Part of our Moving to Europe, Australia & New Zealand guide
Moving to The Netherlands from the USA (2026 Guide)
Customs relief, documents, ports and delivery for shipping household goods from the United States to the Netherlands.
Short answer
Dutch Customs grant relief from import duty on household effects moved from outside the EU, but you cannot file the declaration yourself: your removal company declares the goods with a relief code. You give the mover a signed inventory and your municipal registration certificate. Containers arrive through Rotterdam, Europe's largest port.
Duty-free import rules for the Netherlands
Standard EU removal-goods relief applies: at least 12 months living outside the EU, goods owned and used for at least 6 months, and import within 12 months of moving. Full EU conditions are on our customs guide.
- Your removal company files the declaration; provide a signed inventory and your municipal registration certificate (or deregistration proof plus an employment or rental contract).
Official source: Dutch Customs: moving to the Netherlands.
Confirm a mover's FMC license and any association claim in associations and licensing, and read reviews with where to research international mover reviews. More official customs offices are listed on those pages and in the customs guide.
Ports and delivery
Containers arrive mainly through Rotterdam. Your mover's destination agent clears customs and delivers to your new home. Common delivery cities include Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht.
Good to know
Cars also need a BPM (vehicle tax) exemption from the Dutch Tax Administration.
Getting quotes for the Netherlands
Ask every mover to price the same surveyed volume door to door, and check each line against our quote checklist. Pick a method in shipping methods, and check restricted items before you pack.
Leaving from a U.S. city
Licensed movers for the Netherlands
Compare the licensed movers we work with on our 2026 rankings: Sunset International Shipping, Shepherd International Movers, Schmidt International Relocations, My International Movers.
General information, not legal or immigration advice. Confirm current rules with the official customs office before you ship.
Frequently asked questions
Can I file Dutch customs paperwork myself?
No. Your removal company files the import declaration with the relief code.
What does my mover need from me for the Netherlands?
A signed inventory and your municipal registration certificate, plus vehicle papers if you ship a car.
Which port will my container use?
Almost always Rotterdam.
How long does it take to ship household goods to the Netherlands?
It depends on the U.S. departure port, the sailing schedule, transshipments, and whether you use a full or shared container. Ask each mover for the port-to-port transit time and the door-to-door estimate in writing.
Which movers can ship my belongings to the Netherlands?
Sunset International Shipping, Shepherd International Movers, Schmidt International Relocations and My International Movers — the four licensed movers we work with — handle international household moves. Request free quotes from the four we work with with one form.
Get free quotes from licensed movers
One short form for International Moving Company. Pick items from the inventory list or upload a quick video walkthrough. Your request is shared with Sunset International Shipping, Shepherd International Movers, Schmidt International Relocations and My International Movers so you can compare their quotes. Free, no obligation.