Customs for UK to Netherlands & Netherlands to UK Shipments: A Comprehensive Guide

The Netherlands is a key logistics hub in Europe and one of the UK’s top trading partners. With the port of Rotterdam—Europe’s largest seaport—and Schiphol Airport among the busiest freight terminals in the world, UK businesses rely heavily on efficient customs processes to keep goods moving.

This guide explains the procedures, documentation, and key considerations for shipping between the UK and the Netherlands, whether by road, air, or sea.

The main modes of shipping for goods to and from the UK and the Netherlands are by road/air, and sea. The most suitable method will often depend upon the transit times needed, the cost factors and the type of goods you might be shipping.

 

Road Freight:

• Direct Transport:
  Goods stay on the same vehicle from origin to destination, minimising handling and reducing transit time. 
• Faster Transit:
  Fewer stops mean quicker delivery times, especially for full or part loads. 
• Cost-effective:
  Often the most affordable option for general freight and larger loads. 
• Suitable for:
  Full truckloads (FTL), part truckloads (PTL), and groupage (LCL) shipments. 

Air Freight:

• Fastest option: Ideal for urgent shipments or goods with a short shelf life.
• Reliable and efficient: Offers regular flights and secure transport.
• Cost-effective for: Smaller quantities and when speed is paramount.
• Consider: Can be more expensive than sea or road freight for larger volumes. 

Sea Freight:

• Economical for: Larger shipments like full container loads (FCL) or less than container loads (LCL). 
• Good for: Consolidating smaller shipments into a full load, optimising efficiency and cost. 
• Consider: Slower transit times compared to road or air freight. 

 

Key Customs Documentation

From the UK to the Netherlands

• Commercial Invoice – Full breakdown of the shipment, seller/buyer info, HS codes, Incoterms. Net weight, Gross weight and preferential statement of GB origin as and where required. 
• Packing List – Weight, quantity, and package breakdown.
• Export Declaration (EXA/EXS) – Completed via CDS (Customs Declaration Service)
  GWT can complete customs entries at all major UK ports including Felixstowe, Hull, HarwichImmingham, Southampton, London Gateway, Dover and more.
• EORI Number – Exporters must have a GB EORI.
• Statement on Origin – Required to benefit from 0% tariffs under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement once the cargo arrives at the destination.
• Transport Documentation – CMR (road), Bill of Lading (sea), or Air Waybill/T1 document needed for shipments that tranship via another European country before arrival in the Netherlands. 

GWT Import and Export Specialists Ltd offers freight and customs support for any consignment size—pallets, groupage, or full loads—via road, air, or sea.

The most regular movement option for exporting your goods to this area is by road, via the main road freight and RORO hubs. There is an extensive and comprehensive infrastructure for shipping goods via trailer/megatraile/13.6 m trailer crossing the main ferry hubs for onward delivery to your customer.

Shipping straight from the UK to the Netherlands means the T1 transit paperwork and customs guarantees are not required as the shipments do not pass through another European country before arrival at the destination. 

Key export road freight routes:

Hull to Rotterdam

Hoek of Holland To Harwich

Newcastle to Amsterdam

GWT can book movements and organise freight and haulage from across the UK to your buyer in the Netherlands. We can oversee all of the transport and ensure that the goods are shipped smoothly and efficiently in whichever mode is most suitable for you to complete your sale to your customer in the Netherlands. 

 

Freight and Shipping From the Netherlands to the UK

The most cost-effective and efficient way to ship freight from the Netherlands to the UK is typically road freight, particularly for larger loads. For very urgent shipments or shipments that require an extremely quick transit, air freight is the fastest option, but more expensive. When shipping, you’ll need to consider factors like the type of goods, volume, urgency, and budget to determine the best approach.

Documents needed for freight shipments from the Netherlands to the UK

• Commercial Invoice and Packing List- Complete with preferential statement of European origin, where applicable, to secure duty-free status on arrival in GB.
• Export Declaration – Submitted to Dutch customs- This is typically completed by the seller in conjunction with export customs
• Import Declaration (CDS/SAD) – Required in the UK. GWT handles this at all UK entry ports.
• EORI Number – UK importers must have a valid GB EORI
• Statement on Origin – Required if claiming duty relief under the TCA. This should be accompanied by a rex statement and show clearly where the goods originate and whether they qualify for preferential status
• Transport Documentation – Road (CMR), Air (AWB), or Sea (B/L)

Customs Procedures

UK to Netherlands

• Export Clearance submitted via CDS
• Transit Documentation (T1) may be required for goods passing through other EU states
• Dutch Import Clearance handled by the buyer’s appointed customs broker

Netherlands to the UK

• Export Clearance is managed by the Dutch sender
• UK Import Declaration submitted by GWT or the UK consignee’s broker. Via the GVMS system or port inventory system, such as DESTIN8/
• Duties & VAT payable based on declared value, commodity code, and origin. Postponed VAT accounting is available

GWT assists with deferment accounts, duty estimation, and ensuring compliance across both borders.

Duties and Taxes

• Import VAT – Charged at 21% in the Netherlands and standard UK rates on arrival
• Customs Duty – Often reduced to 0% with a valid Statement on Origin

 

Most Common Movement Types

• Road Trailer Shipments via Rotterdam, Hook of Holland, or Amsterdam
• Sea Freight (LCL/FCL) via Rotterdam and Vlissingen
• Air Freight via Schiphol (AMS) to Heathrow, Manchester, East Midlands

GWT can arrange haulage, sea freight, and air freight to and from all major UK and Dutch terminals.

 

Special Considerations

• Restricted Items: Foodstuffs, live animals, chemicals, and medical goods may need special approval.
• Temporary Imports: ATA Carnets simplify movement for exhibitions and time-limited imports.
• Pre-booking with Ports: Ensure customs entries are made ahead of haulier bookings to avoid unnecessary delays.

 

Tips for Smooth UK-Netherlands Trade

• Ensure correct HS codes and Incoterms on all invoices
• Double-check packaging details and declared values
• Use a reputable broker like GWT to manage cross-border compliance
• Make use of postponed VAT accounting to ease cashflow pressure on imports

 

Conclusion

Navigating UK-Netherlands trade post-Brexit can feel complex, but with the right documents and the right customs partner, your goods can move smoothly and on time. Whether you need import/export clearance only or fully managed freight and customs solutions, GWT Import and Export is here to help you every step of the way.

Photo by Bernd Dittrich on Unsplash