International trade: agriculture, fisheries, and foodstuffs
Do you export or import foodstuffs, vegetables, fruit, meat, fish, or live animals? When you import or export to or from countries outside the EU (third countries), you must deal with certificates and permits, checks, and customs formalities. Find out what you need to do and which organisations can help you.
Importing goods from countries outside the EU
If you import goods from countries outside the EU, specific rules apply. The requirements depend on the type of product and its country of origin.
Live animals and animal products
The following information applies to the import of:
- live animals and live products (semen, embryos, and hatching eggs)
- products of animal origin (meat, fish, dairy, eggs, and animal by-products)
- animal feed
- hay and straw
- composite products (containing both animal and plant ingredients)
Importers in the Netherlands must consider:
1. Certification: the exporter must have the cargo certified
Most imports must be accompanied by an official health certificate. Whether this is required depends on the type of product and the country of origin. If required, the exporter applies for the certificate.
2. Prior notification: the import consignment must be reported in advance
Imports must usually be reported to a designated Border Control Post (BCP) at least 1 working day before they enter the Netherlands. This is done via TRACES NT, the EU system for managing imports and exports of animals, animal products, and plants. Pre-notification is usually handled by the importer, or a customs agent.
3. Import inspection: the NVWA carries out an import inspection
When you import animals or animal products, they must enter the EU through an approved BCP. When this is a BCP in the Netherlands, the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) will check the animals or products and the necessary documents upon arrival. They verify identity, documentation, and compliance with EU import requirements, including whether the goods are fit for their intended use (for example, human consumption). Samples may also be taken here. The physical check may only take place at a BCP.
After the physical check, the results are recorded in a Common Health Entry Document (CHED) in TRACES NT. The CHED contains the decision of the authorities on whether the goods can enter the EU and what must happen next.
This step is carried out in cooperation with the Customs Administration of the Netherlands. It takes care of the customs processes and eventually releases the goods.
Plants and plant products
If you want to import plants, they must meet plant health requirements. Most plants and many plant products must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate and must enter the EU via an approved BCP or another designated inspection location. Keep in mind that there is an import ban on certain high-risk plants and plant products from specific countries. This is due to the high risk of spreading harmful organisms or invasive species.
Exporting goods to countries outside the EU
When exporting goods to countries outside the EU, the rules are set by the destination country. These often include certificates, inspections, and specific product requirements.
Foodstuffs and agricultural products
When exporting agricultural products, vegetables, fruit, meat, and live animals outside of the EU, you need to have an export certificate, among other things. If you do not have experience with trading outside the EU, start preparing well ahead. To find out about the requirements in the destination country, check the Access2Markets database. Find out more about export documentation on KVK.
Plants and plant products
Do you want to export plant products outside of the EU? The NVWA issues phytosanitary export certificates. The requirements depend on the destination country and the type of product. Also keep in mind that different rules apply for products, product labelling, and product packaging when exporting to a non-EU country.
Agricultural inspection and certifying authorities in the Netherlands
The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) supervises safety for food and consumer products (non-food), animal and plant health, and animal welfare, and enforces nature legislation. Check the NVWA website (in Dutch). NVWA also offers some information in English.
Do you want to import animals from a non-EU country? You must comply with the rules on their identification and registration (I&R). More information about I&R.
Are you active in the field of milk and milk products? Contact COKZ (Netherlands Controlling Authority for Dairy and Eggs) to find out more about international trade. COKZ also performs checks on behalf of the egg sector. See also: Approval and registration of dairy companies.
Are you an entrepreneur in the horticulture sector? Contact the Kwaliteits-Controle-Bureau (KCB, in Dutch) to find out what you need to do business with a non-EU country. KCB performs import and export inspections of fresh fruit and vegetables, cut flowers, and potted plants.
Are you an entrepreneur in organic agriculture and horticulture? Skal Biocontrole is the official certifying and monitoring body for the organic sector in thefor more information.
Do you propagate material for agriculture? NAK (Nederlandse Algemene Keuringsdienst in Dutch) is the Dutch General Inspection Service for Agricultural Seed and Seed Potatoes and carries out export and import inspections.
Do you propagate material for flowers, trees, and vegetables? Naktuinbouw (Netherlands Inspection Service for Horticulture) monitors and promotes product quality, processes, and chains in horticulture. The focus is on propagating material (seeds and planting materials).
Do you want to know more about plant breeders' rights? Consult the Board for plant varieties’ website. The Board is responsible for granting breeders' rights and admission of plant varieties and forest stands.
Are you a grower or trader in flower bulbs? Contact BKD for more information. BKD carries out inspections on flower bulbs for quality, import and export, field inspections, and more. BKD also offers laboratory services and tests.
To market crop protection and biocides in the Netherlands, you need a permit from Ctgb (Board for the Authorisation of Plant Protection Products and Biocides). Ctgb also issues export certificates for products confirming that a plant protection product is authorised or registered for the specified field(s) of use.
Do you want to import protected plants or animals, or products such as feathers, shells, hides, or pelts, from a non-EU country? Or do you want to buy, sell, or transport protected species within Europe? You may need a CITES permit or an EU certificate.
Sector organisations in the Netherlands
The Dutch Agriculture and Horticulture Association represents over 35,000 agricultural entrepreneurs and employers, with a commitment to the economic and social position of its members. Read more on the LTO Nederland website.
The Nederlandse Vakbond Pluimveehouders (NVP, in Dutch) represents the interests of poultry farmers in the Netherlands.
The Nederlandse Melkveehouders Vakbond (NMV, in Dutch) is an advocacy organisation promoting the interests of dairy farmers in the Netherlands.
The Nederlandse Vissersbond (in Dutch) is an interest group for Dutch commercial fishers, vessel owners, and crew members in the sea, coastal, and inland fisheries sectors.
VisNed is the interest group for the Dutch cutter fleet. It operates as the umbrella organisation for 5 of the 7 producer organisations in the cutter sector. Visit the Visned website for more information (in Dutch).
The Dutch government website has information on the Dutch fisheries policy.
The Federation for the Dutch food industry (Federatie Nederlandse Levensmiddelen Industrie, FNLI) is the umbrella organisation and interest group for processing and importing businesses and sectors in the Dutch food industry. FNLI represents around 500 companies and 18 sector organisations. Find more information on the FNLI website (in Dutch).
The Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers represents 155 sector associations and around 500 enterprises.
MKB-Nederland (SME Netherlands) represent the interests of over 170,000 entrepreneurs with SMEs.