Netherlands
Letter mail
Parcel
EMS
Prohibited articles list
Weight / size limit admitted:
üPostcard – maximum weight 20g. maximum size - 240X340mm; maximum thickness – 5mm.
üLetter – maxsimum weight 250g. maximum size - 240X340mm; maximum thickness: 5mm.
üSmall packets – maxsimum weight 2kg. maximum size - 240X340mm; maximum thickness: 50mm.
üM bag – maxsimum weight 30kg. maximum height - 80cm; maximum circumference -120cm.
Insured* letters admitted – yes;
Maximum insured value – 420 SDR**;
On-line tracking provided – yes;
Payments for inbound items in case, when content is a goods:
ü Customs clearance fee - 13,00 local currency;
ü Threshold level below which items are free of customs duties and other taxes - 22 Euro;
Numbers of customs declarations required for inbound letter – 2;
Languages in which customs declarations must be completed – Dutch, English, German, French;
Delivery charge for small packets exceeding 500 g – 0 SDR;
Period of retention for letters – 1 month;
*Insured Parcel–Type of Registered Parcel, which is insured at cost declared by the sender. Insured value should not be more than the actual cost of the package content and should not exceed 10 000 GEL.
**SDR–Monetary unit (Special Drawing Rights) created by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) - The value of the SDR in terms of the US dollar is determined daily based on exchange rates quoted at noon each day in the London market and posted on the IMF’s
***Custom declaration for letter post is required only in case, when content is a goods.
Weight / size limit admitted:
ü Max weight – 20 kg
ü Max size - 1,05m X 1,05m X 1,05m (or 2m length & greatest circumference);
Insured* parcels admitted – yes;
Maximum insured value - 4000 SDR**;
On-line tracking provided – yes;
Numbers of customs declarations required for inbound parcels – 2;
Languages in which customs declarations must be completed – French, English, German, Dutch;
Payments for inbound parcels:
ü Customs clearance fee - 13,00 local currency;
ü Threshold level below which parcels are free of customs duties and other taxes - 22 Euro;
To customers’ address:
ü Free – yes;
ü Paid service – yes;
Period of retention for parcels:
ü Min – 2 weeks;
ü Max – 2 weeks;
*Insured Parcel–Type of Registered Parcel, which is insured at cost declared by the sender. Insured value should not be more than the actual cost of the package content and should not exceed 10 000 GEL.
**SDR–Monetary unit (Special Drawing Rights) created by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) - The value of the SDR in terms of the US dollar is determined daily based on exchange rates quoted at noon each day in the London market and posted on the IMF’s
Weight / size limit admitted:
ü Max weight – 20 kg
ü Max size - 1,05m X 1,05m X 1,05m (or 2m length & greatest circumference);
Maximum insured value:
for documents: 4000 GEL
for merchandise: 10 000 GEL
Numbers of customs declarations required for inbound EMS – 2;
Languages in which customs declarations must be completed – English;
Payments for inbound parcels:
ü Customs clearance fee - 17.5 EUR;
ü Threshold level below which parcels are free of customs duties and other taxes:
For private customers - 45 EUR;
For business customers - 22 EUR;
How many attempts at delivery are made: 2
Period of retention for EMS items: 14 days;
Coverage: entire territory
Days of the week on which EMS items are delivered: 1/2/3/4/5/6
EMS item delivery to P.O. Box: Yes
National holidays on which EMS items are not delivered: 1 January, 21,22,27 April, 30 May, 9,10 June, 25,26 December
Web site address of postal administration –
*SDR–Monetary unit (Special Drawing Rights) created by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) - The value of the SDR in terms of the US dollar is determined daily based on exchange rates quoted at noon each day in the London market and posted on the IMF’s
The amount of insurance paid by the customer should not exceed the actual value of the contents of the parcel
Definition of Terms
· Prohibited items – items whose import into the country is prohibited.
· Items admitted conditionally – items whose importation into the country is allowed with the term if a document issued by the relevant authorities of the exporting country is presented.
· Items admitted without conditions – items whose import into the country is allowed.
Detailed information on the HS codes and their titles can be found on the Revenue Service web-page (http://www.rs.ge/4509) or at the following address: http://www.foreign-trade.com/reference/hscode.htm
For easy search for a desired item, you can use the “ctrl+F” combination. A search field will appear in the right upper corner where you can write the title of the item. Pressing the “Enter” button will highlight the search word provided by you throughout the text in a different color.
The below information is based upon the official source of Netherlands
Part I:
List of articles prohibited as imports (or in transit) or admitted conditionally|
Section I
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Live animals; animal products
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Chapter 1
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Live animals
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Heading
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HS Code
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ÿ Prohibited articles
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01.01-06
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All live animals, except bees, leeches and silkworms.
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ÿ Articles admitted conditionally
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0106.00
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Bees, leeches and silkworms. See Part II, § 211.
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Chapter 2
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Meat and edible meat offal
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Heading
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HS Code
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ÿ Prohibited articles
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02.01-10
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Certain types of meat and delicatessen meat originating in countries designated on behalf of the
Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Fishery and the Ministry of Welfare, Health and Culture.
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ÿ Articles admitted conditionally
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Meat and edible meat offal. See Part II, § 212.
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Chapter 3
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Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates
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Heading
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HS Code
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ÿ Prohibited articles
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03.01-06
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Live fish of all species.
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0306.13
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Shrimp coming from or originating in countries that are not members of the European Community.
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ÿ Articles admitted conditionally
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0306.13
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Shrimp. See Part II, § 213.
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0306.23
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Chapter 4
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Dairy produce; birds' eggs; natural honey; edible products of animal origin, not elsewherespecified or included
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Heading
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HS Code
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ÿ Prohibited articles
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04.07
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Birds' eggs.
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ÿ Articles admitted conditionally
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Hatched eggs from domestic poultry. See Part II, § 214.
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"Specific Pathogen Free" hatched eggs. See Part II, § 214.
