Send to Netherlands from $55
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Personal Effects Customs Clearance Netherlands
Important Information
- Duty Free Clearance not applicable to all shipments
Duty relief may only be granted to shipments considered as permanent imports for one year or more such as for relocation or study, where the relevant evidence is also provided.
Unlike most other countries, Dutch customs do not always consider temporary imports of personal effects such as those for a holiday or business trip, or the import of goods by returning residents who have been outside of the Netherlands for less than one year, as tax exempt, customs will assess shipments on a case by case basis. If Dutch customs assesses that duty and taxes are due, these will need to be paid by the receiver directly to our courier partner in the Netherlands.
- Additional Fees
A customs processing fee of 40€ may be applied to shipments even if they are cleared without duties or taxes. This fee is not covered by Send My Bag and will need to be settled directly with our courier partner by the consignee in the Netherlands
Documents Required (All customers)
All customers will be required to provide the documents below. If the consignee is moving / relocating to the Netherlands, or going there to study, they will also need to provide the relevant documents in those sections.
- Passport
A copy of the consignee’s passport details page is required.
- Flight Ticket
A copy of the consignee’s flight ticket dated within 6 months of the shipment's arrival in the Netherlands. This must show travel from the same country that the shipment is being sent from. If the consignee has travelled in multiple journeys between the origin and the Netherlands this is acceptable, and multiple flight tickets can be provided.
and if applicable
Relocating or moving to the Netherlands to live (one year or more)
- Certificate of Residence or comparable evidence
The consignee's Certificate of residence, or other comparable evidence such as an employment contract, or rental or mortgage contract for the home they will be living in, will be required to be eligible for duty free clearance.
- Power of Attorney Form
Our courier partner may contact the consignee directly to request a physical Power of Attorney form is completed and physically posted to them before they can clear goods with duty exemption due to relocation with Netherlands customs.
Students
- Enrolment or placement letter
This must clearly show the students full name, the University or College's name and address, along with the name of the course being studied and date the course begins.
General Personal Effects Customs Information
Personal effects are typically defined as used items which have been in the sender's possession for 6 months or more. If your shipment is checked by customs and is found to contain brand new or commercial items, you shipment may not be assessed as personal effects. Keep this in mind if you are sending Christmas gifts or other new items. Please check with customs so you are aware of potential customs duties, follow any advice given and attach all necessary documentation.
In order to demonstrate that your shipment consists of personal effects, you will be required to complete a brief non-generic packing list online, entries to be made in the format: "5 x Cotton Dresses, 2 x Jeans, 3 x Pair of Gloves", and so on, rather than as "10 x Used Clothing".
As customs processes and allowances vary by country, we advise all customers take 5 minutes to check how their personal circumstances and what they are sending will be assessed under the prevailing customs regulations of the destination.
More information is available on our customs information page.
Customs Clearance Time
Most shipments on this route will not be stopped by customs, however, when a bag is stopped by customs for any reason (missing documentation, impromptu inspection, prohibited contents, commercial contents or further information required) Send My Bag records how long customs hold it for. Our historical statistics for this route indicate that if the customs authority stops your bag they will on average take 2 working days to process it and release it back to us for delivery.
Shipping Gifts to the Netherlands
Netherlands customs allow shipment up to a maximum value of 45€ to enter the country duty and tax free. Shipments exceeding this value will incur VAT, duties, and a processing fee which must be settled by the consignee with our courier partner.
Personal Effects Customs Clearance Netherlands
Important Information
- Duty Free Clearance not applicable to all shipments
Duty relief may only be granted to shipments considered as permanent imports for one year or more such as for relocation or study, where the relevant evidence is also provided.
Unlike most other countries, Dutch customs do not always consider temporary imports of personal effects such as those for a holiday or business trip, or the import of goods by returning residents who have been outside of the Netherlands for less than one year, as tax exempt, customs will assess shipments on a case by case basis. If Dutch customs assesses that duty and taxes are due, these will need to be paid by the receiver directly to our courier partner in the Netherlands.
