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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.

Information: The rules for travelling from European Union (EU) countries are different to those for non-EU countries. Check the list of EU countries and select your situation.

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.

Attention: Are you travelling from Åland, Andorra, Büsingen, Campione d'Italia, the Canary Islands, Ceuta, Heligoland, Lake Lugano, Livigno, Melilla, Monaco, Mount Athos, Overseas France or San Marino? These countries or territories are part of the EU, but different rules apply. Check which rules apply below 'I am travelling from a non-EU country'.

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.

Attention: Are you travelling from Åland, Andorra, Büsingen, Campione d'Italia, the Canary Islands, Ceuta, Heligoland, Lake Lugano, Livigno, Melilla, Monaco, Mount Athos, Overseas France or San Marino? These countries or territories are part of the EU, but the same rules apply as to non-EU countries.

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.

Also useful

What items can I take into the Netherlands?