Customs Clearance in the Netherlands

Customs clearance services in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is one of Europe’s principal freight gateways. Cargo entering or leaving through the Port of Rotterdam, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport or a Dutch road terminal must be matched to the correct customs procedure. Benelux Trade Link combines sea freight, air freight, road transport, warehousing and customs support, so documents and physical transport are planned together.

We assist importers, exporters, manufacturers, traders, e-commerce businesses and logistics partners. Support is available for commercial cargo, machinery and spare parts, consumer goods, electronics, textiles, vehicles and project shipments. Controlled, food, animal, plant, dual-use or other regulated goods may require additional permits or certificates; these are reviewed separately before acceptance.

Export declarations and EX-A documents

Goods in free circulation that leave the European Union normally require an electronic export declaration. Once Customs accepts the declaration, it receives a Movement Reference Number (MRN). The accompanying export document is commonly called an EX-A in day-to-day trade. It travels with the export movement to the customs office of exit and supports the evidence that the goods left the EU.

We can prepare or coordinate the export declaration using your commercial and shipment data, follow the MRN and align the customs process with the booked carrier. Dutch Customs explains the official export declaration process.

For an export declaration we commonly request:

• commercial invoice with buyer, seller, value, currency and Incoterms;
• packing list with quantities, weights and packaging;
• EORI number of the exporter or declarant;
• accurate commodity/HS codes and goods descriptions;
• country of origin and destination;
• transport booking details and office of exit;
• licences or certificates where the goods require them.

Import customs clearance in the Netherlands

For goods arriving from outside the EU, the import declaration determines the customs procedure, tariff classification, customs value, origin, import duty and import VAT treatment. We check the available documents, coordinate the declaration and help keep the release aligned with the vessel, flight, truck or warehouse operation.

Where relevant, we can discuss customs warehousing, onward transit or fiscal representation with the parties involved. The appropriate solution depends on the importer, VAT position, supply chain and authorisations; it is therefore confirmed shipment by shipment.

EORI, HS codes, duties and VAT

An EORI number is mandatory for EU customs operations such as import, export and transit. The European Commission provides an official EORI explanation and validation service. We check that the declaration data is consistent and help identify missing information before filing.

Correct HS/commodity classification is essential because it influences duty rates, restrictions, licences and trade measures. We support classification preparation using the technical description and intended use of the goods, while the trader remains responsible for supplying accurate product information.

T1 and T2 transit documents

Customs transit allows goods to move under customs control while duties and taxes are temporarily suspended until the agreed place of clearance. A T1 is commonly used for non-Union goods moving under transit; a T2 can be relevant for Union goods moving through certain non-EU territories. We coordinate the transit data, guarantee arrangements and movement reference with the transport route. The European Commission publishes official guidance on customs transit.

EX-A, EUR.1, A.TR and T1: different customs documents

These documents are not interchangeable. An EX-A document is the common trade name for the document linked to an accepted electronic export declaration for Union goods leaving the EU. A EUR.1 certificate is proof of preferential origin and may support reduced or zero import duty only when the relevant trade agreement, product rule and origin conditions are met. An A.TR certificate confirms the customs status of qualifying goods in free circulation under the EU–Türkiye customs union; unlike EUR.1, it is not proof of preferential origin. A T1 transit document allows non-Union goods to move under customs supervision before final clearance, with duties suspended under the applicable transit procedure.

The correct combination depends on the commodity, customs status, origin, destination and route. Our customs consultancy helps identify the likely export documents and coordinates them with the responsible issuing or customs authority. Business.gov.nl’s EUR.1 guidance and the European Commission’s EU–Türkiye customs-union guidance explain the underlying preference and status rules.

Customs clearance by route and document

For route-specific guidance, see our dedicated pages for United Kingdom customs clearance, Germany customs clearance and EX-A export declarations from the Netherlands. Each page explains the relevant parties, documents and customs sequence while connecting the formalities to the physical freight movement.

Why combine customs clearance and freight forwarding?

When the customs declaration and transport booking are handled as one workflow, document checks can take place before cargo reaches the terminal. This reduces avoidable corrections, missed cut-offs, storage and demurrage exposure. You receive one practical point of contact who understands the route, cargo and commercial documents.

Ready to discuss a shipment? Request a customs-clearance quote or contact our team with the origin, destination, commodity, value, Incoterms and planned departure date.

Customs clearance FAQ

What is customs clearance?

Customs clearance is the process of declaring goods to the relevant customs authority and completing the import, export or transit formalities required for their movement.

What is an EX-A export document?

EX-A is the common trade name for the document accompanying an accepted EU export declaration. The declaration receives an MRN and is used in the customs exit process for goods leaving the EU.

Which documents do you need for an export declaration from the Netherlands?

The usual starting set is a commercial invoice, packing list, EORI number, commodity codes, origin and destination details, Incoterms and transport booking information. Additional licences or certificates depend on the goods and destination.

Do I need an EORI number?

Businesses involved in EU import, export or transit customs operations generally need an EORI number. We can check the supplied number and tell you when an application or additional party information is required.

Can you arrange import customs clearance in Rotterdam or at Schiphol?

We support customs clearance for sea freight through Rotterdam, air freight through Schiphol and cargo moving through other Dutch logistics hubs, subject to the shipment documents, commodity and required procedure.

What is the difference between T1 and T2?

T1 is generally used for non-Union goods moving under customs transit. T2 is generally used for Union goods that must move under a transit procedure, for example when the route passes through certain non-EU territory.

Can you help with a Certificate of Origin, EUR.1 or ATR?

We help determine which origin or preference document may be relevant and coordinate the required information with the appropriate issuing party. Eligibility depends on the goods, origin, destination and trade agreement.

What is the difference between EX-A, EUR.1, A.TR and T1?

EX-A relates to the EU export declaration, EUR.1 proves preferential origin under eligible trade agreements, A.TR confirms free-circulation status for qualifying EU–Türkiye trade, and T1 covers the supervised transit of non-Union goods before final clearance.

Does every shipment need all four documents?

No. Requirements depend on the goods, customs status, origin, destination, trade arrangement and procedure. We review the shipment before advising which declaration, certificate or transit document may be relevant.

How do I request a customs-clearance quote?

Use our online quote form and provide the route, goods description, value, Incoterms and available documents. Our team will review the requirements and confirm the next steps.