Netherlands customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

As of 2026, travellers arriving in the Netherlands from outside the EU can bring in duty-free goods worth up to €430 (approx. USD 470) without paying tax. You must be 18 or older to bring in alcohol or tobacco. Strict bans apply on narcotics (including cannabis import), counterfeit goods, and certain animal products. Cash of €10,000 or more must be declared.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol

1.0 L

1 liter of spirits over 22% ABV, OR 2 liters of wine or beer (under 22% ABV). Traveller must be 18+.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes

or 50 cigars / 250 g

Cash to declare

$10,900

Cash or equivalent monetary instruments of €10,000 or more (approx. USD 10,900) must be declared to Dutch Customs upon arrival. Use the official declaration form.

Goods duty-free

$470

Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts is €430 (approx. USD 470) per person. Items above this value are subject to import duties and VAT (21% standard rate).

Prohibited — banned from import

Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, even for personal use; import is illegal)
Counterfeit goods (fake designer items, pirated software, etc.)
Endangered species products (ivory, tortoiseshell, certain furs) without CITES permit
Firearms, ammunition, and explosives (except with a special permit)
Meat and dairy products from outside the EU (unless from approved countries and for personal use, with restrictions)
Obscene or child-abusive materials

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

Medicines containing narcotics or psychotropics (require a doctor's prescription and a personal import license for more than 30 days' supply)
Plants, seeds, and live animals (require phytosanitary certificate or veterinary checks)
Drones over 250g (must be registered with the Dutch Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate and comply with EU drone rules)
Cultural goods (antiques, artworks) over 50 years old may require an export license from the country of origin
Satellite phones (require a license from the Dutch Radiocommunications Agency)

Rules worth knowing

EU traveller vs. non-EU traveller

If you arrive from another EU country, you can bring unlimited goods for personal use as long as they are not for resale. Non-EU travellers have the €430 duty-free limit.

Cannabis import is illegal

Even though cannabis is tolerated in coffee shops inside the Netherlands, importing it from abroad is strictly prohibited. Customs will confiscate and you may be fined or prosecuted.

VAT refund for non-EU visitors

Non-EU residents can claim back the 21% VAT on goods purchased in the Netherlands when leaving the EU, provided the total purchase exceeds €50 per invoice. Use the Tax Free Shopping system at the airport.

Cash declaration is mandatory

If you carry €10,000 or more in cash (or equivalent in other currencies, traveler's cheques, etc.), you must declare it to Customs. Failure to do so can result in fines up to €10,000.

Frequently asked questions

Meat and dairy from outside the EU are generally banned unless from approved countries (e.g., Switzerland, Norway) and for personal use up to 10 kg. Always check the EU's animal health rules.

Yes, if the total value exceeds €430 (approx. USD 470). Gifts are included in your personal allowance. Above that, you pay 2.5% import duty plus 21% VAT on the excess value.

You must declare the excess goods on the customs form. Customs will assess duty and VAT. If you don't declare, you risk confiscation and a fine of up to 100% of the duty owed.

Yes, for personal use up to 30 days' supply without a license. For controlled substances (e.g., strong painkillers), carry a doctor's prescription and a letter explaining the need. Over 30 days requires a personal import license from the Dutch Healthcare Inspectorate.

No fixed limit for personal use, but if you bring more than 110 liters of beer, 90 liters of wine, 10 liters of spirits, or 20 liters of fortified wine, customs may consider it commercial and require proof it's for personal use.

No, personal electronics for your own use are generally not declared. But if you carry expensive items (e.g., a new laptop worth over €430), you may be asked to prove they are for personal use and not for resale.

Official source

Dutch Customs (Douane)