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Chapter 5
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Products of animal origin, not elsewhere specified or included
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Heading
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HS Code
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ÿ Articles admitted conditionally
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05.04
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Guts, bladders and stomachs of bovine animals, pigs, sheep or horses. See Part II, § 212.
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05.05-11
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See Part II, § 215.
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Section II
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Vegetable products
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Chapter 6
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Live trees and other plants; bulbs, roots and the like; cut flowers and ornamental foliage
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Heading
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HS Code
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ÿ Prohibited articles
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06.01-04
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Importation of plants and plant products originating in countries designated and described by the
Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Fishery.
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ÿ Articles admitted conditionally
06.01 Bulbs, tubers and rhizomes, in leaf or in flower. Chicory plants and roots.
06.02 Other plants, cuttings and slips.
06.03 Cut flowers, flowers and buds intended for floral arrangements or decoration.
06.04 Foliage, leaves, branches and other parts of plants, as well as grasses, mosses and lichens intended for floral arrangements or decoration.
See Part II, § 221.
Chapter 7 Edible vegetables and certain roots and tubers
Heading HS Code ÿ Prohibited articles
07.01 Generally potato seedlings, new potatoes and potato seeds to be used as food for humans or other food.
ÿ Articles admitted conditionally
07.01 Potatoes and potato seeds.
07.02-09 Tomatoes, garlic, leeks, red cabbage, white cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, lettuce, endives, chicory and other fresh vegetables.
See Part II, § 222.
Chapter 8 Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus fruit or melons
Heading HS Code ÿ Articles admitted conditionally
08.05-10 Fresh citrus fruit, grapes, melons, apples, pears, quinces, apricots, plums, strawberries, raspberries and other fresh fruit. See Part II, § 223.
Chapter 9 Coffee, tea, maté and spices
Nil.
Chapter 10 Cereals
Nil.
Chapter 11 Products of the milling industry; malt; starches; inulin; wheat gluten
Nil.
Chapter 12 Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits; miscellaneous grains, seeds and fruit; industrial or medicinal plants; straw and fodder
Heading HS Code ÿ Articles admitted conditionally
12.09 1209.11- For seeds for sowing, see Part II, § 224.
1209.99
12.11 1211.90 For coca leaves and cannabis, see Part II, § 232 (opium).
Chapter 13 Lac; gums, resins and other vegetable saps and extracts
Heading HS Code ÿ Articles admitted conditionally
13.01 1301.90 Hemp lac.
13.02 1302.11 Opium. See Part II, § 232.
Chapter 14 Vegetable plaiting materials; vegetable products not elsewhere specified or included
Heading HS Code ÿ Prohibited articles
14.04 1404.10 Bark (only) from the following species: Conifers from non-European countries, Castanea from all countries, Quercus (except Quercus suber) from Romania, Russia, Canada, United States and Mexico, Populus from Latin American countries and Acer saccharum from United States.
ÿ Articles admitted conditionally
1404.10 Bark. See Part II, § 225.
Section III Animal or vegetable fats and oils and their cleavage products; prepared edible fats; animal or vegetable waxesChapter 15 (Sole chapter)
Heading HS Code ¦ Prohibited articles
15.01 1501.00 Lard; other pig fat and poultry fat, rendered, whether or not pressed or solvent-extracted.
15.02 1502.00 Fats of bovine animals, sheep or goats, raw or rendered, whether or not pressed or solvent- extracted.
¦ Articles admitted conditionally
15.02 1502.00 Animal fat. See Part II, § 212.
Section IV Prepared foodstuffs; beverages, spirits and vinegar; tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutesChapter 16 Preparations of meat, of fish or of crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates
Heading HS Code ¦ Articles admitted conditionally
16.01-02 1601.00
1602.10-
1602.90
For meat and meat-based products, see Part II, § 212.
16.05 1605.20 For shrimp, see Part II, § 213.
Chapter 17 Sugars and sugar confectionery
Nil.
Chapter 18 Cocoa and cocoa preparations
Nil.
Chapter 19 Preparations of cereals, flour, starch or milk; pastrycooks' products
Heading HS Code ¦ Prohibited articles
19.02 1902.20 Pasta, stuffed or filled (whether or not cooked or otherwise prepared).
¦ Articles admitted conditionally
19.02 1902.20 For preparations containing meat, processed meat or offal, see Part II, § 212.
Chapter 20 Preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts or other parts of plants
Nil.
Chapter 21 Miscellaneous edible preparations
Nil.
Chapter 22 Beverages, spirits and vinegar
Nil.
Chapter 23 Residues and waste from the food industries; prepared animal fodder
Nil.
Chapter 24 Tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes
Heading HS Code ¦ Prohibited articles
24.01-03 Cigarettes and other tobacco products. See Part III.
Section V Mineral productsChapter 25 Salt; sulphur; earths and stone; plastering materials, lime and cement
Heading HS Code ¦ Prohibited articles
25.01-30 See Part III.
Chapter 26 Ores, slag and ash
Nil.
Chapter 27 Mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation; bituminous substances; mineral waxes
Heading HS Code ¦ Prohibited articles
27.01-16 See Part III.
Section VI Products of the chemical or allied industriesChapter 28 Inorganic chemicals; organic or inorganic compounds of precious metals, of rare-earth metals, of radioactive elements or of isotopes
Heading HS Code ¦ Prohibited articles
28.44-45 2844.10- Radioactive materials and substances.
2844.50
2845.10-
2845.90
28.01-51 See Part III.
Chapter 29 Organic chemicals
Heading HS Code ¦ Prohibited articles
29.03 Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons originating in third countries not party to the Montreal
Protocol.
¦ Articles admitted conditionally
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons. See Part II, § 231.
¦ Prohibited articles
29.39 2939.10-
2939.90
Narcotics such as opium, morphine, cocaine, heroin, hashish and psychotropic substances such as amphetamines, LSD, benzoamphetamines, etc.
