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The short version
- Goods from China entering the Netherlands pay the EU's common customs duty (the same rate in all 27 EU countries, set by HS code in TARIC) plus the Netherlands's import VAT of 21%.
- Parcels sold online to EU consumers with a value up to EUR 150 pay a flat EUR 3 customs duty per item since July 1, 2026, instead of the old duty-free rule. The European Commission has announced a further EUR 2 handling fee per item from November 1, 2026.
- To import for your business you need a free EORI number from Dutch Customs (Douane Nederland), Tax Administration, the right HS code, and products that meet EU rules (CE marking where required, and a responsible EU operator under the GPSR).
- Illustrative: on a EUR 2,000 order with EUR 300 freight and a 4% duty rate, you pay about EUR 594.32 at the border in the Netherlands. A VAT-registered business can usually reclaim the import VAT.
What do you pay to import from China into the Netherlands?
Importing from China into the Netherlands means paying EU customs duty on the customs value, then the Netherlands's import VAT of 21% on the value plus duty. The duty rate depends on the product's HS code and is the same anywhere in the EU; the VAT rate is the Netherlands's own.
| Charge | Rate | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| EU customs duty | Set by HS code (0% to over 10%) | Business imports, and all goods over EUR 150. Look up your code in TARIC |
| Anti-dumping or countervailing duty | Product specific | Some products from China, on top of normal duty. Access2Markets |
| Flat duty on low-value parcels | EUR 3 per item | Online sales to consumers, parcels up to EUR 150, July 1, 2026 to July 1, 2028 |
| Union handling fee (announced) | EUR 2 per item | Online sales to consumers, from November 1, 2026, per the European Commission |
| Import VAT in the Netherlands | 21%, reduced rates 9% | Customs value plus duty (and some transport costs) |
| Broker or carrier fees | Varies | Customs declaration and handling, charged by your forwarder, courier or post |
Recent VAT change: VAT rate on accommodation raised from 9% to 21% on January 1, 2026; standard rate unchanged at 21% (source).
Worked example: a EUR 2,000 order into the Netherlands
Illustrative numbers: a business order of EUR 2,000 of goods, EUR 300 for freight and insurance to the EU border (so a CIF customs value of EUR 2,300), and a duty rate of 4% for its HS code. Your real duty rate comes from TARIC.
| Line | Amount |
|---|---|
| Goods | EUR 2,000.00 |
| Freight and insurance to the EU border | EUR 300.00 |
| Customs value (CIF) | EUR 2,300.00 |
| Customs duty at 4% (illustrative) | EUR 92.00 |
| VAT base (value plus duty) | EUR 2,392.00 |
| Import VAT at 21% | EUR 502.32 |
| Total due at the border | EUR 594.32 |
Illustrative. Broker fees and transport after the border are extra. A VAT-registered business can usually deduct the import VAT in its VAT return.
A consumer parcel instead: a EUR 40 order to a buyer in the Netherlands with two different products (two items) pays EUR 6 flat duty, and VAT of about EUR 9.66 at 21% on EUR 46 (illustrative). With IOSS the seller collects that VAT at checkout, so the buyer pays nothing more at the door.
Who do you register with in the Netherlands?
- Customs: Dutch Customs (Douane Nederland), Tax Administration (Douane Nederland (Belastingdienst)).
- EORI number: free and required for every customs declaration. Apply via Dutch Customs (Douane Nederland), Tax Administration. Non-EU businesses get one in the first EU country where they clear goods.
- VAT: import VAT is charged at the Netherlands's rates (official VAT rates). Selling to consumers across the EU? IOSS covers parcels up to EUR 150.
- Currency: EUR. Languages: Dutch.
How do goods from China arrive in the Netherlands?
Sea freight from China usually arrives at Port of Rotterdam, Port of Amsterdam. The main cargo airport is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Small parcels sent by post are delivered by PostNL after customs.
Which product rules apply?
- CE marking for products covered by EU safety laws (toys, electronics, machinery and more). The importer must make sure the product complies (European Commission).
- General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) since December 13, 2024: consumer products sold in the EU need a responsible economic operator in the EU, with contact details on the product or packaging (European Commission).
- Trade defence: check whether your product carries an EU anti-dumping duty before you order.
How do you import from China to the Netherlands, step by step?
- Find your HS codeClassify the product and check its EU duty in TARIC. Our HS code guide shows how.
- Get an EORI numberFree, from Dutch Customs (Douane Nederland), Tax Administration if you are established in the Netherlands.
- Agree the IncotermFOB, CIF or DDP decides who pays freight and duty. See Incoterms explained.
- Check product rulesCE marking where required, labels in the local language, and a GPSR responsible person.
- Price the full landed costDuty, VAT, freight and fees per unit, with the free landed cost calculator.
- Book a forwarder or courierThey file the customs declaration in the EU and pass on duty, VAT and fees.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the import VAT rate in the Netherlands?
The standard VAT rate in the Netherlands is 21%, reduced rates 9%, charged on the customs value plus duty. Source: the Netherlands's tax authority and the European Commission's VAT rates table, checked October 2026.
How much customs duty do I pay on goods from China in the Netherlands?
The EU common customs tariff applies, so the rate is the same in every EU country and depends on the HS code. Look it up in TARIC. Some Chinese products also carry anti-dumping duties.
Is there still a EUR 150 duty-free limit in the Netherlands?
No. Since July 1, 2026, parcels up to EUR 150 sold online to consumers pay a flat EUR 3 customs duty per item instead. Business imports pay the normal duty rate from the first euro.
Do I need an EORI number?
Yes, for any customs declaration in the EU. It is free. Businesses established in the Netherlands get it from Dutch Customs (Douane Nederland), Tax Administration.
Can I reclaim the import VAT?
A VAT-registered business can usually deduct import VAT in its VAT return. Check the rules with your accountant or the tax authority.
Rates as of October 16, 2026, from official EU and the Netherlands sources. Examples marked illustrative are ours. General information, not customs or tax advice: confirm with a licensed customs broker. SuanSupply is not affiliated with the European Union or any government agency.