How much alcohol can I take into the Netherlands?
If you are travelling to the Netherlands, or returning to the Netherlands after a trip abroad, you can take alcohol with you. You may have to pay tax. This depends on where you are travelling from and how much alcohol you take with you.
Choose your situation
If you are travelling from an EU country or Northern Ireland to the Netherlands, you can take the following quantities of alcohol with you for your own use:
- 110 litres of beer, plus:
- 90 litres of wine (including a maximum of 60 litres of sparkling wine), plus:
- 20 litres of fortified wine (up to 22% alcohol), plus:
- 10 litres of spirits (over 22% alcohol)
You do not have to pay tax on this.
What if I take more alcohol with me?
If you take more alcohol with you, you will need to show customs proof that it is for your own use. If you cannot, you will need to pay tax (excise) on it.
If you are travelling from a non-EU country to the Netherlands, you can take the following amounts of beer and wine with you:
- 16 litres of beer, plus:
- 4 litres of wine
If you are taking other types of alcohol with you, the following limits apply:
- 2 litres of fortified or sparkling wine (up to 22% alcohol), or:
- 1 litres of spirits (from 23% alcohol)
You do not have to pay tax on this.
What if I take more alcohol with me?
If you take more alcohol with you, you will have to submit a customs declaration when you arrive in the Netherlands. You will pay import duty, excise and VAT.
If you do not submit a customs declaration you risk being fined.
Taking alcohol with you on the plane
If you are travelling by air, check the rules of the airport and airline as well. For examples, rules on liquids.
Contact
If you want to know whether you can take an item into the Netherlands, send a photo to customs via Facebook, X or Instagram. You can also call the Customs Information Line (DouaneTelefoon).
If you have a question about anything else, contact NetherlandsWorldwide.