¦ Articles admitted conditionally
2939.10- See Part II, § 232.
2939.90
¦ Prohibited articles
29.01-42 See Part III.
Chapter 30 Pharmaceutical products
Heading HS Code ¦ Prohibited articles
30.02 3002.10- Serums and vaccines.
3002.30
¦ Articles admitted conditionally
3002.10- See Part II, § 233.
3002.30
¦ Prohibited articles
30.03-04 Non-approved pharmaceutical products.
¦ Articles admitted conditionally
30.03-04 See Part II, § 233.
Chapter 31 Fertilizers
Nil.
Chapter 32 Tanning or dyeing extracts; tannins and their derivatives; dyes, pigments and other colouring matter; paints and varnishes; putty and other mastics; inks
Heading HS Code ÿ Prohibited articles
32.03-09 Nitrocellulose-based paint, lake and raw materials; explosive or inflammable materials such as varnishes. See Part III.
Chapter 33 Essential oils and resinoids; perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations
Nil.
Chapter 34 Soap, organic surface-active agents, washing preparations, lubricating preparations, artificial waxes, prepared waxes, polishing or scouring preparations,candles and similar articles, modelling pastes, "dental waxes" and dental preparations with a basis of plaster
Nil.
Chapter 35 Albuminoidal substances; modified starches; glues; enzymes
Nil.
Chapter 36 Explosives; pyrotechnic products; matches; pyrophoric alloys; certain combustible preparations
Heading HS Code ÿ Prohibited articles
36.01 Gunpowder.
36.02 Prepared explosives.
36.03 Percussion and detonating caps, electric detonators and cartridge caps.
36.04 Fireworks, tracer bullets and flares, anti-hail and other rockets, firecrackers, fog signals, and other pyrotechnic articles.
36.05 Matches.
36.06 Other inflammable or explosive articles or substances.
Chapter 37 Photographic or cinematographic goods
Heading HS Code ÿ Prohibited articles
37.04-06 Nitrocellulosic films.
Chapter 38 Miscellaneous chemical products
Heading HS Code ÿ Prohibited articles
38.23 3823.19 Mixtures containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons originating in third countries not party to the Montreal Protocol.
ÿ Articles admitted conditionally
3823.19 Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons. See Part II, § 231.
Section VII Plastics and articles thereof; rubber and articles thereofChapter 39 Plastics and articles thereof
Heading HS Code ÿ Prohibited articles
39.15 3915.90 Waste or scraps of film.
39.17 3917.29- Tubes, pipes, etc.
3917.32
39.19 3919.10- Plates, sheets, etc.
3919.90
All nitrocellulose-based products. See Part III.
Chapter 40 Rubber and articles thereof
Nil.
Section VIII Raw hides and skins, leather, furskins and articles thereof; saddlery and harness; travel goods, handbags and similar containers; articles of animal gut(other than silk-worm gut)Chapter 41 Raw hides and skins (other than furskins) and leather
Heading HS Code ÿ Articles admitted conditionally
41.01-09 See Part II, § 215.
Chapter 42 Articles of leather; saddlery and harness; travel goods, handbags and similar containers;
articles of animal gut (other than silk-worm gut)
Heading HS Code ÿ Articles admitted conditionally
42.01-03 See Part II, § 215.
42.05
Chapter 43 Furskins and artificial fur; manufactures thereof
Heading HS Code ÿ Articles admitted conditionally
43.01-03 See Part II, § 215.
Section IX Wood and articles of wood; wood charcoal; cork and articles of cork; manufactures of straw, of esparto or of other plaiting materials; basketware andwickerworkChapter 44 Wood and articles of wood; wood charcoal
Nil.
Chapter 45 Cork and articles of cork
Nil.
Chapter 46 Manufactures of straw, esparto or of other plaiting materials; basketware and wickerwork
Nil.
Section X Pulp of wood or of other fibrous cellulose material; waste and scrap of paper or paperboard;
paper and paperboard and articles thereofChapter 47 Pulp of wood or of other fibrous cellulose material; waste and scrap of paper or paperboard
Nil.
Chapter 48 Paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp, of paper or of paperboard
Nil.
Chapter 49 Printed books, newspapers, pictures and other products of the printing industry; manuscripts, typescripts and plans
Heading HS Code ÿ Prohibited articles
49.01-03
49.11
Offensive or insulting writings, representations or objects such as publications harmful to children. Obscene or immoral materials.
49.11 Documents concerning lotteries, tickets or publicity material for foreign games of chance which have not been authorized (Netherlands law regarding games of chance).
Section XI Textiles and textile articlesChapter 50 Silk
Nil.
Chapter 51 Wool, fine or coarse animal hair; horsehair yarn and woven fabric
Nil.
Chapter 52 Cotton
Nil.
Chapter 53 Other vegetable textile fibres; paper yarn and woven fabrics of paper yarn
Heading HS Code ÿ Articles admitted conditionally
53.02 5302.10 Hemp. See Part II, § 232 (Opium).
Chapter 54 Man-made filaments
Nil.
Chapter 55 Man-made staple fibres
Nil.
Chapter 56 Wadding, felt and non-wovens; special yarns; twine, cordage, ropes and cables and articles thereof
Nil.
Chapter 57 Carpets and other textile floor coverings
Nil.
Chapter 58 Special woven fabrics; tufted textile fabrics; lace; tapestries; trimmings; embroidery
Nil.
Chapter 59 Impregnated, coated, covered or laminated textile fabrics; textile articles of a kind suitable for industrial use
Nil.
Chapter 60 Knitted or crocheted fabrics
Nil.
Chapter 61 Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted
Nil.
Chapter 62 Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, not knitted or crocheted
Nil.
Chapter 63 Other made up textile articles; sets; worn clothing and worn textile articles; rags
Nil.
