods section on the commercial invoice
  • Include a copy of the Repair Contract with all your export documentation

Returning Product After Repairs are Completed

If your product has been repaired in Canada and is being returned back to the Netherlands, ensure to do the following:

  • Write 'REPAIR & RETURN' on the commercial invoice in the General Description or Remarks section
  • Indicate the value of the product INCLUDING the cost of the repair under the Detailed Description of Goods section
  • Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the item was first exported to the Netherlands

Be sure to write the necessary information on the commercial invoice according to the document checklist below.

Repair Checklist
  • Commercial Invoice must clearly state 'REPAIR & RETURN' under the General Description or Remarks, and include the estimated time of return
  • Include repair contract with shipment
  • Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under the Detailed Description of Goods section

Sources:
https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/inward-processing_en
https://www.zoll.de/EN/Businesses/Movement-of-goods/Import/Procedures/Inward-processing/inward-processing_node.html
https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d8/d8-2-10-eng.html
https://www.belastingdienst.nl/wps/wcm/connect/bldcontenten/belastingdienst/customs/customs-processes/special-procedures/special-procedures-for-goods/inward-processing-procedure

Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair

Ship To Invoice
Johannes Vermeer
Voldersgracht 21
2611EV Delft
Netherlands

Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Each Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00

US $163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Warranty Repair
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Temporary Imports / Exports for shipments to the NetherlandsTemporary Imports

Temporary importation of goods into the Netherlands, without incurring duties or taxes, is allowed for a maximum of 24 months. However, for some goods the time limit is less.

Make sure to clearly indicate the return date on the commercial invoice.

Goods that are often part of a temporary import include:

  • Materials and goods to be used for entertainment or during a public exhibition such as a trade show booth
  • Items that will be used or displayed at a fair, exhibition or event
  • Commercial samples
  • Scientific and professional equipment
  • Equipment required to evaluate and test the operation of other goods and equipment
  • Tools and specialised equipment required for repairing, exploring, producing or manufacturing

Temporary admissions are expected to follow the rules below:

  • They will not be changed other than from normal wear-and-tear
  • Are intended to be re-exported from the Netherlands

Qualifying for Duty & Tax Free Temporary Import

In order to import your goods duty and tax free into the Netherlands, you can pick from 1 of the 2 Temporary Import Methods listed below.

Each option has its pros and cons. Regardless, each of the following methods requires you to complete a Commercial Invoice (CI). More details below.


Option # Temporary Import Method Risk of paying Duties and taxes
1 Commercial Invoice Only High - if broker cannot clear goods temporarily
2 Commercial Invoice + ATA Carnet Very Low
1. Complete a Commercial Invoice Only


This is the simplest and quickest option. See example.

You should be aware that shipping using this method doesn't guarantee that your items will be imported duty/tax free. Not all brokers will clear goods as temporary imports (i.e. UPS, Fedex, DHL) nor is it a guarantee that customs won't charge any duties and taxes.


2. Commercial Invoice + an ATA Carnet


This option is great for items that frequently travel in and out of the country. It's also great because once you have an ATA Carnet, it is accepted by 176 countries worldwide making the application process a one-time thing.

In addition to declaring your commercial invoice as a temporary import, you can get an ATA Carnet for the items that are of temporary nature.

ATA Carnets are beyond the scope of this article. You can however, contact your local chamber of commerce and they will be able to guide you along. You can also find more information here: http://www.chamber.ca/carnet/


In addition to the 2 options listed above, the following conditions must also be met in order to qualify for a duty and VAT free exemption:

  • The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, allowing for normal wear and tear; maintenance and minor repairs are allowed under certain conditions
  • Stay no longer than 24 months in the Netherlands
Temporary Imports Checklist
  • Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods. (see sample)
  • The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
  • Stay no longer than the period listed above
  • Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
  • Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received within the country (whichever applies)
  • Any above listed items not listed in this checklist

Sources:
https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/specific-use_en
https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/sites/taxation/files/docs/body/guidance_special_procedures_en.pdf
http://www.chamber.ca/carnet/how-to-apply-for-a-carnet/

Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports

Ship To Invoice
Johannes Vermeer
Voldersgracht 21
2611EV Delft
Netherlands

Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 box Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment

CA $1032.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Temporary Imports
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1032.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Permanent Goods / Sold To an individual or business within NetherlandsPermanent/Sold Goods

Occasional Shipper

If you ship occasionally to the Netherlands (i.e. items you sold on eBay), there isn't too much you need to do. You will need to:

  • Include 3 copies of the Commercial Invoice with your shipment
  • Provide a detailed description of the goods on the Commercial Invoice (in order to avoid customs delays)

NOTE: An Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number is NOT needed if you are shipping as a private individual.

