Customs Information

Be prepared. Learn the requirements and restrictions of your destination country.

Moving across international borders can be complicated. In order to be fully prepared, you  should  know what documents (identification, titles, insurance certificates, bills of sale, etc.) are required by customs in your destination country. Many countries also have various restrictions on the type or quantity of goods or pets that you are allowed to bring into the country. Researching  well ahead of time will ensure that your relocation is successful and problem-free.

NETHERLANDS

*NOTE:   SHIPPING DOCUMENTS MUST STATE CUSTOMER'S CONTACT ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER (REQUIRED FOR IMPORT LICENSE)

THE APPLICATION PROCEDURE IS INCREASINGLY TIME CONSUMING.  IT IS IMPERATIVE TO HAVE THE PROPER CUSTOMS DOCUMENTS PREPARED AS FAR AHEAD OF TIME AS POSSIBLE.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

• Copy of photo page and Police Entry Stamp in passport
• Work Contract (copy)
• Certificate of Residence
• Residence Agreement (Rental or Purchase Contract)
• Request for Import Permit -- ALL anticipated shipments (including auto) MUST BE INCLUDED IN THE ORIGINAL PETITION. Import permit is only granted once.
• Application for Exemption from import duties
• For Customer coming from NON-EUROPEAN COMMUNITY countries:
  • Form is provided by Destination Agent
  • Original form of registration in Customer's new hometown
  • Statement from employer
• Inventory (five copies) detailed and signed by the Customer must be legible and show:
  • Contents of all cartons (PBO "packed by owner" and MISC. "miscellaneous", not acceptable)
  • APPLIANCE make, model and serial number
  • AUTO (or other motor vehicle) make, model, etc.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

• Used household goods and personal effects are duty-free provided:
  • The Customer has lived outside the Netherlands for at least 12 months (six months if previous residence was within the European Community)
  • Customer is transferring his principal residence to the Netherlands
  • The goods have been used for at least 12 months (six months if being imported within the European Community) prior to import
  • The goods are not sold or lent for at least 12 months (six months if being imported within the European Community) after importation
  • The goods are in accordance with the social status of the Customer
• Re-importation of used household goods within one year requires special documents for duty-free import
• If Customer is not staying in the Netherlands for a minimum of 12 months, bond will have to be posted for duties and taxes

• New items (letter than six months old)
• Alcohol and tobacco products (provide detailed description)
• Electrical appliances
• Foodstuff
• Antiques and Works of Art
• All weapons and ammunition are subject to special license and registration documents issued by the Police
• If weapons are included with the household goods shipment, customer must be present for Customs clearance
• Medicine (doctor prescription required, otherwise prohibited)
• Precious metal objects (authorization from the "Kantoor Waarborg")

• Drugs and narcotics
• All species of cactuses and orchids
• Explosives
• CB radios
• Meat products
• Products made from endangered or threatened exotic animals

• Customer's presence at Customs Office is required to sign papers of exemption for Customs clearance
• Duty-free if owned and used by Customer for six months or more and included in original request for Import Permit
• Auto is not to be sold for at least one year after Customs clearance in the Netherlands
• Keys must be available
• Documents required:
  • Original Registration Card
  • Purchase Invoice
  • International Liability Insurance Card (Green Card)
  • Title
  • Copy of Customer's Passport (pages 1-10)
  • Copy of Lease or deed of residence
  • Dutch Registration
  • Copy of Work Contract
  • Original Form of Registration in Customer's new hometown

• Customer's presence at Customs clearance is required
• Health Certificate and Certificate of Rabies Vaccination required
• Quarantine may be necessary

NOTE - Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is only a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to this country and is solely for general guidance. Since regulations are subject to change without notice, iMoveInternational.com cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. It is your responsibility to check  with your local embassy or consulate prior to your move for the most up-to-date and complete information.

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