Import documents
Are you planning to import goods into the Netherlands? Check which documents you need. With some documents, you’ll pay less import duty.
There are several import documents. Which ones you need depends, for example, on the product, and on whether you are importing the products from within or outside the EU.
Customs documents when importing from outside the EU
When you import products from outside the EU, you need to file a declaration with the Customs Administration of the Netherlands. You will often have to pay import duties.
Usually, a forwarder or customs representative will do this on your behalf. If you want to file the import declaration yourself, you can call the Dutch Customs National Helpdesk.
Documents that prove where a product was made or processed
Do you import from countries with which the EU has trade agreements? And have the products been wholly manufactured or sufficiently processed in the country from which you are importing? With a Statement of Origin (Certificaat van Oorsprong, CVO) from your supplier, you will usually pay less or no import duties. It states that the product comes from the country you are importing from. It contains a description of the product, plus the name and address details of the seller and the buyer.
The type of document or certificate of origin required depends on the trade agreement with the country from which you are importing.
Trade agreements that use a EUR.1 certificate
- For a value exceeding €6,000, an EUR.1 certificate is required. This is not necessary if the exporter holds a special authorisation (aproved exporter, in Dutch).
- Is the value of a consignment less than €6,000? In that case, the exporter may usually issue an invoice declaration or declaration of origin. The exporter includes this declaration on the invoice.
Trade agreements that do not use a EUR.1 certificate of origin
- In such cases, exporters use a statement of origin or a declaration of origin. They include this on their invoice.
- For consignments above a certain value, the exporter usually has to register. For example, in the REX system or another registration system associated with the trade agreement.
ATR certificate
Do you import goods from Turkey? If so, with an A.TR certificate, you will not have to pay import duties on most products. The A.TR certificate is not a proof of origin (certificate of origin). With an A.TR certificate, your Turkish supplier demonstrates that the products may be traded freely in Turkey. Your Turkish supplier applies for the A.TR certificate from the Customs Administration of the Netherlands.
Transport documents
There are several ways to have your goods transported to the Netherlands: by road, rail, sea or air. You will need a different transport document for each mode of transport. The transport document sets out the agreements between the consignor and the carrier. You will also need the transport document if Customs Administration of the Netherlands or the police inspect the goods.
Import licences and other documents
Apart from the invoice and packing slip, some types of product also need other documents. Examples are:
- health certificates for certain plants and plant-based products.
- import licences and certificates for certain endangered exotic animals or plants, or for strategic goods, such as weapons.
Dutch Customs uses these documents to check if the import meets the regulations for safety, health, economy, and environment.