Receiving goods from abroad (including internet purchases)
Are you receiving (as a private individual) products from abroad? For example, via purchases from a webshop, via the internet or as a gift? Customs checks whether the goods can enter the Netherlands, judges whether you are liable for import duty and, if so, calculates the amount.
Import taxes on consignments received from businesses abroad
Are you receiving goods that you have ordered from organisations or companies, which send the goods from America (USA), China or another non-EU country? For example, purchases or orders from a web store via the internet or from a mail order company? And you wish to import these goods. How does this work? What should you pay in taxes (e.g. import duties) and other costs? Which rates apply to which goods? Useful facts: your postal or courier company will take care of declaring the goods to the Dutch Customs. You pay them the costs for registrations and the import duties.
What to be aware of when receiving parcels from private individuals abroad
Are you receiving goods from abroad, from private individuals, e.g. from family members or friends? Is the value not more than € 45? Then you do not pay taxes to import the goods. Is the value over € 45, but no more than € 700? Then you pay 2.5% of the value of the goods and VAT (0 or 6 or 21%). You must pay excise duty on excise goods such as alcoholic drinks. Is the value over € 700? Then the standard rates for import apply. Useful facts: your postal or courier company will take care of declaring the goods to the Dutch Customs. You pay them the costs for registrations and the import duties.