What is allowed and what is forbidden to import into the IP: customs regulations

In fact, it is allowed to import quite a lot, however, pay attention to what you will then export back. It is better to familiarize yourself with the rules and peculiarities of the Dutch customs in advance.

The rules below apply to carry-on and checked baggage that you travel with on the plane. But also to the luggage that you take with you if you travel by another means, for example, by car or by boat.

Some things are prohibited in principle (and this is not surprising):

• drugs
• weapons (including decorative), pepper spray, ammunition and explosives
• protected species of animals and plants, as well as products from them, such as crocodile leather shoes or ivory jewelry.

There are special rules for some products. Here is a list of these products:

• Medicines.

  It is possible to bring the necessary medicines, but sometimes you need a medical report.

Most medicines can be taken with you when traveling. For some, it is necessary to have a prescription or medical justification for using this medication with you. At the pharmacy, it is important to obtain a medical passport (medicijnenpaspoort). This will help prevent difficult questions at the border and will also be helpful if you need to buy medicine abroad.

In addition, some drugs are narcotic and are subject to the opium law. This includes strong pain relievers, sleeping pills, or medical marijuana. These medicines require a separate medical certificate. Here (website van het CAK), you can see how to get such a certificate. Well, in order to be completely safe, you should inquire at the embassy of the country you are going to if this type of medicine can be imported there at all. In addition, you must have a medical certificate in English for these drugs. You can get it from your doctor or pharmacy.

You can read more here (Can I take my medicines abroad?)

• Copies of works of art.

  If you are bringing them in for personal use, it is not difficult. If you bring them in for sale, the tax office will confiscate them.

• Pets.

  This is a separate story. What do you need to bring your pet to the NL?

  • You must have timely vaccinations and travel documents for the animal.
  • You can take a maximum of 5 pets.
  • You must be a pet owner or authorized owner.
  • Dogs, cats and ferrets must have a chip or legible tattoo and must be vaccinated against rabies.
  • You cannot import animals for sale, only your pet.
  • Each animal must have a health certificate or animal passport (indicating that it is vaccinated against rabies).

If you want to travel with your pet somewhere within the EU, you will need an EU veterinary passport. Your veterinarian can give it to you. Also, the animal must be vaccinated against rabies (rabies) and have an identification chip.

Here you can read what you should do to take your pet on a trip (if you take your pet on a trip).

• Meat, fish and dairy products

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  If you are entering from another EU country, you can safely import these products. If you are entering from a non-EU country, you cannot import meat and dairy products, and you can import no more than 20 kg of fish.

• Vegetables, fruits and flowers.

  There is a limit on the quantity. Maximum 5 kg of fruits or vegetables or 5 bouquets of flowers.

• Plants (cuttings, seeds and trees).

  It is quite difficult to bring the plant to the Netherlands. There are quite strict rules for them. This is done to avoid diseases and pests dangerous for the local flora from entering Europe. You can find more information in English here:eppo. Therefore, if you want to import plants or plant products, you will need a phytosanitary certificate, namely a document confirming that the plant is healthy. It is issued by the authorities of the country from which you want to bring the plant (with the exception of Switzerland, plants from there do not require a certificate). More information, you can find here: Import plant material.

Some products are simply banned for import. More on this here: import plant material.

• Antiquities

  or items of great value to the country, such as art, antiques and books over 100 years old. This also applies to fragments of ancient buildings. For example, you cannot take a piece from the Colosseum in Rome and take it with you. If in doubt, it is better to clarify whether you need an export permit specifically in your case. This can be done, for example, at the Dutch embassy in the country where you buy the item you want to export. Or at customs when leaving this country, but this is risky.

• Money.

  If you are coming from a non-EU country, you do not have to declare at customs up to EUR 10. If you want to bring more money, you must fill out a customs declaration. You don't need to pay tax, but customs should know that you have this money. You can read more here: How much money can I take with me on a trip?

The general rule for the importation of goods into the NL is the EUR 430 rule. If the total value of the imported goods is lower, you pay nothing; if it is higher, then you will have to pay taxes. You can read more about this. here.

And, of course, don't forget about the special rules for hand luggage. Some permitted items cannot be carried in carry-on baggage. To clarify these rules, check the information on the website of the airport or the company with which you plan to fly.