Regular Shipper

If you regularly sell and ship goods to the Netherlands, we recommend you consult a licensed customs broker in the Netherlands.

You may need to comply with certain requirements, such as obtaining an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number.


NOTE: Goods sold and shipped to the Netherlands will incur duty imports and VAT. The range of VAT tariffs can be found here. If the products are alcoholic beverages or tobacco, then excise taxes will also be applied to them.

Sources:
https://download.belastingdienst.nl/itd/beleid/vat_in_the_netherlands.pdf
https://www.government.nl/topics/export-import-and-customs/customs-tariff

Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods

Ship To Invoice
Johannes Vermeer
Voldersgracht 21
2611EV Delft
Netherlands

Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
15 Each Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.

CA $132.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Permanent/Sold
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

IconRequired Documents

Shipping packages internationally requires a lot of documentation. This process alone can be confusing and time-consuming. So we’ve narrowed down what documents you might need and ranked them based on likeliness of being needed.

Document Type When? Details
Shipping Label / Bill of Lading Always required This is a label provided by the carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.). Always required because the carrier needs to know the parcel's destination.
Commercial Invoice Required for all non-document shipments
For all non-document shipments, you will require 3 copies of the commercial invoice (to be included with your shipping labels). These are for customs purposes and need to be included inside a document pouch outside of the box.

When creating a shipment through the Secureship website, the system will help you create this document automatically.

B13a Required if value exceeds $2,000 per shipment or is a controlled good
A B13a is required if your shipment exceeds $2000 CAD or is a controlled good
and is destined to a country other than the US, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands

Learn more about the B13a form here.
Certificate of Origin (COO) Infrequently required

Allows a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Canada has a preferential trade agreement with Netherlands. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.

When an item with a COO is imported into Netherlands, it will incur a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Certificate of Insurance (COI) Infrequently required

Shows that the shipment has been insured.
Banks may request a certificate of insurance when providing letters of credit for the goods. Otherwise, it is generally your choice whether to purchase insurance for the shipment.
ATA Carnet Infrequently required

Used to avoid duties and taxes on shipments of temporary nature.
If you ship goods of temporary nature to and from a country, you can obtain an ATA Carnet to expedite the customs clearance process and ensure that anything of temporary nature is not charged duties and taxes.

See Temporary import section

Prohibited & Restricted Imports

Goods entering the Netherlands may be prohibited while others may enter with conditions (they are restricted). Prohibitions and restrictions are in place to protect Dutch citizens and abide by international trade agreements.

Below are abbreviated lists of prohibited or restricted items that Dutch authorities control entering the Netherlands. A complete list of prohibited and restricted items can be found here .

Prohibited Items

  • Weapons, ammunition and explosives
  • Illicit drugs such as hashish, cocaine, heroin and any drug paraphernalia
  • Counterfeit items
  • Goods made from protected animals
  • Products made from protected animals and their parts
  • Products made from protected plants and their parts
  • Food products: cheese, meat, fish, milk and its byproducts
  • Game trophies and animal skins
  • Cultural goods like antiques and art, and designer jewellery

Restricted Items

  • Caviar (125 g maximum)
  • Vegetables, fruits, plants and flowers shipped in commercial quantities or for scientific purposes may only enter with a phytosanitary certificate
  • Plant materials NOT intended for commercial use or scientific purposes may be shipped to the following maxima:

