How does Brexit affect businesses in the Netherlands?

Brexit: trade agreement on new partnership

Since Brexit, there is no longer free movement of people and goods between the EU and the UK. The EU and the UK have reached a trade agreement on a new partnership. Since 1 January 2021, there are new rules for travelling and doing business. Read about the key points of the trade agreement. The full text of the trade agreement can be found on the EU website.

Customs procedures

Since 1 January 2021 there have been revised customs procedures between the EU and the UK. From 1 January 2022, customs requirements have become more stringent. The Border Operating Model explains how the UK government is gradually introducing the new import rules and border controls.

Prepare your shipments carefully. That way, you can avoid delays. Also consider if you will be handling the administration for Dutch Customs yourself, or if you will be outsourcing. Always arrange the following matters:

An EORI number. This is the identification number for your company.
Make sure that you can file your declaration in the Dutch Customs system.
Register for electronic messaging if you file the declarations yourself.
Arrange the necessary import and export documents in time.

Dutch Customs has published a Brexit Toolkit. This includes a step-by-step plan for companies that do business with the UK. Learn more about the impact of Brexit on import and export.

Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR): support for businesses

Has the UK's departure from the European Union affected your business? For example, you are an exporter, importer, or logistics service provider. Or you are a fisherman and Brexit had a negative impact on your business. To help you with this, the EU has provided financial support via the Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR). Of these support measures, the Subsidy scheme for laying-up of (fishing) vessels (VSB) en Liquidity scheme for compensation of lost income (VLI) are still open until 30 June 2023.

Business aspects & sector information

Learn more about key Brexit issues for enterpreneurs on Business.gov.nl.

Stay informed about Brexit

There are still several dedicated Brexit platforms if you have dealings with the United Kingdom

1. Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO)

Brexitloket.nl was the joint Dutch government website that provided full information on Brexit. It has been dismantled. You can still find information on doing business with the UK on the RVO website (in Dutch)

2. Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (KVK)

The Netherlands Chamber of Commerce KVK offers information on doing business with the UK after Brexit.

3. Customs Brexit toolkit

If you import or export goods to and from the UK, Dutch Customs has prepared a toolkit that tells you what to do on this side of the North Sea.

4. Keep Business Moving

The British government has launched the Keep Business Moving website to help EU businesses deal with the new situation. It tells you what the rules will be in the UK for EU businesses exporting to, or importing from, the UK.

5. EU sector information on the Trade Agreement

The EU has prepared a factsheet outlining the consequences of the Brexit deal for several trade sectors. Consult the EU Brexit preparedness notices website for advice on the changes in VAT rules and VAT refunds on the delivery of products and services to the UK.

6. Brexit checker on GOV.uk

New rules apply to things like travel and doing business with Europe. Use the Brexit checker to get a personalised list of actions for you, your business, and your family. To use this tool, go to the GOV.uk website.

7. Get ready for Brexit

The Get ready for Brexit website is a joint initiative of Dutch shipping companies to provide information on how to deal with Brexit when you need to transport goods to and from the UK.