Section XII Footwear, headgear, umbrellas, sun umbrellas, walking-sticks, seat-sticks, whips, riding-crops and parts thereof; prepared feathers and articles madetherewith; artificial flowers; articles of human hairChapter 64 Footwear, gaiters and the like; parts of such articles
Heading HS Code ÿ Articles admitted conditionally
64.03 See Part II, § 215.
Chapter 65 Headgear and parts thereof
Nil.
Chapter 66 Umbrellas, sun umbrellas, walking-sticks, seat-sticks, whips, riding-crops and parts thereof
Nil.
Chapter 67 Prepared feathers and down and articles made of feathers or of down; artificial flowers;
articles of human hair
Nil.
Section XIII Articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica or similar materials; ceramic products; glass and glasswareChapter 68 Articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica or similar materials
Nil.
Chapter 69 Ceramic products
Nil.
Chapter 70 Glass and glassware
Nil.
Section XIV Natural or cultured pearls, precious or semi-precious stones, precious metals, metals clad with precious metal and articles thereof; imitation jewellery; coinChapter 71 (Sole chapter)
Heading HS Code ÿ Prohibited articles
71.14 7114.00 Articles of goldsmiths' or silversmiths' wares or parts thereof in precious metal.
ÿ Articles admitted conditionally
Intended for sale and assayed at a minimum of: 950/1000 for platinum, 916/1000, 833/1000 and
585/1000 for gold and 925/1000, 840/1000 and 800/1000 for silver. See Part II, § 242.
Section XV Base metals and articles of base metalChapter 72 Iron and steel
Nil.
Chapter 73 Articles of iron or steel
Nil.
Chapter 74 Copper and articles thereofNil.
Chapter 75 Nickel and articles thereof
Nil.
Chapter 76 Aluminium and articles thereof
Nil.
Chapter 77 (Reserved for possible future use in the harmonized system)
Nil.
Chapter 78 Lead and articles thereof
Nil.
Chapter 79 Zinc and articles thereof
Nil.
Chapter 80 Tin and articles thereof
Nil.
Chapter 81 Other base metals; cermets; articles thereof
Nil.
Chapter 82 Tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and forks, of base metal; parts thereof of base metal
Heading HS Code ÿ Prohibited articles
82.11 8211.93 Flick knives, hunting knives, switch blades, throwing knives, etc.
821194 Similar knives.
ÿ Articles admitted conditionally
8211.93- See Part II, § 251.
821194
Chapter 83 Miscellaneous articles of base metal
Nil.
Section XVI Machinery and mechanical appliances; electrical equipment; parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders andreproducers, and parts and accessories of such articlesChapter 84 Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof
Nil.
Chapter 85 Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories of such articles
Nil.
Section XVII Vehicles, aircraft, vessels and associated transport equipmentChapter 86 Railway or tramway locomotives, rolling-stock and parts thereof; railway or tramway track fixtures and fittings and parts thereof; mechanical (includingelectro-mechanical) traffic signalling equipment of all kinds
Nil.
Chapter 87 Vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling-stock, and parts and accessories thereof
Nil.
Chapter 88 Aircraft, spacecraft, and parts thereof
Nil.
Chapter 89 Ships, boats and floating structures
Nil.
Section XVIII Optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus; clocks and watches; musicalinstruments; parts and accessories thereofChapter 90 Optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories thereof
Nil.
Chapter 91 Clocks and watches and parts thereof
Heading HS Code ÿ Articles admitted conditionally
91.13 9113.90 Leather watch straps. See Part II, § 215.
Chapter 92 Musical instruments; parts and accessories of such articles
Nil.
Section XIX Arms and ammunition; parts and accessories thereofChapter 93 (Sole chapter)
Heading HS Code ÿ Articles admitted conditionally
93.01 Military weapons.
93.02 Revolvers and pistols.
93.03-04 Other firearms, such as shotguns and rifles.
93.05 Spare parts and accessories.
See Part II, § 251.
ÿ Prohibited articles
93.06 93.06.00 Bombs, grenades, torpedoes, mines and other ammunition and projectiles. See Part II, § 251.
Section XX Miscellaneous manufactured articlesChapter 94 Furniture; bedding, mattresses, mattress supports, cushions and similar stuffed furnishings; lamps and lighting fittings, not elsewhere specified or included; illuminated signs, illuminated name-plates and the like; prefabricated buildings
Nil.
Chapter 95 Toys, games and sports requisites; parts and accessories thereof
Nil.
Chapter 96 Miscellaneous manufactured articles
Nil.
Section XXI Works of art, collectors' pieces and antiquesChapter 97 (Sole chapter)
Nil.
Part II:
Conditions of admission of articles imported or in transit
21 Live animals and animal products
211 Bees An exemption from import prohibition is required for the importation of bees. This exemption is granted by the "Rijksbijenteeltconsulent" (National Adviser forApiculture), Bezuidenhoutseweg 73, P.O. Box 20401, 2500 EK The Hague, tel: (+31 70) 379 34 37.
212 Meat and edible meat offal
General rule
Because the importation of meat, meat products and delicatessen products is regulated, the following general rules in this regard are applied:
– the products must have been checked by an official veterinary service of the country of origin, with regard to hygiene, public health and animal diseases;
– the products must be packaged and transported in a sufficiently hygienic manner;
– a certificate issued by the official veterinary service of the country of origin or the country from where the products arrived is required (see annex 1): for products from a EuropeanCommunity country, a health certificate; for products from another country, a health inspection certificate;
– the meat, meat products and delicatessen products must be presented for inspection at the "Rijksdienst voor de Keuring van Vee en Vlees" (National Livestock and Meat Inspection Service).
The Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Fishery and the Ministry of Welfare, Health and Culture may grant an exemption for the importation of meat, meat products and delicatessen products with aspecific destination.
Exception
The above rules do not apply to the importation of postal items addressed to individuals, provided that the items contain meat products or delicatessen products coming from a European Community country and not exceeding 5 kg.
