How many cigarettes 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 cigarettes with you. You may have to pay tax. This depends on where you are travelling from and how many cigarettes you take with you.

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 to the Netherlands, whether or not you need to pay tax depends on how many cigarettes you take with you.

800 cigarettes or less

You can take up to 800 cigarettes for your own use, tax free.

More than 800 cigarettes

If you are taking more than 800 cigarettes, you will need to show customs proof that they are for your own use. If you cannot do so, customs will confiscate the cigarettes, you will have to pay tax (excise) on them and you may be fined.

If you are taking other tobacco products to the Netherlands (such as cigars or tobacco), different rules apply.

Find out which rules apply to other tobacco products (Customs)

Are you travelling from Åland, Andorra, Büsingen, Campione d'Italia, the Canary Islands, Ceuta, Heligoland, Lake Lugano, Livigno, Melilla, Monaco, Mount Athos, Northern Ireland, 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, whether you have to pay tax depends on how many cigarettes you take.

200 cigarettes or less

You can take up to 200 cigarettes for your own use, tax free.

More than 200 cigarettes

If you are taking more than 200 cigarettes, please follow these steps:

Show customs proof that the cigarettes are for your own use. If you cannot do so, customs will confiscate them.
You 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 may be fined.

If you are taking other tobacco products to the Netherlands (such as cigars or tobacco), different rules apply.

Find out which rules apply to other tobacco products (Customs)

Taking cigarettes with you on the plane

If you are travelling by air, check the rules of the airport and airline as well.

Contact

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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