Importing personal effects

While your chosen moving company will be able to provide you with their specific information for importing and customs clearance, this is a general guide of what you can expect and are required to provide.


Customs clearance

Before you can receive your belongings, the moving company must first clear your goods through customs. You may be exempt for duty or BTW if the goods are for personal use and/or that you are relocating to the Netherlands. You are required to submit documentary evidence that you are relocating with your personal effects in order to receive this exemption.

You will receive a permit for exemption when you supply the following documents:
- Completed and signed application form for exemption,
- Signed inventory, in duplicate, of all goods to be imported (Dutch or English),
- Population register (bevolkingsregister) certificate showing you have come from abroad and intend to take up residence in Holland. Within four weeks, proof is required that you have actually taken up residence,
- Evidence that you have enrolled in the foreign population register of the municipality,
- Residence permit (verblijfsdocument),
- Photocopy of passport,
- Contract or statement from your employer, showing that you are under contract for at least 12 months,
- A lease or deed of purchase of your residence.

If you want to import your motor vehicle, you can request an exemption for it. To be eligible, the car must be in your name and in your possession for six months or more. Provide copies of purchase and owners title.


Restrictions

Netherlands Customs (Douane) have stepped up their random checks of containers entering Netherlands. So, your moving company may ask that you clearly advise them of any new or unused items, alcohol and tobacco in your shipment. If you fail to advise them and the container happens to be inspected by the Douane, then your undeclared items may be confiscated and you will have to pay duties, any applicable taxes, plus a fine for not declaring the items. You may be liable for any extra expenses relating to the inspection, check with your moving company for their rules and regulations.

You are not allowed to import the following items into the Netherlands:
- Plants,
- Protected animals,
- Drugs,
- Forgery of specimen/branded goods,
- Erotic material/videos/dvds/pictures,
- Weapons or ammunition,
- Protected cultural items,
- Sensitive political or religious verses.