SUPPLEMENT
These rules apply regardless of measures taken or to be taken by the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Fishery as a result of animal disease epidemics in certain countries.
Animal Fat
The importation of animal fat for industrial use is authorized only for approved companies. The importation of animal fat for human consumption is authorized solely for designated countries.
For all others, the above general rules for meat importation apply. Additional information may be obtained from:
Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Fishery
RVV Directorate
PO Box 30724
2500 GS THE HAGUE Tel: (+31 70) 361 18 11
or:
Ministry of Welfare, Health and Culture
PO Box 5406
2280 HK RIJSWIJK
Tel: (+31 70) 340 69 94
213 Shrimp Shrimp originating in or coming from a country outside the European Community may be imported only if they have been processed and packaged by an approvedcompany recognized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Fishery and the Ministry of Welfare, Health and Culture. These goods must, however, satisfy the followingconditions:
– the goods must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by the competent authority of the country of dispatch;
– prior to admission for importation, the "Regionale Keuringsdienst van Waren" (Regional Inspection Service for Foodstuffs and Other Products) checkswhether the goods comply with official requirements.
Exception
This provision does not apply to shrimp originating in or coming from a European Community country. Also exempt are:
– canned shrimp or canned goods containing shrimp;
– goods containing less than 10% shrimp;
– "kroepoek" (fried foodstuff with fish meal base).
214 Birds' eggs
215 Products
of animal origin such as coral, ivory, tortoise- shell, skins and pelages, furskin products, leather or fur articles, leather shoes,
etc
The importation of hatched eggs from domestic poultry is prohibited unless they:
– come from certain countries
– are accompanied by a health certificate; and
– have been issued a declaration from the "Rijksdienst voor de Keuring van Vee en Vlees"
(National Livestock and Meat Inspection Service).
The importation of "Specific Pathogen Free" hatched eggs is prohibited unless they are intended for the pharmaceutical industry and accompanied by a health certificate.
General rule
Firstly, certain recognizable parts of animals and products of animal origin, coming from animals that are protected and not endangered, may be imported. This measure is based on the provisionsof the Washington Convention (CITES) and on what has been agreed within the European Community.
These products are admissible only on presentation of:
– a valid CITES export document issued by the competent authority of the country of origin;
– an import authorization issued by the "Directie Natuur, Milieu en Faunabeheer" (Directorate of
Nature, Forests, Land and Fauna) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Fishery;
– for certain recognizable parts of animals and products of animal origin coming from a European Community member country or imported by that member country, requirements other thanthose indicated above may apply.
For example:
(a) the signed copy (blue copy) of the import authorization for the person to whom the authorization was issued, or the certificate of importation indicating that the goods were imported into a European Community member country;
(b) the certificate issued by the competent authorities of a European Community member country. Additional information may be obtained from:
Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Fishery Directie Natuur, Milieu en Faunabeheer PO Box 20401
2500 EK THE HAGUE Tel: (+31 70) 379 29 22
22 Vegtable products
221 Live trees
and other plants
Although the importation of plants and plant products referred to in paragraphs 06.01 to 06.04 is not prohibited in principle, these products are generally admitted for importation only onpresentation of a plant health certificate and/or a plant health forwarding certificate issued by the plant health service of the country from where the products arrived, or a plant health certificate fromthe country of origin.
It must be clear when the certificate is issued that the products in question are free of any harmful organisms and that the import conditions have been satisfied.
Exception
1 The importation of plants and plant products originating in or coming from Belgium or Luxembourg, with the exception of potato seedlings, chrysanthemum cuttings and prunus seedlings (exceptPr. Avitum, Pr. Cerasus and Pr. Mahaleb), is exempt from presentation of a plant health certificate.
2 Within the framework of the Schengen Agreement, it was decided that the plant health certificate would be abolished, from 1 January 1988 until further notice, for certain plants and plant productsin relations between the Netherlands and Belgium, Luxembourg, France and West Germany (except for West Berlin).
The products in question are:
– cut flowers and plants intended for decoration;
– bulbs, tuberous roots and rhizomes in leaf, in flower or in pots;
– perennial plants, soil, garden, balcony or indoor plants;
– certain fresh fruit;
– seeds for sowing, except potato seeds;
– certain species of wood.
3 Before dispatching to the Netherlands certain plants or plant products whose authorized importation is not certain, it is advisable to contact the "Plantenziektenkundige Dienst" (Plant PathologyService) of Wageningen.
4 In general, a plant health certificate is always required for importation into the Netherlands. The plant protection services of the countries from where such products arrive are generallyfamiliar with the provisions in effect.
Additional information may be obtained from the Wageningen Plant Pathology Service: De Plantenziektenkundige Dienst
Geertjesweg 15
or:
PO Box 9102
6700 HC WAGENINGEN Tel: (+31 83) 709 65 64
Special measures
For certain plants, (for example, orchids, cactuses and euphorbia), measures in addition to those regarding the presentation of a plant health certificate are in effect. These measures are based onthe Washington Convention (CITES) and on what has been agreed within the European Community as a result of that Convention.
These special measures concern the protection of endangered wild species, which are admitted only on presentation of:
– a valid CITES export document issued by the competent authority of the country from where the plants are arriving;
– an import authorization issued by the "Directie Natuur, Milieu en Faunabeheer" (Directorate of
Nature, Forests, Land and Fauna) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Fishery;
– for cultivated plants originating in a European Community member country, other provisions or rules may apply.
