Netherlands Customs Guide Household Goods, Vehicles, Pets & Restricted Items

Important: This Netherlands customs guide supports individuals and families planning international moving, overseas relocation or door-to-door shipping to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Dutch customs rules follow EU standards with specific regulations for household effects, pets, vehicles and restricted goods.

Home To Home Relocations assists clients across Toronto, the GTA and Ontario with international moves to the Netherlands, including export packing, shipping, customs coordination and final delivery to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, Eindhoven and beyond.

1. Moving to the Netherlands – Key Customs Overview

1.1 Duty-Free Import of Used Household Goods

The Netherlands allows the duty-free import of used personal effects when transferring residence from a non-EU country, provided:

You are taking up residence in the Netherlands
Goods have been owned and used for at least 6 months
Items are for personal use—not resale
Your shipment arrives within 12 months of your relocation

Important: New items or recently purchased goods may attract VAT and customs duty.

1.2 Entry from EU vs Non-EU Countries

From EU: No customs clearance required for used goods
From non-EU (e.g., Canada): Full import declaration and documentation required

2. Used Household Goods & Personal Effects

2.1 Required Documentation

Copy of passport
Proof of Dutch residence (BSN registration, work contract, lease agreement)
Bill of lading / air waybill
Detailed inventory list
Signed declaration that goods are for personal use

2.2 Inventory Rules

Provide clear and detailed descriptions of all items
Avoid generic terms like “miscellaneous”
Separate high-value or new goods for customs review
Number cartons to match your inventory list

H-H Relocations Tip: A clean, well-organized packing list accelerates customs clearance and reduces risk of inspection.

3. Importing Motor Vehicles to the Netherlands

3.1 Vehicle Eligibility

Vehicle must comply with EU safety and emissions standards
Vehicles must be registered in the Netherlands before road use
Used vehicles may qualify for tax relief under residency transfer rules

3.2 Required Vehicle Documents

Original registration/title documents
Bill of lading / air waybill
Proof of Dutch residence
Insurance documentation

Important: Vehicles imported from outside the EU are subject to technical inspection. Non-compliant vehicles may require modifications.

4. Bringing Pets to the Netherlands

The Netherlands follows EU pet import rules for dogs, cats and ferrets.

4.1 Pet Import Requirements

ISO-compliant microchip
Valid rabies vaccination
EU pet passport or veterinary health certificate
Tapeworm treatment for certain animals

Pet Travel Tip: Pets arriving without correct documentation may be quarantined or refused entry.

5. Alcohol, Tobacco, Food & Restricted Goods

5.1 Alcohol

Alcohol may be imported for personal use, but quantities above EU allowances may incur duty and VAT. Commercial quantities are prohibited without licenses.

5.2 Tobacco

Tobacco products can be included in household shipments, but duty and taxes may apply based on quantity.

5.3 Food & Animal-Origin Products

The Netherlands follows EU food safety rules. Restrictions apply to:

Meat, dairy and animal-based products from outside the EU
Plant materials that may require phytosanitary certificates
Biosecurity risks subject to inspection

5.4 Medicines, Chemicals & Controlled Goods

Certain goods are restricted and require permits or documentation:

Prescription medicines
Chemicals, aerosols or hazardous substances
Weapons and ammunition

Important: Failure to declare restricted goods may result in seizure or fines.

6. Prohibited Items – Do Not Ship to the Netherlands

The Netherlands does not allow the import of the following:

Illegal drugs and narcotics
Weapons, explosives and ammunition without authorization
Counterfeit goods and pirated media
Endangered species products without CITES permits
Hazardous materials banned under EU safety rules
Obscene or prohibited publications

Violations may lead to fines, confiscation or legal action.

7. Practical Tips for International Moves to the Netherlands

7.1 Moving from Toronto or the GTA

For a successful international move from Toronto to the Netherlands, Home To Home Relocations recommends:

Begin documentation early to avoid clearance delays
Ensure electronics and high-value items match inventory records
Separate used and new goods in your inventory
Keep important documents with you—not inside the shipment

7.2 Why choose a Netherlands relocation expert

While the Netherlands follows EU standards, customs interpretation varies and documentation must be precise. Working with an experienced international moving company provides:

Door-to-door coordination including customs support
Correct packing and documentation for EU compliance
Reduced risk of inspections and unexpected fees
Destination partners across major Dutch cities and ports

Relocation Tip: Customs clearance is faster when your BSN registration, work contract or Dutch residence proof is available at destination.

8. Useful Official Links – Netherlands

Always confirm the latest customs rules with Dutch authorities:

This guide is intended to support your relocation. Final import decisions rest with the Dutch Customs Service and other competent authorities within the Netherlands.