Tariffs and regulations

Tariffs and duty rates are constantly revised and are subject to change without notice.

Austrade strongly recommends you reconfirm these prior to selling to the Netherlands.

For further information, visit Dutch Customs.

Tariffs and non-tariff barriers

Tariffs

The Netherlands is part of the harmonised trade system of the European Union (EU) and importing and exporting are covered by EU Taxation and Customs Union.

A Common External Tariff (CET) is applicable to other countries, including Australia.

The European Community has created the Binding Tariff Information (BTI) system as a tool to obtain the correct tariff classification for goods for import or export. Before shipping any goods, please consult the Dutch Customs agency.

For legal reasons, all information given is always non-binding and relates exclusively to the customs regulations that apply in The Netherlands.

Non-tariff barriers

IFor more information on import licensing, quotas and restricted goods and so on, visit the Dutch Customs agency.

The Netherlands Food and Consumer Safety Authority provides information on importing food from outside the EU.

Product certification, labelling and packaging

Certification, labelling and packaging must meet EU requirements. For more information on current requirements, visit the European Union website.

Packaging

To reduce the impact on the environment, the EU has required legislation concerning the management of packaging and packaging waste.

CE Mark

The CE mark is a mandatory conformity marking for certain products sold within the European Economic Area (EEA).

Labelling

All labelling and information directives of the European Council must be met, as well as local and national regulations. Information on the labelling of products in the interest of consumers and compliance procedures are available at Summaries of EU Legislation.

Food information and labelling legislation must comply with EU legislation. For more information, visit EUR- Lex Food Safety.

For organic produce, EU legislation requires that imported organic food from third countries be produced to the same standards as that from the EU. For more information,see trade in organic products.

Special certificates

There are controls on imports into The Netherlands on a number of products. For more information, visit the Dutch Customs agency.

Information on exporting and export documentation regarding animals, plants and agricultural products from Australia can also be found at the Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.

Methods of quoting and payment

Quotations should be in Euro or Australian dollars.

Pro-forma invoice

This may occasionally be requested by the importer. A minimum of two copies is required.

Commercial invoice

No prescribed form and a minimum of two copies are required. The invoice must include:

  • the name and address of both buyer and seller
  • method of packing
  • marks and numbers
  • number of containers
  • description of the merchandise (including HS description)
  • net and gross weight
  • free on board (FOB) value (Incoterms 1990)
  • freight
  • insurance and other charges.

Bill of lading

No special requirements. To Order bills are acceptable.

Packing list

Not obligatory but simplifies clearance if a variety of goods are packed in different cases.

Certificate of insurance

Normal commercial practices apply.

Insurance

Normal commercial practices apply.

Weights and measures

Metric measurements (grams, kilograms, millilitres or litres) are used when selling packaged or loose goods.