International business

If you do business internationally, you must abide by a number of rules from the Dutch and European authorities. All types of documents play a role with regard to import and export such as transport and origin documents. In addition, different subsidies are available to stimulate doing business internationally.

Select a topic for information on rules and regulations. 

International business

• Exporting
• Importing
• International cooperation

Assistance when doing business internationally

If you are established in the Netherlands and you focus on foreign markets, (trade-promoting) government organisations/agencies can provide support:

• The international trade consultants of the Chamber of Commerce will assist you when you have questions about import and export. They can also assist with regard to market research. In addition, you will find general information about import into and export out of the Netherlands on the Chamber of Commerce website.
• NL EVD International of NL Agency supports entrepreneurs when they take (first) steps on foreign markets. The assistance offered will vary from information about export markets to support through starter processes, subsidies and positioning.
• The company database of the Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries (CBI) can put you in contact with suppliers in approximately 50 developing countries. You will find European market information in the market information database. You can search based on sector and country.
• Information about custom's issues can be found on the website of the Dutch Customs Administration. For information about taxation rules when exporting and importing contact the Dutch Tax Administration.
• The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) offers information about European legislation and regulations. The consultants of the Dutch contact point can advice about participating in European projects and funding. You can make contact with business partners through a European database.
• The EU Services Directive makes it easier for service providers to do business in Europe by removing a number of hurdles and making formalities easier in EU Member States. All member states have a point of single contact that you can access as a service providing businessperson. In the Netherlands, this counter is known as Answers for Business (Antwoord voor bedrijven).
• For information about import and export of foodstuffs, consumer products, animals, products of animal origin, and animal feed, you can contact the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (Nederlandse Voedsel en Warenautoriteit, NVWA).