Netherlands Government Increases Tax-Free Import Quotas

by Ulrika Lomas, Tax-News.com, Brussels

05 December 2008

The Netherlands Ministry of Finance has released details of increases in the amount of goods which can be imported into the country tax-free with immediate effect.

Travellers may now import a higher value of goods from outside the European Union without paying extra VAT and import duties. Travellers arriving in the Netherlands by aeroplane or boat may bring goods up to EUR430 without being taxed, a level which was previously EUR175.

If goods are imported after December 1, 2008 that cost more than EUR430, Customs will inspect the products imported. If one product costs more than EUR430, taxes will have to be paid on the entire importation. But if, for example, one has bought a watch of EUR400 and a pen of EUR100, one only pays taxes for the pen and the watch can be imported tax-free. A product costing more than EUR430 cannot be divided.

The amount of EUR430 only applies when travelling by aeroplane or boat. If one enters the EU in another way, for instance by car, a lower amount applies – the new limit has been set at EUR300.

Recommended