Export & import in the Netherlands: a short guide

Updated on 14 November 2024

Looking to expand your trading operations into the European Union and beyond? Through the Netherlands, you gain immediate access to Europe's largest markets and a worldwide network of traders, suppliers, and customers. As your trusted partner, Intercompany Solutions helps establish your Dutch company or subsidiary with efficiency and expertise.

Import & export from abroad

In the past centuries, it would have been entirely impossible to establish a trade business from afar. Nowadays, almost everything is possible via long-distance. It doesn’t really matter where you live at this moment; if you have internet access, you can establish a trade company in the Netherlands, because that is everything you need. In addition to being able to trade within the Netherlands, you will also have access to the entire European Single Market and plenty of opportunities to trade worldwide.

Both import and export have been substantially simplified in the EU, as all goods and services can cross any border within the EU free of charge. This doesn’t only imply that you don’t pay any customs fees, but you also save time due to the fact that your shipments don’t have to be accompanied by a large array of documents. Doing business with non-EU countries also offers many opportunities, as the Netherlands has made beneficial trade agreements all over the globe. The Netherlands holds a very strategic position in the world of trade and logistics. If you want to start a business in import and export, you can benefit from all its resources.

Distributors

If you want to compete with other similar entrepreneurs, you must constantly ensure that you buy the necessary precursors of the necessary quality from reliable suppliers at the best possible prices. If you would like some assistance in that regard, we can help identify solid suppliers and check their creditworthiness and performance. We can also advise you on large procurement transactions and their corresponding tax settlements. Due to the very large amount of distributors and drop-shipping agencies, it can be tricky to distinguish between sensible and shady companies. It’s advisable to find an associate to help you with such practicalities.

Market analysis

An overview of sales and the competitive situation in a target market is at the top of the toolbox of an exporter. You will need to stay informed at all times because prices, rules and laws in this sector change constantly. Every delivery of goods or services across each border is recorded statistically worldwide. We know, for example, how many kilos of cheese the Netherlands has exported, how many drills Brazil imports or where Belgium supplies its baby food. You will need to focus on various subjects and take important factors into consideration, such as:

• Customs and import regulations
• Other import duties
• Packaging regulations & designation of origin
• Accompanying documents
• Species conservation

We will discuss all these subjects briefly below, so you have an idea what you are up against. This will also provide you with some insight regarding your possible potential within this sector and its worldwide market, as well as whether you have anything beneficial or original to add. It’s a highly competitive market that involves a lot of persistence and up-to-date knowledge in order to succeed.

Import regulations

The international trade of goods and services is subject to the import rules of the EU. Capital imports are not subject to foreign exchange restrictions; foreign equity investments in domestic companies are therefore fully possible. Please keep in mind that there are, of course, certain exemptions, such as soft drugs and other specific products and services. In the Netherlands, the sale and consumption of so-called 'soft drugs' are known to be tolerated. Under EU law, these fall into the category of medicinal products and narcotics and are excluded from the free movement of goods in the European Union. The import of medicinal products and narcotics into the individual Member States is only possible through competent authorities.

Customs regulations

The Netherlands is a Member State of the EU. This means that the provisions of Intra-Community trade in goods or products from other EU Member States have been in force since the country became a member. Transactions between companies that are entitled to deduct VAT and have a UID number are made with a VAT rate of 0% since the acquisition is subject to the import VAT of the receiving State. In other words, you don’t pay any VAT at all within the entire EU. Sometimes you might need to pay a special tax, though, such as excise duty.

Other import duties

If you want to import something special, like as alcoholic beverages, you need to take into consideration that certain goods are subject to import tax, such as excise duty. These need to be paid by the company that imports these goods, or a fiscal representative of this company. The payment of these taxes (“accijns”) also needs to be reported to the Dutch Tax authorities on a periodical basis.

Packaging regulations & designation of origin

The packaging and labeling requirements for food and beverages, as well as for other products, such as detergent, children's toys, wallpaper, paper, mattress fillings, preservatives, dyes and other additives, are generally contained in the Dutch Trade Law and the related special regulations. There are also some EU-wide rules on packaging and product labeling.  In the Netherlands, the ‘Nederlandse Voedsel- en Warenautoriteit’ authority monitors compliance with legal regulations and standards in various areas. Its control area includes food, consumer products, and energy certificates, as well as plant and animal welfare and non-smoking protection.

Accompanying documents

If you trade within the borders of the EU, then the amount of necessary shipping documentation will be limited to standard items such as a packing slip and accompanying invoice. For special goods or materials, you might need safety documentation and other necessary material for safe and legal transportation. If you want to start an import and export company for specialty goods, we strongly advise you to inform yourself about specific regulations covering these items. This is to make sure you comply with all the laws and regulations.

Financing export activities

You need to take into consideration that a trade business takes a lot of time and effort to sustain. Unless you are able to hire qualified personnel who will handle daily business activities, we suggest you map out the potential risks involved. Especially when doing business across the border, upfront costs and risks should not be underestimated. National banks, export funds, control banks, AWS and private export insurers have many answers to questions about financing, hedging of export transactions and direct investment.

Start-up aid for exporters & export subsidies

If you are just at the beginning of starting a company, our experts can take a close look at your idea and check if you might have access to any subsidies or tax benefits. We can also check whether you are sufficiently prepared for your project, help in assessing your chances of success, and define target groups and test markets with you. The goal is to transform your business idea into a strategy with the fewest risks involved. We have an overview of all support measures and can help you make sure that you can benefit from all possible options.

Intercompany Solutions can assist you in setting up a trade company

If you are contemplating a starting a business in the Dutch import and export sector, we can assist you during various steps in the process, such as:

• Export processing and export documents
• Professional import/export advice
• Advise you on customs procedures
• Informing you about export regulations and export control
• Help you determine the origin of your export product
• Financial and fiscal advice and services

We can also help you with other general issues, such as company registration, acquiring a VAT number, and opening a bank account. Please feel free to contact us anytime with your questions or if you would like to receive a personalized quote.

What Intercompany Solutions can do for you

Trading has never been more popular, especially since many products are sold online nowadays. This makes it much easier for you to find suppliers and customers, whilst still operating from your country of origin. Since we specialize in assisting foreign entrepreneurs to build a stable business in the Netherlands, we can advise you on the many opportunities and pitfalls that international trade can entail. We can help you apply for any necessary permits, explain how you can comply with customs regulations, take care of complicated paperwork for you, and even help you draft a stellar business plan.

Our aim is to help all of our customers achieve success in the way that is best suited to you and your customers.

Comprehensive business support

Our years of experience serving international entrepreneurs covers everything your business needs:

• Company incorporation and establishment
• Tax planning and compliance
• Banking and financial setup
• Business permits and licenses
• Strategic growth advisory

Competitive and tailored solutions

We understand that every business is unique. That's why our rates and services are customized to your specific needs, offering Dutch company formation at highly competitive prices. Our team ensures full compliance with Dutch laws and regulations while maximizing your benefits through:

• Profitable tax exemptions
• Growth opportunities
• International trade advantages

Our services are specifically tailored to your personal goals, all the while making sure that these goals stay realistic and achievable. Please contact us for more information about starting a Dutch company, what option will be best for you, and for any possible further assistance you might need. Our team is ready to help you with any question you might have. Request a free quotation to take the first step to setting up your business in The Netherlands.