Shipping to and from the Netherlands: A simple walkthrough for expats

Living in the Netherlands as an expat often means your life spans multiple countries. You might be building your career in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, or Eindhoven, while your documents, belongings, or loved ones are elsewhere. 

That’s where international shipping naturally fits in. Whether you’re receiving your diploma, sending signed paperwork, or getting a package from home, it helps you stay connected and keep things moving.

The good news? Shipping is easy when you know the basics. This walkthrough provides a clear overview so you can send and receive parcels with confidence.

Why shipping still matters

We do a lot online these days, but not everything can be emailed; some things still need to be sent physically. Items such as original diplomas, certificates, or official documents are often required for jobs, studies, or registrations.

For many expats, shipping also goes beyond practical needs; it helps you stay connected to home. Receiving a care package, your favourite snacks, a small gift, or a handwritten note can really brighten your day. Shipping is part of everyday life for many expats.

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What you can send (and what to keep in mind)

Shipping a parcel is usually very straightforward. It just helps to know a few basics upfront, as rules can vary slightly per country.

Some items cannot be shipped, for example:

• Loose batteries and power banks
• Aerosols and perfumes
• Electronics combined with liquids or gels (such as an electric toothbrush with toothpaste) 

Other items can be shipped, but may need a bit of extra attention:

• Fresh or homemade food
• Electronics with batteries
• Valuable items like jewellery 

A quick check beforehand helps everything go smoothly and avoids unnecessary delays.

Packaging: Set your parcel up for success

Your parcel will travel a fair distance, so good packaging makes a real difference. A few simple tips:

• Use a sturdy box that fits your items well
• Fill the empty space so nothing moves around
• Wrap fragile items separately
• Keep documents in a firm folder inside the parcel 

Sending important documents? A document-specific service is an easy way to keep them flat, safe, and well-protected. 

Customs: What to expect

If you’re shipping outside the EU or receiving something from abroad, customs is simply part of the process. It’s a standard step where shipments are checked and, if applicable, duties or taxes are applied.

In short:

• Documents are usually duty-free
• Goods may be taxed based on value
• Duties depend on the country and what you’re sending 

In most cases, any additional costs are charged to the receiver, unless the sender chooses to cover them.

Tip: A clear and accurate description of your parcel helps it move through customs quickly and smoothly.

Shipping inside vs outside the EU

One of the advantages of living in the Netherlands is being part of the EU. Shipping within the EU is generally quick and simple, with minimal formalities.

Sending to or receiving from outside the EU (like the UK or US) involves a few extra steps, such as:

• Customs forms
• Import duties or VAT
• Slightly longer delivery times 

Good to know: From July 1, 2026, consumer shipments from outside the EU to the Netherlands include a €3 import duty, regardless of the value.

Choosing the right service

Every shipment is different, so it helps to choose a service that fits your needs, whether that’s speed, flexibility, or peace of mind.