222 Edible vegetables and certain roots and tubers
For example:
(a) the signed copy (blue copy) of the import authorization for the person to whom the authorization was issued, or the certificate of importation indicating that the goods were imported into a European Community member country;
(b) a certificate issued by the competent authorities of a European Community member country; (c) a plant health certificate indicating a cultivated species will suffice for certain species. Additional information may be obtained from:
Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Fishery Directie Natuur, Milieu en Faunabeheer PO Box 20401
2500 EK THE HAGUE Tel: (+31 70) 379 29 22
Although the importation of potato seedlings, new potatoes and potato seeds is not prohibited in principle, these products are admitted for importation only on presentation of the followingdocuments:
1 For potato seedlings appearing on the EC list of varieties and originating in Austria or Switzerland, and for other potatoes (eating potatoes, etc) originating in Albania, Algeria, Austria, Bulgaria,Cyprus, Egypt, Hungary (Rep), Israel, Libya, Malta, Morocco, Romania, Switzerland, Syria, Tunisia and Yugoslavia:
(a) a plant health certificate issued by the official plant health service of the country of origin;
(b) a plant health forwarding certificate issued by the official plant health service of the country from where the products arrived, if the two countries in question are not one and the same.
2 For the importation of potato seedlings, new potatoes and potato seeds coming from or originating in a European Community member country:
– a plant health certificate issued by the official plant health service of the member country of origin;
– a plant health forwarding certificate issued by the official plant health service of the member country from where the products arrived, if the two countries in question are not one andthe same.
3 The provisions given under 1 and 2 do not apply to the importation of these products coming from or originating in Belgium or Luxembourg (with the exception of potato seedlings). Productsimported from these countries are exempt from all plant health control.
4 Where importation is prohibited, the Wageningen "Plantenziektenkundige Dienst" (Plant Pathology Service) may, in certain cases, grant an exemption for certain potato varieties. It is therefore advisable, before dispatching these products to the Netherlands, to ascertain whether or not they can be imported. The consignment must always be accompanied by a plant healthcertificate.
5 An import authorization ("exemption") is always required for materials intended for cultivation. Additional information may be obtained from the Wageningen Plant Pathology Service:
De Plantenziektenkundige Dienst
PO Box 9102
6700 HC WAGENINGEN Tel: (+31 83) 709 65 64
FRESH VEGETABLES
The importation of fresh vegetables intended for direct consumption is subject to the quality standards established on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Fishery.
223 Fruit and citrus fruit
1 This means that for importation from a third country, the goods can be made available to the consignee only on presentation of a "non-opposition" form issued by the "Rijksdienst voor de Keuringvan Vee en Vlees" (RVV – National Livestock and Meat Inspection Service), or an RVV form duly completed by the person concerned and bearing the seal of the Netherlands Customs.
2 Consignments from a European Community member country may be imported only if they are accompanied by a certificate of inspection or a receipt issued by the competent authority of the country from where the consignment arrived.
Exception
The provisions under 2 do not apply:
– to consignments up to 25 kg containing samples;
– to consignments of a non-commercial nature up to 25 kg (for example, consignments between individuals).
Additional information may be obtained from: Rijksdienst voor de Keuring van Vee en Vlees
Afd. Groenten en Fruit
PO Box 30724
2500 GS THE HAGUE
or from the office of the Rotterdam Port Authority: Havenkantoor R.V.V.
Afd. Groenten en Fruit
Marconistraat 3–11
3029 AE ROTTERDAM Tel: (+31 10) 425 71 00
1 Species of fresh fruit such as apricot, apple, citrus fruit (except lemon), cherry, quince, peach and plum, coming from or originating in third countries and European Community member countries(with the exception of Belgium and Luxembourg) may not be imported unless each consignment is accompanied by a plant health certificate issued by the official plant protection service of thecountry of origin or the country from where the consignment arrived, indicating that the consignment is free of all harmful organisms.
Exception
2 Contrary to what is stipulated in 1, in accordance with the Schengen Agreement, a plant health certificate is not required for importing the fresh fruit indicated if it comes from or originatesin Belgium, Luxembourg, France and West Germany (except West Berlin).
Additional measures
3 Additional conditions may be imposed in order to meet the quality standards established on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Fishery. In this connection, see paragraphs 1 and 2above and the exceptions to these rules referred to under 222 "Importation of fresh vegetables".
224 Seeds 1 The importation of seeds for sowing of the species Castanea Mill, Malus Mill, Medicago Sativa L., Pisum Sativa L., Quercus L., Rubus L. and Solanum LycopresicumL., originating in any country other than Belgium and Luxembourg, is prohibited unless each consignment is accompanied by a plant health certificate or a plant healthforwarding certificate issued by the official plant protection service.
Exception
2 Contrary to what is stipulated in 1, in accordance with the Schengen Agreement, a plant health certificate is not required for importing the seeds for sowing indicated ifthey come from or originate in Belgium, Luxembourg, France and West Germany (except West Berlin).
225 Bark The importation of bark coming from countries other than those indicated in the import prohibitions is authorized only on presentation of:
– a plant health certificate and/or a plant health-forwarding certificate issued by the plant protection service of the the country from where the consignment arrived; or
– a plant health certificate from the country of origin.
In accordance with the Schengen Agreement, a plant health certificate is not required for importing bark coming from or originating in Belgium, Luxembourg, France andWest Germany (except West Berlin).
23 Products of the chemical
or allied industries
231 Chlorofluoro- carbons (CFCs) and halons
232 Narcotics and psychotropic substances
233 Serums and vaccines and pharmaceutical products
1 Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) originating in third countries that are not party to the Montreal Protocol can be imported only on presentation of an import authorization. Such authorization is grantedonly by the Ministry of Housing, Land Development and the Environment.
Only recognized importers may obtain such authorization.
2 Halons originating in third countries that are party to the Montreal Protocol may be imported without authorization until 1 January 1992.
Exception
3 The provisions indicated under 1 and 2 do not apply to the CFCs and halons coming from or originating in a European Community member country.
Narcotics and psychotropic substances may be imported only on presentation of an export authorization issued by the competent authorities of countries that have ratified the Single Convention onNarcotic Drugs or the Convention on Psychotropic Substances, and on presentation of:
– a certificate of importation issued by the Senior Public Health Inspector;
– for countries that are not party to the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic
Substances, only a certificate of importation issued by the Senior Public Health Inspector.
