What items can I bring into the Netherlands?
If you are travelling (back) to the Netherlands, please find out what you can and cannot bring with you. And see what items you'll need additional documentation for.
There are rules about bringing certain items into the Netherlands. Which rules apply depends on whether you are coming to the Netherlands from an EU country or a country outside the EU.
You can see the rules for each country in the travel app (Reisapp). Download the travel app (Reisapp) (information in Dutch).
Never
You can never bring the following items into the Netherlands:
- Narcotics and other illicit drugs, such as hash, cocaine and heroin
- Weapons, fake weapons, pepper spray, ammunition and explosives
- Endangered plant and animal species
- Products made from endangered plant and animal species, such as crocodile leather shoes or ivory jewellery
Sometimes
If you wish to bring the following items to the Netherlands, extra rules apply. You may need a permit, import certificate or permission, for example. Or you may need to pay import duties.
If you are coming back to the Netherlands from outside the EU and have bought, exchanged or received items there, the value of the items determines whether you will need to pay any tax on them.
Less than € 430
You can bring in items for personal use that are together worth less than € 430 (converted). You can bring in items worth more than this if you can prove they were in your possession before your trip.
More than € 430
If you are bringing in purchased items or gifts from outside the EU that all together are worth more than € 430 (converted), you must pay tax on them in the Netherlands.
Rules apply to the amount of alcohol you can bring with you from inside or outside the EU. In addition, you can only leave Dutch airports with alcohol if you are 18 or over.
If you are travelling to the Netherlands from outside the EU with € 10,000 or more in cash, you need to declare it.
This also applies if you are carrying € 10,000 worth of foreign currency, gold or gold coins.
Find out more about declaring goods and taking money into the Netherlands
Cultural objects are items that have a significant cultural or historical value for a country.
Examples include:
- Art
- Antiques
- Old documents or books
- Archaeological objects
You can only bring cultural objects into the Netherlands if you have permission or a permit. If you do not have this, they may be confiscated upon arrival.
If you are not sure if an item is a cultural object, or if you wish to apply for permission or a permit to bring an item into the Netherlands, enquire about this in the country where you bought the item. Customs or the country's culture ministry should be able to provide you with more information.
The rules for bringing pets across the border vary by country. As a result, your pet may need an EU pet passport. Or certain vaccinations.
Make sure you have a medication passport. Sometimes you must also provide a legalised medication certificate.
Counterfeit items are imitations or copies of branded products. You can bring in an item intended for personal use. If you bring in large quantities which you intend to sell, Customs will seize the items.
Find out more about bringing counterfeit items into the Netherlands
Within the EU
If you are travelling from another EU country, you can bring plants, flowers, fruits and vegetables into the Netherlands.
From the Canary Islands or a non-EU country
If you are travelling to the Netherlands from the Canary Islands or a non-EU country, rules apply. Some plants, flowers, fruits and vegetables cannot be brought into the Netherlands. And for others you will need an import certificate.
Find out more about bringing plants and products of plant origin into the Netherlands (information in Dutch)
If you are travelling from a non-EU country, you will normally need to pay tax on tobacco products you bring into the Netherlands. This includes fake cigarettes or waterpipe tobacco. How much tax you need to pay (if any) depends on how much you are bringing in.
Find out more about bringing cigarettes and tobacco into the Netherlands
If you are travelling from a country within the EU, you can bring meat, fish and dairy products into the Netherlands.
If you are travelling from a country outside the EU, you cannot bring meat and dairy products (including eggs) into the Netherlands. You may bring in up to 20 kilos of fish, however. But the fish cannot be an endangered species. It must always have been cleaned and the innards must have been removed.
Find out more about bringing animal products into the Netherlands (information in Dutch)
You cannot normally bring arms and ammunition into the Netherlands. Sometimes you may be able to bring in a weapon if you have a licence.
Find out more about licences and exemptions for arms and ammunition
Additional rules for hand luggage
If you are travelling by plane, there are additional rules for hand luggage. You cannot carry certain items in your hand luggage. Examples include liquids and sharp objects. Check the airport's website for more information.
If you are travelling from the Netherlands to another country
If you are travelling from the Netherlands to another country, Customs in your country of destination may also have rules about what you can bring in. Find out what you need to be aware of.