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Outside the EU - Netherlands

Updated 07/2009

Legal requirements

Importing goods

The Dutch customs authorities check that importers and exporters comply with legislation on safety, health, economy and the environment (VGEM).

Imports and exports of certain goods between the Netherlands and non-EU countries are forbidden or permitted only under special conditions. Examples include:

  • medicines;
  • live animals and animal products;
  • plants, flowers, vegetables and fruit;
  • animal feed;
  • radioactive substances and nuclear material;
  • environmentally hazardous substances;
  • waste.
  • Import licences Nederlands

Exporting goods

Most commonly, exports to many countries outside the EU require a certificate of origin, which formally states the country of origin of a particular product.

  • Certificate of Origin Nederlands

The EUR1 document is used in the case of countries with which the EU has concluded a trade agreement. This document grants lower import duties or even waives these entirely. A Certificate of Origin or EUR1 document may be requested from the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK).

Government support for exports

Some Dutch entrepreneurs exporting goods abroad are eligible for export credit insurance              (EKV). This enables them to reinsure their transactions with the Dutch government. Other risk coverage facilities are also available away from EKV cover.

Administrative procedures

Exporting goods

You must declare to the            customs authorities goods which you import from or export to a country outside the EU. The customs authorities will use your declaration as the basis for calculating any import or export levies.

           Dutch customs authorities   also check whether exports from outside the EU are legally compliant in terms of safety, health, economy and environment (VGEM).

Certain exported goods require an export licence.

Importing goods

Similarly, certain imported goods require an import licence.

Importing and exporting services

Resources

For information about the Netherlands from the World Trade Organisation (WTO), please visit:

Information from the Dutch government can be found on the Antwoordvoorbedrijven.nl website, which lists all the various relevant dos and don'ts, e.g. licences and requirements, laws and regulations, taxes and subsidies.

  • Government information: international business Nederlands

Programmes

There are various subsidies            and            arrangements for businesses operating internationally.

  • Subsidies and other arrangements for international business Nederlands

Check also the legislation on this topic in:

Living and moving in Europe

Still need help?

Still need help?

Enterprise Europe Network - Contact points

The Enterprise Europe Network provides businesses with information and advice through its local contact points. 

Choose your nearest contact point for personalized help and advice:

Further help

The country-specific pages compiled by the Agency for International Business and Cooperation (EVD) provide the latest information on markets outside the Netherlands. You can contact EVD country specialists with your questions about these markets and sectors.

  • EVD country information Nederlands
  • Telephone numbers of country specialists Nederlands

For advice on international trade you can arrange an appointment with an international trade advisor at the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK).

  • Advice on international trade Nederlands