Step-by-step guide for importing products

Step-by-step guide

1. Check whether the product is protected

If you intend to import a product, you should first determine whether it is subject to any trademark, design, patent or copyright laws. If you intend to have a product manufactured abroad, make certain that your design and trademark are well protected.

2. Determine whether the product is permitted in the Netherlands

EU products are almost always permitted in the Netherlands. The Dutch government may only prohibit an EU product in exceptional circumstances. As regards products from outside the EU, Dutch Customs checks whether you observe legislation as regards safety, health, economy and the environment.

3. Asking the producer for permission if you want to import products from outside the EEA

You may only import and sell products from outside the EEA if the producer has given you permission to do so. Import without permission is called parallel import.

4. Determine whether you need an import licence

You will need an import licence, for example, for goods that may only be imported in limited quantities or under strict conditions. You must request the import licence at the Central Import and Export Service (Centrale Dienst voor In- en Uitvoer, CDIU) of the Customs Department of the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration (Belastingdienst Douane).

5. Check if the product complies with the Commodities Act

If you produce, prepare or trade in food or other consumer products in the Netherlands, you must comply with the Commodities Act (Warenwet). This Act provides general rules on public health, product safety, fairness of trade and proper information.

6. Determine whether the product needs CE marking

The CE marking indicates that the product meets the minimum requirements set by the EU with regard to safety, health and the environment. When products are imported from outside the EU, the importer adds the CE marking to the product. When products are imported from another EU country, the manufacturer adds the CE marking.

7. Conclude clear agreements with your supplier

Conclude a sales contract, distribution agreement or agency agreement in which you clearly state your agreements on such issues as, for instance, liability, guarantee and an indication of the laws of which country will govern the commercial relationship.

8. Take product liability into account

If you import a product from outside the EU for use on the Dutch market and it causes damage, you may be held liable as the importer. You can arrange product liability insurance cover.

9. Declare goods to Customs

You must declare goods to Customs if you import these goods from a country outside the EU. Based on your declaration, Customs will calculate the import or export duty.

10. Pay import levies

You may have to pay various taxes when importing goods into the Netherlands (import duties, VAT, excise duties etc.). The amount to be paid in import levies depends on the kind of product and the country of origin.