Importing plants, animals or products into the Netherlands

Which rules apply to you depends on the products you are importing into the Netherlands. In any case, you should be aware that there are additional checks when importing goods into the EU.

Importing animals and animal products into the Netherlands

If you are importing animals or animal products, the consignment must have a certificate. In addition, the consignment must have been registered in advance at a European Union external-boundary inspection centre.

If you are importing live animals or live products, such as semen, embryos or hatching eggs, the imported consignment must also have a health certificate. Finally, the consignment will be subjected to an import inspection.

For more information on the changes that are relevant for you, please read the following:

Importing animals and animal products from the United Kingdom as of 1 January 2021 (in Dutch)

Transport licence required when transporting live animals within the EU

Any British transport company transporting live animals within the EU must apply for a transport licence.

Brexit procedure for the import of veterinary products

The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority has changed the procedure for the import of veterinary products. You will find more information about this temporary measure in the letter which has been sent by the NVWA on January 8, 2021 to the involved companies and organisations.

Importing plants and plant-based materials into the Netherlands

If you are importing certain plants or plant-based materials, you must now have your consignment certified. In addition, you must apply for an import inspection.

Importing non-food products

Even if you are importing non-food products, you may face different regulations than before, as you are now considered an importer rather than a distributor. For more information, please read the following:

Importing and exporting non-food products from and to the UK as of 1 January 2021 (in Dutch)