Parallel imports (without manufacturer's permission)
Do you want to import and sell products from a licensed brand based outside the EEA (EU-member states plus Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein)? You need permission from the product’s license holder. If you import without permission this is called parallel import and you are infringing on trademarks.
If you infringe on trademarks through parallel import, the license holder may sue you to:
- compensate their damages
- destroy your remaining stock
- pay their legal costs
Parallel imports within the EEA
Parallel import of most products made within the EEA is allowed. Has a product been imported within the EEA via an official distribution channel? Then you may market it freely within the EEA.
Other rules on parallel imports
Medicinal products must have a marketing authorisation from the Medicines Evaluation Board (MEB, College ter Beoordeling van Geneesmiddelen, CBG) to be sold in the Netherlands. If you want to parallel import similar, cheaper products from other EEA countries you need a parallel import marketing authorisation from the MEB. You do not need this permit if the product already has a community marketing authorisation from the European Commission.