HomepageStep-by-step guide for starting a webshop
If you intend to start a webshop in the Netherlands, you must contend with various government rules and regulations. You can use this step-by-step guide to quickly determine which obligations you must fulfil.
The plan serves merely as a guideline. Several steps can be carried out at the same time. It is possible that you will need to fulfil other obligations as well.
Step-by-step guide
1. Enter your business in the Trade Register
New businesses must be entered in the Trade Register kept by the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber of Commerce will pass on your details to the Tax and Customs Administration. You do not need to register separately with the Tax and Customs Administration.
2. Register with the Central Industry Board for the Retail Trade
Your webshop must be registered with the Central Industry Board for the Retail Trade (HBD). You do not need to register personally. The HBD uses the data contained in the Trade Register of the Chamber of Commerce.
3. Report a home business
If you intend to start a home-based webshop, you will usually have to report this intention to your local municipal authority. If you rent, you will also have to ask permission from your landlord.
4. Register your domain name (Internet address)
You have to apply to a domain name registrar to register and purchase a domain name. The registrar will submit a registration request on your behalf to the organisation that administers domain names.
5. Organise the transfer of copyright
If someone else builds the webshop for you, you will only be permitted to modify the website yourself if you hold the copyright. Preferably, the designer should waive his personal rights.
6. Draft the general terms and conditions
The general terms and conditions include rules about payment, delivery times, guarantees and disputes. You can use the specimen terms and conditions drawn up by the Chamber of Commerce (KvK).
7. Give clear information on your website
Your website must clearly state your company’s identity. Besides your address details you state your trade register number and your VAT number. You must also inform customers about the price and features of your products, the method of payment and the delivery details.
8. Make certain that your customers’ personal details are safe
You must handle customers’ personal details with due care. Customers’ personal details must be secured against loss or theft, for example.
9. Send order confirmations in writing
You must send customers an order confirmation in writing, enclosing your general terms and conditions, your guarantee conditions and your contact details. Your customer must receive this information – at the very latest – when the product is delivered or the service is provided.
10. Observe the rules on e-mail advertising
You are not permitted to send e-mails or make mobile phone calls to private individuals or companies for advertising purposes without their prior consent.
11. Follow the rules on selling alcohol
You may only sell high-alcohol beverages via a webshop if you have an off-licence permit or a licence under the Licensing and Catering Act. You do not need a licence to sell low-alcohol beverages.
12. Follow the rules on selling tobacco
The online sale of tobacco is permitted. You can publish an overview of tobacco products (with or without logos) and a price list on your website, but you must not recommend any specific product.