Exception
The export authorization and/or the certificate of importation issued by the Senior Public Health
Inspector are not required for preparations appearing on List 111 of the Single Convention.
Additional information may be obtained from the Senior Public Health Inspector: De Hoofdinspecteur van de Volksgezondheid
PO Box 5406
2280 HK RIJSWIJK
Tel: (+31 70) 340 64 23
Serums and vaccines
1 Serums and vaccines for human use may be imported only on authorization by the "Rijksinstituut voor de Volksgezondheid" (National Institute of Public Health) at Utrecht.
Exceptions:
– autovaccines;
– organotherapeutic preparations;
– antivariolar vaccines;
– consignments for veterinarians;
– consignments for the "Rijksinstituut voor de Volksgezondheid" (National Institute of Public
Health);
– consignments for the "Rijks Seriologisch Instituut" (National Serology Institute) at Utrecht.
2 Serums and vaccines for animals may be imported only by an exemption from this import prohibition granted by the "Rijksdienst voor de Keuring van Vee en Vlees" (RVV – National Livestockand Meat Inspection Service).
Exception
This import prohibition does not apply to animal serums and vaccines coming from Belgium or
Luxembourg.
Pharmaceutical products
1 Pharmaceutical products coming from a pharmacy established in another European Community member country and addressed to an individual may be imported without restriction, provided that these products:
– are imported as a postal item intended for personal use;
– and that the same medicament or a practically similar version thereof has been approved in the
Netherlands (parallel importation by an individual).
24 Coins and goldsmiths' wares
241 Krugerrands and other gold coins originating in South Africa
242 Goldsmiths' wares
25 Arms and ammunition
251 Arms and ammunition: spare parts and
accessories thereof
2 Certain non-approved pharmaceutical products may be imported by a person to whom authorization has been granted, on presentation of a written declaration issued by the Senior Medicaments Inspector.
3 Non-approved medicaments that are not intended for the Netherlands market (transit) may also be imported.
Additional information may be obtained from the Senior Medicaments Inspector: Hoofdinspecteur voor de Geneesmiddelen
PO Box 5406
2280 HK RIJSWIJK
Tel: (+31 70) 407 91 11
Exception
This import prohibition does not apply to Krugerrands and other gold coins that have been freely circulating in a European Community member country.
Nor does this prohibition apply to importations under contracts concluded before 31 October 1986.
The importation of articles of platinum, gold or silver is subject to payment of a guarantee. In a number of cases, for example, in one involving a wedding gift, an exemption can be obtained. Additional information may be obtained from the inspector responsible for guarantees of platinum, gold and silver articles:
De Waarborg Platina, Goud en Zilver NV Stationsplein 9a
PO Box 1075
2800 BB GOUDA
Tel: (+31 18) 208 93 00
1 Prohibited are undesirable small arms and cutting weapons designated on behalf of the Ministry of Justice, namely: knuckle-dusters, bludgeons, flick knives, throwing knives, hunting knives,switch blades, nunchakus, small arms intended to spray persons with toxic, asphyxiating or incapacitating substances, disguised small arms (arms appearing to be something else) and objectsresembling a weapon to such a degree that they can be used to threaten ("toys" strongly resembling real firearms).
2 Pursuant to the law of 1986 concerning arms and ammunition, any arm other than those indicated under 1 can generally be imported only on presentation of a consent order issued on behalf ofthe Ministry of Justice by the Queen's Commissioner of the Province in which the requester resides (see annex 6). In almost every case, an import authorization is required in addition to thisconsent order.
Part III:
Special provisions, Customs and other
A. Postal items containing caustic, irritating and other like substances
B. Postal items containing dangerous substances
C. Postal items containing explosive substances
D. Postal items containing inflammable substances
The following substances belong to this category:
– dry substances that become caustic after absorbing moisture;
– tear gas;
– smoke-producing products used to fight pests;
– nauseous substances;
– organic peroxides.
The dispatch of postal items containing dangerous substances is prohibited. Dangerous substances refer to the categories of substances indicated in the law concerning dangerous materials whose conveyance is subject to the provisions of the regulations governing dangerous materials as regards maximum quantities and packing conditions (special labels, etc).
Included among these categories are:
– toxic or asphyxiating, solid, liquid, gaseous or vaporous substances, such as arsenic, potassium cyanide, methyl alcohol, phenol, carbon monoxide, carbon tetrachloride, etc;
– compressed gases (inflammable, non-flammable, toxic) such as gaseous ammonia, acetylene, methane, oxygen, helium, dry ice, mustard gas, etc;
– liquified gas or gas dissolved under pressure;
– substances which give off gases that ignite in contact with water;
– inflammable liquids and solids;
– substances that facilitate inflammation (oxidants);
– caustic, acidic or alkaline substances such as acetic acid, caustic soda, etc.
Pursuant to the provisions of the law concerning dangerous materials, the conveyance of explosive substances o r articles by post is prohibited.
Included among these substances and articles are:
– ammunition, detonators, gunpowder;
– objects loaded with explosive substances;
– inflammable substances;
– nitrocellulose-based paint, lake and raw materials;
– percussion caps, detonating articles, fireworks and pyrotechnic toys;
– nitrocellulose-based photographic films, washed or unwashed, or washed nitrocellulose- based film scraps (acetate -based films, however, are admitted);
– celluloid.
The dispatch of postal items containing inflammable substances is prohibited. Referred to here are the following substances:
– oxygen-producing substances likely to cause fires, such as chloric acid salts, bromates, permanganates, sodium peroxide, ammonium nitrate, bleaching agents, etc;
– liquids whose flash point is lower than 38.3° C (measured in a closed crucible using a Pensky apparatus), such as acetone, alcohol, gasoline, ether, varnishes, solvents, denaturedalcohol, turpentine, thiocarbonic anhydride, etc;
– substances likely to ignite from friction, exposure to moisture, etc, such as matches, phosphorus -based preparations, aluminium powder, calcium carbide, etc;
– substances which could cause a fire if contained in a single ite m and brought into contact with one another;
– celluloid-based photographic films.
