After a hurricane of customs law reforms in the EU, it is difficult to sort out what can be brought into the Netherlands by air, sea, and land, and what is best left at home until better times. Nevertheless, ignorance cannot be an excuse for wrongdoing.
To make sure Dutch customs don't ruin your vacation, learn the rules of the game beforehand. The uniformed men don't care how many stores and stores you've visited in search of confiscated rarities, what memories you have of the seized souvenir, or how disappointed your auntie will be when she doesn't get a gift.
What you can bring into the Netherlands
When crossing the Dutch border by air or sea, citizens of countries outside the Eurozone are allowed to import goods valued up to 430 EUR duty-free. By land, hand luggage valued at no more than 300 EUR is allowed.
Tourists' personal belongings are duty-free, provided that the total value of the luggage does not exceed 175 EUR for adult tourists and 90 EUR for minors under 15 years old. There are no restrictions on the import of money, but amounts over 10,000 EUR must be declared.
Food and industrial products containing alcohol and stimulants intended for individual consumption can be carried in hand luggage when you reach the age of 15:
- up to 500 grams of coffee;
- up to 100 grams of tea;
- perfume water - 250 ml;
- perfume - 50 ml.
Natives of non-Schengen countries over the age of 17 are allowed to bring limited quantities of tobacco products into the Netherlands:
- up to 200 cigarettes;
- up to 100 cigarillos;
- up to 50 cigars;
- dispersed tobacco - up to 250 grams.
It is desirable to accompany medicines with a notarized prescription from a doctor.
Although Holland has no shortage of alcoholic beverages, many tourists still wonder how much alcohol they can bring into the Netherlands in their hand luggage. Look for the answer on the bottle label:
- alcohol stronger than 22 degrees - no more than a liter;
- fortified wines - up to 2 liters;
- non-sparkling wines - up to 4 liters;
- beer - up to 16 liters.
What is forbidden to bring into the Netherlands
- drugs, precursors, and narcotic pharmacological agents;
- firearms and ammunition;
- poisons;
- explosive substances;
- plants on substrate and flower bulbs without documents;
- industrial goods and souvenirs containing biomaterial of protected animal species;
- produced goods and souvenirs containing biomaterial of protected animal species;
- milk and meat products, except infant formula and dietary food in hermetically sealed packaging with a total weight of up to 2 kg.
Transportation of pets is allowed with a vaccination certificate and a veterinary certificate issued 10 working days prior to travel.
Caution: export ban!
It is strictly forbidden to bring historical relics and works of art into or out of the Netherlands. When buying tulip bulbs, be sure to ask the seller for a certificate from the Dutch Phytopathological Service for customs.
Tax Free in the Netherlands
Don't ignore the opportunity to save up to 21% on shopping and up to 6% on food by reclaiming VAT from Dutch Customs through the Tax Free system. Stores that provide Tax Free receipts are easily recognizable by the Global Blue sign in the window. To participate in the program, your purchase must be worth at least 50 EUR.
At checkout, the salesperson will give you a Tax Free form that must be filled out in typed Latin letters. You must not unpack your purchases before crossing the border or your tax refund will be denied.
To get your VAT refund at the airport, go to the counter marked Global Blue and have your receipts, unpacked purchases, and completed Tax Free receipts ready. Funds are usually transferred to the traveler's bank card, but you can get a cash refund with a processing fee if you wish.
If you're stressed out by long lines at the counters, you can mail your completed Tax Free form with a customs stamp to the processing center. The Tax Free receipt is valid for 90 days after issuance.
