Important Information

• Duty-Free Clearance is not automatic for all shipments.
• You can only get duty relief (no customs tax) if:
  • You are relocating to the Netherlands for at least one year, OR
  • You are moving for studies, AND
  • You provide the correct documents as proof (like residence certificate, rental agreement, or university letter).
    
    
• Unlike many other countries, Dutch customs are very strict. They do not always give tax exemption for:
  • Temporary stays (holidays, short business trips).
  • Returning Dutch residents who were abroad for less than one year.
    
    
• Customs officers will check shipments case by case. If they decide duty and taxes must be paid, the receiver (consignee) in the Netherlands will need to pay these directly to the courier partner.

Additional Fees

• Dutch customs may apply a processing fee of €40, even if your shipment is cleared without duty or tax.
• This fee is not covered by GetMyParcel
• The consignee must pay this directly to the courier partner in the Netherlands.

Documents Required (For All Customers)

Everyone must provide:

1. Passport Copy – the consignee’s passport details page.
2. Flight Ticket – a copy of a flight ticket showing travel from the country of shipment is being sent to the Netherlands, within 6 months of shipment arrival.
   • Multiple tickets are fine if travel was not direct.
     
     

Extra Documents (If Relocating / Moving to the Netherlands for 1 year or more)

• Certificate of Residence OR other proof (employment contract, rental or mortgage contract). This is required to qualify for duty-free clearance.
• Power of Attorney Form – Sometimes the courier may ask the consignee to complete and physically post this before goods can be cleared duty-free.
  
  

Extra Documents (For Students)

• Enrollment / Placement Letter – must show:
  • Student’s full name
  • University or college name and address
  • Name of the course
  • Start date of the course

General Information About Personal Effects

• Personal Effects = items you have owned and used for at least 6 months.
• If your shipment contains new or commercial items, customs may not treat it as personal effects.
• Example: sending Christmas gifts or brand-new items could mean taxes and duties will apply.
• To avoid issues, check with Dutch customs and provide all necessary documents.
  
  
  

Packing List Requirement

• You must fill out a detailed packing list online.
• Example:
  • Correct: “5 x Cotton Dresses, 2 x Jeans, 3 x Pair of Gloves”
  • Incorrect: “10 x Used Clothing”

Customs Clearance Time

• Most shipments to the Netherlands pass without delay.
• If customs stop a shipment (for missing documents, inspection, prohibited or commercial items, etc.), processing usually takes about 2 working days before the bag is released for delivery.

Shipping Gifts to the Netherlands

• Gifts up to a maximum value of €45 can enter duty and tax free.
• If the gift is worth more than €45, customs will apply VAT, duties, and a processing fee, which must be paid by the consignee directly to the courier.