E. Postal items containing polymerizable substances
F. Import restrictions for consignments containing certain food products to the Netherlands (and other European Union member states)
The dispatch of postal items containing the following polymerizable substances is prohibited. Polymerizable substances are substances, such as vinyl chloride, cyclopentadiene and styrene, capable of spontaneously polymerizing at temperatures below 40° C, giving off heat, or causing some other hazard. Polymerization is the combination of two or more identical molecules to form a new molecule having a greater molecular weight.
Due to stricter regulations issued by the European Union, as of 1 January 2003 the import of consignments containing meat and milk products into the European Union via the Netherlands isfurther restricted. So far, such imports were allowed when the weight of the consignment did not exceed 1 kg, and there was no underlying commercial transaction.
The measure relates to all consignments containing meat or meat products (including poultry and wild game) and all consignments containing milk or milk products, originating from anyother country than the current 15 EU Member State s (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France Germany Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain,Sweden and the United Kingdom).
The effect of the measure is that, as of 1 January 2003, all consignments containing any of the afore-mentioned articles have to be accompanied by a veterinary certificate issued by theofficial authority responsible in the country of origin. For personal imports (consumer to consumer), the same documentation will be required as for commercial imports.
Letter post and parcel post without the prescribed official veterinary document will have to be confiscated in accordance with national legislation; ultimately, they will have to be destroyed.
Import only will be allowed after inspection and approval by a veterinarian. Such inspection involves relatively high costs, which in many cases will by far exceed the value of the contents.
The existing prohibitions for the import of certain other food products, as published in the UPU List of Prohibited Articles and/ or in the UPU Customer Guide, remain in force.
With these regulations, the European Union hopes to diminish the risk of outbreaks of infectious animal diseases.
Postal administrations are strongly advised to inform all staff members and employees concerned, as well as their post offices and agencies, about these import restrictions and relatedmeasures. Including this information in all relevant customer information is also recommended.
Should you need further information on import matters, please contact: TPG Post BV
International Mail Centre (IMC)
Department In - en Uitklaring (Clearance Department) Postbox 75550
1118 LD LUCHTHAVEN SCHIPHOL NETHERLANDS
Tel: (+31 20) 795 00 68
Fax: (+31 20) 795 01 05
E-mail: t.r.vanschaik@tpgpost.nl
Prohibitions on importation into the Netherlands of cigarettes and other tobacco products, which are ordered (via the Internet or otherwise) and sent from countries notbelonging to the European Community or from the "special territories" within the European Community (i.e. the territories not belonging to the tax territory of the European Community, as defined in Article 3 (2) of the Sixth VAT Directive e.g. Canary Islands (Spain) and Channel Islands (Great Britain).
With immediate effect, it is prohibited to import into th e Netherlands cigarettes and other tobacco products, which are ordered – via the Internet or any other trade channel – by a privateperson or an entrepreneur for his/her own satisfaction (so called BtC = business to consumer shipments) and sent from a country outside the European Community or from one of the "specialterritories" within the European Community (i.e. the territories not belonging to the tax territory of the European Community, as defined in Article 3 (2) of the Sixth VAT Directive, like the CanaryIslands (Spain) and the Channel Islands (Great Britain). This measure is applicable irrespective of the amount or the value of the tobacco products imported.
Mainly due to higher duty on tobacco, the importation by individuals of tobacco products not bearing the official Dutch excise tax seals into the Netherlands has increased dramatically and isstill increasing. Such imports are illegal. The Dutch Ministry of Finance has therefore issued a directive to all Customs officials announcing that all such illegal mail-order shipments for privateindividuals are to be dealt with as prohibited consignments whose import into the Netherlands will therefore not be allowed.
The Dutch Excise Law prescribes very clearly that, on import, all tobacco products must bear the official Dutch excise tax seals, even when such products are ordered by a private individualand sent by an entrepreneur. The measure is also in line with article 28 of Council Regulation (EEC) No. 918/83 of 28 March 1983 (setting up a Community system of reliefs from customsduty), which does not allow any customs reliefs for tobacco product shipments ordered by a private individual.
During the months of March and April 2004 TPG Post BV is authorized to stop all BtC shipments containing tobacco products as described above, to hold them under its bondedwarehouse regime, and to return them to the originating postal operator. After this transition period Dutch Customs are authorized to seize these shipments and to treat them inaccordance with the applicable Dutch legislation (in most cases, these shipments will then be destroyed).
Only shipments belonging to one of the following two categories will be exempted from this measure.
1 Gift shipments sent by mail from one private individual to another (CtC = consumer to consumer) without any compen- sation or payment whatsoever, and never containing more than thefollowing maximum amounts of tobacco products:
– 800 cigarettes; or
– 400 cigars; or
– 1 kilogramme of shag or cigarette tobacco.
Non-commercial shipments that exceed the amounts mentioned above will be subject to confiscation by Dutch Customs. Furthermore, non-commercial (CtC) shipments can only beaccepted when they are accompanied by a fully completed
CN 22/CN 23 form, giving a precise description of the goods (as provided for by the applicable articles of the Letter Post Manual and the Parcel Post Manual (RE 601 and RE 401 respectively),including the following articles and commentaries). If letter-post items or postal parcels are not accompanied by the customs declaration form, or when these forms are not filled in or not filledin properly (deliberately or by mistake) they too are subject to confiscation by Dutch Customs.
2 Shipments sent by post to an entrepreneur who has a license, granted under Dutch law, to receive such tobacco products in accordance with a regulated customs regime.
For any questions on this subject, please contact: Mr. Jerry van Schaik,
Manager Customs Clearance Import and Export
Tel: (+31 20) 795 00 68
Fax: (+31 20) 795 01 05
E-mail: t.r.vanschaik@tpgpost.nl
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