Moving To The Netherlands

We Provide Consistent End-to-End Moving Experience

Customs Regulations for Netherlands

Passport (copy)
Three copies of Valued Inventory List (legible) complete with signature of shipper
- Detailed list of all cartons
- Avoid “Packed by Owner” (PBO)
Proof of registration of commune where Customer intends to live (copy)
- Can be obtained at town hall (called “vestiging uit het buitenland”)
Copy of lease or deed of future residence
Full contact information and delivery address of Customer
Declaration from employer stating place of employment and duration of aforementioned employment
Application form for exemption of duties and taxes (must be in Dutch)
Any additional Customs statements

Customer must be present at Customs Clearance
Used household goods and personal effects are duty-free provided:
- The Customer has lived outside the Netherlands for at least 12 months
- Customer is transferring their principal residence to the Netherlands
- The goods have been used for at least 12 months prior to import
- The goods are not for sale/rent at least 12 months after importation
  - Six months if former residence lived in EU or goods are coming from a country in the European Union
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, bonds will have to be posted for duties and taxes

In the Netherlands, some articles may not be imported whatsoever. These items include, but may not be limited to:

Alcohol and tobacco products
Drugs and narcotics
Counterfeit products (unless intended for personal use)
Explosives
Pornography and subversive materials
CB radios
Endangered animal or plant species and products derived from them
- Specifically orchids, monkeys, snakes, coral, shells, rain sticks made from cactus, ivory artifacts, tortoiseshell combs, giant clams, traditional Chinese medicine and plasters

Some articles may have restricted quantities or require special authorization/ payments of duties and taxes to clear customs in the Netherlands. These items include, but are not limited to:

New items (less than six months old)
Food (meat, fish and dairy products) require a health certificate
Plants and parts of plants (phytosanitary certificate required)
Weapons and ammunition (with permit issued by Dutch authorities)
Computers (subject to import regulations)

Customers moving to the Netherlands who wish to import a vehicle (car or motorcycle) may do so if:

The customer has a valid registration from country of residence
- If you the customer does not live in the Netherlands, this vehicle can be used for a maximum of six months without being taxed
If the customer lives in the European Union (EU), he or she must file a private motor vehicle and motorcycle tax (BPM) declaration
If the customer lives outside the EU, a Customs declaration must be made and a BPM return must be filed

When importing a pet to the Netherlands, the following requirements apply to all dogs, cats and ferrets within and outside the European Union (EU):

Animals must have a EU passport (the Dutch version can be obtained from a licensed vet)
Animals must be vaccinated against rabies which should be noted in the EU passport
Pets should come with a Health Certificate from a licensed veterinarian which includes health information and vaccination records
All animals must be have an identification chip under their skin
Pets that are also protected species should have both an EU passport and a CITES document

The following goods purchased within the EU are free of import provided they are for personal use only:

Tobacco products – 800 cigarettes, 400 cigarillos (maximum 3 grams each), 200 cigars, 1 kilogram of smoking tobacco
Alcoholic beverages – 10 litres of spirits over 22%, 20 litres of alcoholic beverages less than 22%, 90 litres of wine (no more than 60 litres of sparkling wine), 110 litres of beer

Personal goods free of import from non-European nations are as follows:

Tobacco products (for Customers 17 years and older) – 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos (maximum 3 grams each), 50 cigars or 250 grams of smoking tobacco or a proportional mix of these products
Alcoholic beverages (for Customers 17 years and older) – 1 litre of spirits of 22% volume or non-denatured ethyl alcohol with more than 80% volume, or 2 litres of spirits or aperitifs made of wine or similar beverages less than 22% volume, or sparkling wines or liqueur wines, or a proportional mix of these products, and in addition 4 litres of still wine and 16 litres of beer
Medications for personal use
Other goods totaling up to EUR 430

NOTE – Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to this destination and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, International sea & air shipping cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always double check with your local embassy or consulate.

Call our International Moving Specialists @ 1 (866) 788-1090

How International Sea & Air can help for moving to Netherlands

To start, one of our trained moving specialists will provide a one-on-one consultation with you for your move to the Netherlands, thoroughly outlining your moving options based on certain criteria, such as:

Your moving timeline. When do you need to be in the Netherlands?
Your real estate plans. Will you be renting or buying?
Your family/household size. Will you be moving alone or with your family? For business or personal reasons?
Cubic feet estimate. How large is your shipment?

What Will Moving to the Netherlands Cost?

For an accurate estimate of your shipment size, you should schedule a home survey as early as possible for your move to Israel. Our moving specialists will assess your belongings to give you the best estimate possible to expedite your relocation. The cost of moving to Israel will vary considerably based on the cubic footage of your belongings and your proposed destination arrival time.

Don’t forget to ask about our overseas packing and custom crating services, too!

About the Netherlands

Located in Western Europe and maintaining land on three islands in the Caribbean, the Netherlands is a densely populated country whose name literally translates to “Low Country” since only 50 percent of land in the Netherlands is more than one meter above sea level.

Despite a heavy population density of 497 people per km² (behind only Bangladesh, South Korea and Taiwan) the Netherlands still thrives as an exporter in food and agriculture – second only to the United States – and has the largest port in Europe in the city of Rotterdam.

Considered a very socially liberal country, the Netherlands has legalized abortion, prostitution and voluntary euthanasia (assisted suicide). It was also the first country in the world to make same-sex marriage legal in 2001 and was one of the first to have an elected parliament.

In addition to having the 15th highest market-based economy, the Netherlands also boasted the 10th highest per capita income in the world in 2011 and was ranked the 4th happiest country in 2013.

Can’t wait to get started with your overseas relocation to the Netherlands? First, find out what you’ll need to clear Customs.

Moving to the Netherlands from the U.S.

Moving internationally to the Netherlands from the United States is no easy task, there will be plenty to consider and prepare for before you head across the globe to start your new life.

The last thing you want to worry about is the logistics of a complicated move, so make sure you don’t!
International Sea & Air Shipping will make your transition to the Netherlands as seamless as possible by providing top-notch shipping services for all of your household goods, and so much more, whether you need assistance with documentation, Customs clearance, or crating services, we provide it all!

We would recommend International Sea & Air Shipping for excellent service.

“International Sea & Air Shipping handled all the the arrangements from door to door. They had local company pick up and pack the furniture, build the crate pack the piano. The company they used in the Netherlands did very professional job. We would recommend International Sea & Air Shipping for excellent service.”