- Additional Fees
A customs processing fee of 40€ may be applied to shipments even if they are cleared without duties or taxes. This fee is not covered by Send My Bag and will need to be settled directly with our courier partner by the consignee in the Netherlands
Documents Required (All customers)
All customers will be required to provide the documents below. If the consignee is moving / relocating to the Netherlands, or going there to study, they will also need to provide the relevant documents in those sections.
- Passport
A copy of the consignee’s passport details page is required.
- Flight Ticket
A copy of the consignee’s flight ticket dated within 6 months of the shipment's arrival in the Netherlands. This must show travel from the same country that the shipment is being sent from. If the consignee has travelled in multiple journeys between the origin and the Netherlands this is acceptable, and multiple flight tickets can be provided.
and if applicable
Relocating or moving to the Netherlands to live (one year or more)
- Certificate of Residence or comparable evidence
The consignee's Certificate of residence, or other comparable evidence such as an employment contract, or rental or mortgage contract for the home they will be living in, will be required to be eligible for duty free clearance.
- Power of Attorney Form
Our courier partner may contact the consignee directly to request a physical Power of Attorney form is completed and physically posted to them before they can clear goods with duty exemption due to relocation with Netherlands customs.
Students
- Enrolment or placement letter
This must clearly show the students full name, the University or College's name and address, along with the name of the course being studied and date the course begins.
General Personal Effects Customs Information
Personal effects are typically defined as used items which have been in the sender's possession for 6 months or more. If your shipment is checked by customs and is found to contain brand new or commercial items, you shipment may not be assessed as personal effects. Keep this in mind if you are sending Christmas gifts or other new items. Please check with customs so you are aware of potential customs duties, follow any advice given and attach all necessary documentation.
In order to demonstrate that your shipment consists of personal effects, you will be required to complete a brief non-generic packing list online, entries to be made in the format: "5 x Cotton Dresses, 2 x Jeans, 3 x Pair of Gloves", and so on, rather than as "10 x Used Clothing".
As customs processes and allowances vary by country, we advise all customers take 5 minutes to check how their personal circumstances and what they are sending will be assessed under the prevailing customs regulations of the destination.
More information is available on our customs information page.
Customs Clearance Time
Most shipments on this route will not be stopped by customs, however, when a bag is stopped by customs for any reason (missing documentation, impromptu inspection, prohibited contents, commercial contents or further information required) Send My Bag records how long customs hold it for. Our historical statistics for this route indicate that if the customs authority stops your bag they will on average take 2 working days to process it and release it back to us for delivery.
Shipping Gifts to the Netherlands
Netherlands customs allow shipment up to a maximum value of 45€ to enter the country duty and tax free. Shipments exceeding this value will incur VAT, duties, and a processing fee which must be settled by the consignee with our courier partner.
On EU standard services (not express) and all UK and US domestic services you may send:
- Shower gel.
- Toothpaste.
- Other non flammable and non alcohol based liquids, pastes & gels for use on holiday.
Nail varnish, perfume and aerosols are not permitted. If these items are included in your luggage it may be returned to you.
Whilst non alcohol based liquids are permitted, damage caused by leakage is not covered by complimentary cover and therefore only small amounts should be sent. If an x-ray shows liquids of any type security may stop your bag for inspection.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy. The following items are prohibited at all times:
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Alcohol based or Flammable Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type including, but not limited to, nail varnish and perfume;
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for the Netherlands
- Single use plastics including cutlery, plates, straws, cotton bud sticks, and food containers and cups made of polystyrene.
Items Excluded From Cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
On EU standard services (not express) and all UK and US domestic services you may send:
- Shower gel.
- Toothpaste.
- Other non flammable and non alcohol based liquids, pastes & gels for use on holiday.
Nail varnish, perfume and aerosols are not permitted. If these items are included in your luggage it may be returned to you.
