Find movers in Netherlands now!

Find a foreign embassy in Netherlands

Find Netherlands's embassies in other countries

Used Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required                                          

• Copy of passport
• Detailed inventory 
• Bewijs van aanmelding
• Aangifte – Douane 39 form (diplomats)
• Copy of the registration at town/city hall where the shipper will live (document must mention the country the shipper is moving from).
• When client does not have his town/city hall registration yet, client may also submit a proof of deregistration from the country of origin. Please also supply one of the following documents:
• Copy of a work contract or declaration from the employer confirming the period of working for them abroad and will now be working for them in the Netherlands as from …… (date),

OR

• Copy of a rental agreement or purchase contract of the residence in the Netherlands. This may not be older than 6 months.

Specific Information

• The “Bewijs van aanmelding” is the certificate from the population register of the municipality showing owner of the goods’ intent to reside in the Netherlands
• The Netherlands application is a required form that must be filled out to be able to move to the Netherlands
• All fumigated containers arriving in the port of Rotterdam or Antwerp with an excessive concentration of gas will be removed from the logistic transport chain. 
  • Delays may take several months before the container is released. 
  • High costs may be incurred due to any delays.
• The following conditions must apply for the duty-free import of the household effects shipment:
  • The permanent residence of the owner of the goods must be the Netherlands or another European Union member country.
  • The previous permanent residence of the owner of the goods situated outside of the European Union for at least 12 months.
  • All goods have been used as part of the normal household of the owner of the goods and will be used for the same purpose.
  • All goods have been in the owner of the goods’ possession for at least 6 months and have been used during that time.
  • The goods will be imported into the Netherlands within 12 months after registration.
  • The goods will not be sold, rented off or given away within 12 months after registration in the Netherlands.
• Owners of the goods must apply to Customs for the exemption in the import declaration.
  • The following documents are required:
    • A signed inventory listing all of the personal goods in the shipment.
    • The certificate of registration in the personal records database of the municipality in the Netherlands.
      • Must certify that the date on which the owner of the goods has established in the Netherlands or another country within the European Union.
      • Owner of the goods can also send comparable documentary evidence demonstrating that this is the case.
        • Employment contract
        • Employer statement
        • Work permit
        • Rental contract or mortgage certificate for new place of residence

• All containers arriving in the Port of Rotterdam with an excessive concentration of gas will be taken out from the logistic transport chain. (Methyl bromide is mostly used toxic gas).

• According to the Ministry one may expect delays running up to several months before a fumigated container finally will be released to the consignee. Obviously high costs will be involved if a container has an excessive concentration of gas.

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

• Certificate of title / registration
• Purchase invoice or other proof of ownership
• Original bill of lading
• Certificate of residence
• Copy of foreign insurance certificate or proof of insurance

Specific Information

• Consideration for an application for free entry of motor vehicles is 4 to 6 weeks
• A separate application for any tax exemption must be completed if not imported with the household effects shipment.
• A technical inspection as well as registration is required at the RDW after Customs clearance.

Pets

Documents Required

• Vaccination record
• Veterinary health certificate

Specific Information

• The veterinary health certificate must be signed by an authorized veterinarian within 8 days of import.
• The vaccination record must be signed at least 31 days prior to departure but not longer than 12 months prior to import.

Wedding Trousseau / Gifts

• Inventory in 2 copies.
• Marriage certificate.
• Certificate of residence.
• Exemption of duties form.

Restricted/Dutiable Items

• Hunting and shooting firearms require a permit issued by the Dutch authoritie
• Medicines:
  • To import medicines, a manufacturing license issued by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport is required.
  • Medications must be for personal use.
  • Owners of the goods should request a medical passport from a general practitioner to verify the personal use of the medication. 
• Plants / flowers / fruits / vegetables:
  • These items resquire a phytosanitary certificate from the country of origin declaring the items healthy and free from diseases.
  • If a phytosanitary certificate is unavailable, Customs will confiscate the items.
• Animal Products / Food Items:
  • A health certificate is required for the import of these items, including but not limited to, cheese, milk, eggs, meat, meat products, animal skins, and hunting trophies.
  • The health certificate must be issued by the authorities of the origin country at the time the goods are imported.
  • All animal products and food items are subject to veterinary examination upon arrival.
  • Goods of animal origin, including food items, are subject to special requirements. 
    • Contact the destination for specific information and exceptions.
  • Powdered milk, baby food, and special food items for medical purposed may be imported provided the following requirements are met:
    • The products do not need to be chilled prior to consumption.
    • The products are packaged products of a registered trademark.
    • The packaging should be unopened and undamaged.
  • An exemption from the required health certificate applies to products in which an animal ingredient is no longer identifiable (e.g., chocolate, etc.).
  • Contact the Dutch Embassy in the origin country if you need assistance.

Prohibited Items

• Weapons (toy and imitation) and ammunition (strike, thrust or stabbing weapons; gas pistols, alarm pistols, pepper sprays, etc.)
• Alcohol / Cigarettes / Tobacco

Consignment Instructions

Recommended:  Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.

Cultural and Other Information

Wikipedia Entry for Netherlands