Export Documentation

Export Documentation for Netherlands: Required Documents

Documents for shipping to or from Netherlands: core documents, certificates, restricted goods, and customs procedures.

Country
Netherlands
Customs authority
Dutch Customs (Douane)
Trading bloc
European Union
Currency
EUR
Estimated clearance
Same day to 2 days

EORI number required

EU customs framework applies

VAT (21% standard rate)

Rotterdam major gateway to EU

Core documents

  • Commercial Invoice (required): English widely accepted
  • Packing List (required): Package contents
  • Bill of Lading / Air Waybill (required): Transport document
  • Customs Declaration (required): SAD/AGS filing

Additional documents

  • Certificate of Origin: For FTA rates
  • CE Documentation: For regulated products

Special certificates

  • CE Mark: applies to Regulated products, issued by Notified bodies.
  • NVWA Approval: applies to Food, animals, plants, issued by NVWA.

Customs procedures

  • AGS electronic system
  • Highly efficient port operations
  • EU gateway

Restricted goods

  • Food products
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Chemicals (REACH)
  • Dual-use goods

Prohibited goods

  • Drugs (except licensed)
  • Weapons
  • Counterfeit goods

Tips

  • Rotterdam Europe's largest port
  • Excellent for EU distribution
  • English widely used

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Frequently asked questions

Why use Rotterdam?

Europe's largest port with excellent connectivity to all EU markets by road, rail, and barge.

Is English documentation accepted?

Yes, English is widely accepted in Netherlands for customs documentation.