Whilst non alcohol based liquids are permitted, damage caused by leakage is not covered by complimentary cover and therefore only small amounts should be sent. If an x-ray shows liquids of any type security may stop your bag for inspection.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy. The following items are prohibited at all times:
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Alcohol based or Flammable Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type including, but not limited to, nail varnish and perfume;
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for the Netherlands
- Single use plastics including cutlery, plates, straws, cotton bud sticks, and food containers and cups made of polystyrene.
Items Excluded From Cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy.
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type (including nail varnish and perfume);
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for the Netherlands
- Single use plastics including cutlery, plates, straws, cotton bud sticks, and food containers and cups made of polystyrene.
Items excluded from cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy.
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type (including nail varnish and perfume);
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for the Netherlands
- Single use plastics including cutlery, plates, straws, cotton bud sticks, and food containers and cups made of polystyrene.
Items excluded from cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
Why Ship to the Netherlands?
With an abundance of outdoor activities to experience in the Netherlands, you may want to take your own equipment with you, such as bicycles, hiking equipment or other heavy items. These items are usually not covered in your airline baggage allowance and you need to pay an additional fee to take them with you.
Send My Bag can pick up your bulky and heavy luggage straight from your door and deliver it to any destination, exactly when you need it. You may also decide that you don’t want to carry your main luggage through the airport or train depot, especially if you have multiple transfers. Our luggage service can help take the hassle out of travelling.
Our service is also great for travel groups with multiple items and backpackers looking to transport their luggage quickly and securely at a fraction of the price a travel company would charge.
With numerous English-language degree courses available, the Netherlands is an increasingly popular choice for students looking to study abroad. Send My Bag can help students relocate to the Netherlands, allowing them to bring all the books, equipment and clothing that they need.
Send Luggage to the Netherlands
By sending your luggage to the Netherlands you can save yourself a lot of stress and hassle by avoiding the need to wait in line at bag drop or luggage carousels. You can easily send your luggage and boxes to the Netherlands with Send My Bag. If you are moving to the Netherlands, this means you can bring lots of your favourite things with you to make you feel at home in the Netherlands. With your luggage taken care of, you can focus on discovering your new surroundings. To learn more about sending luggage to the Netherlands, visit our ‘How it works’ page, or our ‘FAQs’.
Removals to the Netherlands
If you are moving to the Netherlands permanently, you will have to consider international removals to the Netherlands in order to move your possessions. Before you give anything to the movers, however, ensure that all your items are carefully packaged so that they arrive in one piece. Use suitable packaging for your items and tape everything up well.
Student Shipping to the Netherlands
You could take advantage of the English-language degree courses in the Netherlands to study abroad and experience another culture. If moving to the Netherlands to study you will need to bring plenty of items with you, such as your course textbooks and many other items, like novels, clothes and photos. Top universities in the Netherlands include the University of Amsterdam, the University of Groningen and the University of Utrecht. Read more about student shipping on our student removals page and find out how to receive your student discount.
Sending a Parcel to the Netherlands
If you left something behind at home when you moved to the Netherlands, you can ask a friend or family member to put the item in a box and send it on to you - it couldn’t be easier to send a parcel to The Netherlands with Send My Bag. Just make sure you choose a sturdy box when sending a parcel to The Netherlands and tape it up well so nothing gets damaged in transit. Find out more about sending a parcel and learn what you can send with Send My Bag and how to package your items.
Ways of Shipping to the Netherlands
Whether you are going to the Netherlands to work, to study, or to go on holiday, you should make yourself aware of the various options available for shipping to the Netherlands. Some options will be more appropriate for you than others, depending on what you want to ship. You can choose between several different options for international shipping to the Netherlands.
Send Golf Clubs to the Netherlands
The Netherlands has around 180 golf courses, of which the best are Koninklijke Haagsche, Utrecht de Pan and Kennemer. If you’d like to try out some of these courses, you can do so using your own clubs, rather than hiring clubs when you arrive. You can avoid oversized baggage fees from your airlines by sending your golf clubs to the Netherlands with Send My Bag. Your journey will be much more pleasant since you won’t have to wait around at bag drop or luggage carousels, or have to drag large golf bags with you onto public transport. See further information on how to send golf clubs with Send My Bag, including how best to package your golf clubs.
