Restricted or prohibited to import / export

€10,000 or more in liquid assets, a restricted number of goods and animals cannot be imported or exported, brought in to the Netherlands, or taken with you from the Netherlands. Customs and other government bodies will monitor that you are complying with the rules.

Pets

Bringing in pets across the border or importing and exporting pets? This is governed by a different set of rules.

Counterfeit articles

You may bring counterfeit goods to the Netherlands and the EU in your luggage, just as they are intended for personal use. Do you receive counterfeit goods, for example after an order on the Internet? Customs will seize such items upon importation.

Protected animal and plant species

It is prohibited to carry protected animals and plants, or parts of it, across the border or to import or export them. However, there are exceptions.

Animal products and foodstuffs

When importing food, a health certificate is required. For example, for cheese, milk, eggs, meat and meat products. For non-recognisable meat products no certificate is required.

Plants, flowers, fruit and vegetables (phytosanitary products)

You need a phytosanitary certificate to bring in, import and export plants, flowers, fruit and vegetables, unless the quantities involved are small.

Weapons and ammunition

You are not allowed to carry firearms or other weapons and ammunition across the border or to import or export them.

Medicines

You may not bring in medicines / medication to the Netherlands and import these, unless this type is permitted and limited for own use.

Drugs (Opium Act)

You are not allowed to carry narcotics (drugs) such as hashish, cocaine and heroin across the border, or to import or export these substances.

Cultural goods (such as arts and antiques)

Special rules apply for carrying across the border, importing and exporting arts and antiques. (Information and Heritage Inspectorate).

Pleasure crafts (boats)

Crossing the border by means of a yacht (pleasure craft) or importing and exporting a yacht? You must be able to prove that custom duties and VAT are paid for the yacht in an EU country.

Cars and motorcycles

Are you bringing in a car or motorcycle with a foreign vehicle registration number from a non-EU country to the Netherlands? Please read which rules you need to comply with.

Can I import goods from Russia?

Due to the sanctions against Russia, it is prohibited to purchase certain goods in Russia and import them into the European Union (EU). If you are travelling from Russia to the EU or moving from Russia to the EU, you must check to which goods the import ban applies.

Cash and gold

Find out what you need to take into account at How much cash or gold can I take with me while travelling?.