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Arriving in the Netherlands from abroad? The Customs Administration of The Netherlands may carry out checks on passengers and luggage.
Learn more about
Customs checks
Not all items can be brought into or taken out of the Netherlands. Some things are banned and others have special rules. Make sure to check what is allowed.
Customs may inspect travellers and their luggage when you arrive in the European Union through the Netherlands.
Paying import duties, VAT or excise duty
Are you bringing something with you from a non-EU country or an area of exception? For some goods you have to pay import duties, VAT or excise duty. You must declare these to Customs.
See also
Looking for something else? Try these pages:
Frequently asked questions
What are 100%-checks?
Customs carries out 100%-checks on certain high‑risk flights to stop drug smuggling. These checks focus on arrivals from specific airports and are more intensive than normal controls, with extra inspections and questioning.
What can I bring when moving to the Netherlands?
If you are moving to the Netherlands, your personal belongings and household items may be exempt from import duties in some cases. Rules differ for moves from EU and non‑EU countries.
When do I not pay taxes for the products I bring in?
When traveling to the Netherlands from a non-EU country, you do not have to pay import duties or taxes on certain goods. This generally applies to personal luggage items such as clothing and personal belongings, provided they are for personal use and not for resale. There are also allowances for limited quantities of alcohol, tobacco, and perfume, as long as you stay within the permitted limits.