Send your Bike to The Netherlands
Cycling is very popular in the Netherlands, where it is a very enjoyable pursuit, due to the generally flat landscape and the many cycling routes available. Drivers are trained to be mindful of cyclists, making the Netherlands one of the safest countries for cyclists. Cycling is an excellent way to experience the Netherlands. You can send your bicycle with Send My Bag, having it arrive at your first hotel and then having it picked up again on your return home. Sending your bike to the Netherlands is much easier than checking it into the hold of your plane. You will avoid oversized baggage fees and won't have to carry the bike to and from the airport. Your bike will need to be taken apart and properly packaged before being sent to the Netherlands. Check out our information on bike shipping to learn more.
About the Netherlands
The Netherlands is a country in Western Europe that borders Belgium and Germany. It is a popular choice for travellers all over the world because of its history and culture. With a population of over 16 million people, the Netherlands has a booming economy with an array of interesting cities to visit, including Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Utrecht.
Once a major naval power, the Netherlands boasts a wealth of cultural heritage and is famous for its fantastic windmills, historical painters and everyone’s ultimate travel souvenir - clogs. Now a major European country, the Netherlands embraces modern and cutting-edge design and architecture while preserving its historical roots. The Netherlands is also the place which brought us famous artists such as Van Gogh and Rembrandt as well as Piet Monet and Frans Hals, just to name a few.
The official language of the Netherlands is Dutch, although a large proportion of the total population can understand and speak English as it is a compulsory class in all secondary schools. The Netherlands is part of the EU so uses the Euro, like much of Europe, which makes it a popular stop-off destination.
Due to predominately South-West winds, the Netherlands has a moderate maritime climate, especially around the Dutch coastline. This provides cool summers with temperatures ranging between 18 and 23°C (64-73°F) and mild winters ranging between 3 and 6°C (37-43°F). These temperatures make it a fantastic destination for those who like to get out and about exploring or taking part in outdoor activities.
One of the most popular activities in the country is cycling, and with good reason. The Netherlands has over 22,000 km of dedicated cycle paths throughout the country, many of them beautifully scenic. Other popular activities include swimming and sunbathing on one of the Netherlands many beaches, and water sports and boating are abundant on the country’s lakes.
Please explore this page further to find out about Send My Bag’s shipping service to the Netherlands.
Air Freight to the Netherlands
You could try air freight to send a large item like a table or armchair to the Netherlands, which normally takes around one to two days. This is usually faster than sea freight shipping, but typically more expensive. The amount you will have to pay when shipping by air freight is determined by the weight and size of your shipment. You will probably also have to pay for the services of a customs agent to handle customs clearance for you. Another cost is getting your items to and from the airport. The price could, therefore, quickly mount up. If you send internationally by air freight to The Netherlands your items will likely arrive at Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport.
Sea Freight and Container Shipping to the Netherlands
Instead, you could go for sea freight or container shipping to transport your possessions to the Netherlands. This service can take a number of weeks. Again, sea freight is normally used when shipping large bulky items, such as a table or armchair, which are loaded onto cargo ships in containers. This option can be less expensive than air freight, but you will still need to pay for the services of a customs agent and will need to arrange how to get your items to and from the ports. This means the cost could be more than expected. When using container shipping to the Netherlands, your items will most likely arrive by ship at one of the major sea ports, such as Den Helder or Amsterdam.
Shipping Goods to the Netherlands
You must make yourself aware of current customs rules when shipping goods to the Netherlands. Make sure you know about any duty that you need to pay and what items are allowed to be shipped to the Netherlands, which items are restricted, and which are entirely prohibited. Take a look at the prohibited items and customs sections on this page for more information.