Sources:
https://www.belastingdienst.nl/wps/wcm/connect/bldcontenten/belastingdienst/individuals/abroad_and_customs/restricted_prohibited_import_export/protected_animal_plant
https://www.belastingdienst.nl/wps/wcm/connect/bldcontenten/belastingdienst/individuals/abroad_and_customs/restricted_prohibited_import_export/weapons_ammunition
https://www.belastingdienst.nl/wps/wcm/connect/bldcontenten/belastingdienst/individuals/abroad_and_customs/restricted_prohibited_import_export/culture_goods
https://www.belastingdienst.nl/wps/wcm/connect/bldcontenten/belastingdienst/individuals/abroad_and_customs/restricted_prohibited_import_export/counterfeit_products1
https://www.belastingdienst.nl/wps/wcm/connect/bldcontenten/belastingdienst/individuals/abroad_and_customs/restricted_prohibited_import_export/medicines1/

Duty & Taxes

Import duties and taxes in the Netherlands are calculated based on the sum of the Customs Value, Insurance Amount, and Freight costs (shipping costs). This is known as CIF.

CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs

Using the CIF Value, you can predict how much duty & tax the recipient must pay to the Dutch government to receive their goods.

Thresholds

Some countries have a threshold below which duties and taxes are not charged. This is known as the de minimis value. For the Netherlands, the de miminis for duties is €150 CIF (about $225 CDN); and for VAT, it is €0.

NOTE: Alcoholic beverages, perfumes, and eau de toilette are always subject to VAT, duties, and excise taxes.

Currency Euro (EUR) - €
Duty Exemption (De minimis Value) € 150
Duty Calculation Method CIF
TAX (VAT)

9%
applies to food, medicines,
books, newspapers and magazines, and
agricultural products and services

21%
standard rate that applies to most goods

Tax Exemption (De minimis Value) €0 - effective July 1st, 2021
Tax Calculation Method CIF

Duties on Imports

Canada has a free trade agreement with the Netherlands via the EU (CETA). As a result, 98% of all trade goods and services between the 2 countries incur no duties.

Rules of origin ensure that CETA preferential tariff rates benefit EU and Canadian production. In order to take full advantage of CETA preferential tariff rates, traders will need to fulfil the rules of origin defined in the agreement and prescribed for each and every product. The Commission has developed a practical Guide to the CETA Rules of Origin to help you find your way.

  • Candy0%
  • Chocolate0%
  • Spirits and Wines, Tobacco*0%
  • Books0%
  • Documents0%
  • Video Games & Consoles0%
  • Computers & Laptops0%
  • Tablets0%
  • Mobiles0%
  • Cameras0%
  • Accessories for Electronics0%
  • Coats0%
  • Beauty Products & Cosmetics0%
  • Jewellery0%
  • Shirts & Pants0%
  • Home Appliances0%
  • Toys0%
  • Sports Equipment0%

*Dutch authorities are very strict about importation of tobacco and its products. Shipments of tobacco MUST have a Dutch excise stamp or they will be confiscated.

Sources:
https://www.belastingdienst.nl/wps/wcm/connect/bldcontenten/belastingdienst/business/vat/vat_in_the_netherlands/calculating_vat/vat_tariffs
https://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2017/september/tradoc_156056.pdf
https://www.belastingdienst.nl/wps/wcm/connect/bldcontenten/belastingdienst/individuals/abroad_and_customs/receiving_goods_from_abroad/from_organizations_and_companies/how_do_i_calculate_these_import_taxes

IconNetherlands Shipping Insurance

You can purchase insurance through Secureship, and it is provided by the carrier that will be transporting your shipment.

Each carrier will charge a different amount per $100 of declared insurance. If you indicate that you need insurance for your shipment, our system will automatically include the insurance costs for your shipment.

Insurance is great to have in case your package is accidentally lost or damaged by the carrier. But be careful, not everything you ship is insurable. Worse - even if your package contains items that are insurable, if it doesn't meet the ISTA 3A packaging standard, the insurance purchased through the carrier would not be available to you.

Here are some items that cannot be insured by the carrier:

  • Personal belongings
  • Antiques
  • Artwork
  • Liquids (including alcohol)
  • Televisions
  • Jewellery in excess of $500
  • Perishable goods
  • Glass or Ceramic
  • And many more items

For more information, please see the carrier's terms and conditions.

Questions about Shipping to the Netherlands

Can I ship to the Netherlands?

Shipping to the Netherlands from Canada can take between 2-5 business days through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform. More economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 2 months to complete the delivery.

Find out how fast the Secureship trusted carriers can get your shipment delivered to the Netherlands by getting a quote now.

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