Busy ports
Rotterdam handles huge volumes, so late documents mean long waits.
The Netherlands is the gateway to Europe. Rotterdam is the continent's largest port, and Amsterdam hosts some of the busiest data centres in the world. Importing to the Netherlands needs an EU EORI number, CE-marked products and a correct declaration with Dutch customs (Douane). Choosing the right VAT setup also protects your cash flow. We act as your importer of record in the Netherlands and manage every filing for you.
NetherlandsUSAEuropeGulfTrade lanes from Netherlands to the USA, Europe and Gulf
With an Article 23 licence, import VAT is not paid at the Dutch border.
The Article 23 licence, or "verleggingsvergunning", lets the importer move import VAT from the customs declaration to its Dutch VAT return. The VAT is declared and, in most cases, deducted on the same return. This means no cash leaves the business when goods arrive. The licence is issued by Dutch customs and must be quoted on each import declaration.
EXPORTER MANAGED SHIPMENTS, WITH TRADEWISE AS IOR
First, you share your commercial invoice and product details. Then, you name TradeWise as the official entity legally responsible for importing your goods into the Netherlands. Once you set up this process, all your future shipments go through the same smooth process. You stay listed as the exporter on every document. We handle all import formalities in the Netherlands, from customs entries to VAT.
Ask about Article 23 setupNETHERLANDS SPOTLIGHT
Every Netherlands shipment follows this path when TradeWise is your importer of record.
You send the invoice, packing list and commodity codes before dispatch.
Our broker lodges the entry with the Douane under our EORI.
Import VAT moves to the VAT return under Article 23.
Customs releases the goods and they move to your end user.
What Dutch Customs Checks Before Your Goods Are Released
Dutch customs (Douane) clears all imports into the Netherlands under the EU Union Customs Code. Duty depends on the commodity code of each item, and import VAT of 21% applies. Many IT products carry 0% duty, but import VAT still applies. Wondering how to import laptops and servers to the Netherlands? Start with these four checks.
Before you ship
TradeWise prepares and checks this whole file for you before dispatch.
EUROPE REGION
A missing EORI, a wrong commodity code or a weak conformity file can stop a shipment at the border. That is where TradeWise steps in. Our specialists review your invoices, conformity papers and battery documents before your shipment leaves. TradeWise takes on the backend work, saving you time.
These five issues slow down most shipments.
Rotterdam handles huge volumes, so late documents mean long waits.
Goods moving to other EU countries need the right VAT treatment.
Producers of electrical goods must register for WEEE in the Netherlands.
Customs systems flag any gap between invoice and declaration.
The Article 23 licence comes with reporting duties.
Are you shipping to multiple markets? Open the guide for each country on your route.
Country guides across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas and Oceania.
Browse all countriesOutbound
Three services remove the most common causes of delay in the Netherlands.
TradeWise prepares and files every customs entry correctly. Our IOR services in the Netherlands help you import IT equipment to the Netherlands without penalties or delay.
ExpertWe use the Article 23 route, so import VAT does not hold up your shipment.
VATOur team classifies and values your goods early to avoid costly corrections.
ClassificationThese are the Netherlands import regulations for IT equipment, the authorities and rules your goods must satisfy before they can be sold or used. Do I need an importer of record in the Netherlands? If you have no EU entity or Dutch VAT number, yes. TradeWise can take that role.
Most Important for Tech Imports
CE marking shows that a product meets EU rules. For IT and telecom gear, this usually covers the Low Voltage, EMC, Radio Equipment and RoHS directives. Each product needs an EU declaration of conformity and a technical file, and the importer's details must appear on the product or packaging. In the Netherlands, the RDI checks radio and telecom equipment. TradeWise checks your files to speed up Netherlands import customs clearance.
Dutch customs collects duty and import VAT and issues Article 23 licences.
The digital infrastructure authority checks radio devices and spectrum use.
The national organisation that runs WEEE registration and recycling.
The Netherlands is one of the world's leading trading nations and a main entry point for goods into Europe. Rotterdam is its main seaport, and Amsterdam Schiphol is a major air cargo hub.
Its main trading partners include Germany, Belgium, China and the United States.
With the right partner, shipments stay compliant, efficient, and cost-effective, whether you import tech goods or export dual-use products.
Public holidays can delay customs work, and ports get busy around them.
27 April
The national holiday. Many offices are closed.
5 May
A national holiday. Some offices close.
Late December
Offices slow down and ports get busy.
Every Week
The weekend in the Netherlands. Plan customs work for Monday to Friday.
Tell us what you want to import into the Netherlands. Our team will help you with all the requirements and paperwork. After that we will send you a quote with every cost listed.
Emailinfo@tradewiseint.com
Phone+971 50 713 0614
Guides from the TradeWise knowledge base.
Compliant, secure, and reliable global shipping and infrastructure lifecycle services.
Need expert services or any help? Our team offers lifecycle solutions across the global market.