How to Ship from the US to Netherlands: Complete 2026 Guide

Introduction

The Netherlands is one of the most e-commerce-friendly countries in Europe, with an internet penetration rate exceeding 95% and over 17 million residents who are enthusiastic online shoppers. Dutch consumers are tech-savvy, English-proficient, and accustomed to purchasing from international retailers. The Netherlands also serves as a major logistics gateway to the rest of Europe, with the Port of Rotterdam being the largest port in Europe and Schiphol Airport near Amsterdam functioning as a key cargo hub.

For US-based shippers, the Netherlands offers several advantages. The Dutch postal and logistics infrastructure is among the best in the world, with PostNL (the national postal operator) providing reliable next-day domestic delivery. The country's small geographic size means that once your package clears customs, delivery to any address in the Netherlands is typically fast. Additionally, the Netherlands has one of the highest rates of English language proficiency in non-English-speaking countries, which simplifies communication with recipients and customs officials.

As an EU member state, the Netherlands follows European Union customs and import regulations. Understanding these rules, along with the specific carrier options and cost structures, will help you ship to the Netherlands efficiently and affordably.

The Dutch e-commerce market is also notable for its high adoption of alternative payment methods, particularly iDEAL (a bank transfer system used for over 60% of online transactions in the Netherlands). While this does not directly affect shipping, e-commerce sellers targeting Dutch consumers should be aware that offering local payment methods alongside international shipping options creates a more complete customer experience. The Netherlands also has one of the highest rates of mobile commerce in Europe, with consumers increasingly shopping and tracking deliveries via smartphone apps.

Best Carriers for Shipping to Netherlands

USPS is the most economical option for lightweight packages. Priority Mail International delivers in 6 to 10 business days, and Priority Mail Express International delivers in 3 to 5 business days. First-Class Package International Service handles items under 4 pounds with delivery times of 7 to 14 business days. USPS partners with PostNL for final delivery in the Netherlands, and PostNL's efficient domestic network means last-mile delivery is typically fast and reliable.

UPS provides UPS Worldwide Express (1-2 business days to the Netherlands), UPS Worldwide Expedited (2-5 business days), and UPS Worldwide Saver. The Netherlands is one of UPS's strongest markets in Europe, with a major European hub at Cologne/Bonn just across the German border. UPS offers highly reliable, fast service to all Dutch addresses.

FedEx offers FedEx International Priority (1-3 business days), FedEx International Economy (2-5 business days), and FedEx International First. FedEx has strong operations in the Netherlands and often routes European shipments through its hub at Liege, Belgium, which is close to the Dutch border, enabling efficient customs clearance and delivery.

DHL Express delivers in 1 to 2 business days and is headquartered in nearby Germany. DHL is extremely popular in the Netherlands and maintains a comprehensive delivery network. DHL's European dominance makes it an excellent choice for shipments to the Netherlands, with seamless customs processing and reliable delivery.

Shipping Costs and Transit Times

The Netherlands benefits from being a major logistics hub, which means carrier rates are often slightly lower than for less accessible European destinations. Transit times are also among the fastest in Europe due to the excellent infrastructure.

For businesses considering the Netherlands as a gateway to the broader European market, it is worth noting that many US companies ship inventory to Dutch fulfillment centers and use them as distribution hubs for all of Europe. The Port of Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport provide efficient import processing, and the Netherlands' central location allows for fast ground distribution to Germany, Belgium, France, and the rest of the EU. Even for individual package shipments, the Dutch logistics advantage translates to faster customs clearance and more reliable delivery timelines compared to many other European destinations.

Customs, Duties, and Import Regulations

The Netherlands follows EU customs regulations.

De Minimis Threshold: The EU de minimis threshold of EUR 150 applies. Shipments valued at EUR 150 or less are exempt from customs duties but remain subject to Dutch VAT. All commercial imports are subject to VAT regardless of value.

VAT (BTW): The Netherlands applies a standard VAT rate of 21%. A reduced rate of 9% applies to food and beverages, books, pharmaceuticals, and certain other goods. VAT is calculated on the customs value plus any applicable duties and shipping costs.

Customs Duties: Goods valued above EUR 150 are subject to customs duties based on HS tariff codes. The Netherlands applies the EU Common External Tariff.

IOSS (Import One-Stop Shop): If you are an e-commerce seller shipping goods valued at EUR 150 or less to Dutch consumers, you can register for the EU's Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) system. IOSS allows you to collect VAT at the point of sale and remit it to the Dutch tax authority, so your customer does not face VAT charges upon delivery. This significantly improves the customer experience and is increasingly expected by European online shoppers.

Documentation: Complete customs declarations with accurate descriptions, values, HS codes, and origin information. Dutch customs (Douane) is efficient but thorough, and incorrect or incomplete documentation can lead to delays or additional inspections.

Gifts: Personal gifts are exempt from duties up to EUR 45.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

The Netherlands follows EU import prohibitions with some local considerations:

• Prohibited: Narcotics (despite the Netherlands' liberal domestic drug policies, importing drugs is strictly prohibited), counterfeit goods, weapons, asbestos-containing products, and CITES-protected species products.
• Restricted: Alcohol and tobacco (excise duties apply), food products (EU food safety compliance required), plants and seeds (phytosanitary certificates may be needed), medications (personal quantities with prescription), electronics (CE marking required), and dietary supplements (EU regulation applies).
• Netherlands-Specific: The Netherlands has strict regulations on certain types of knives (such as butterfly knives and flick knives, which are prohibited), soft drugs (despite domestic tolerance, international importation is illegal), and certain chemicals. Dutch customs also actively enforces intellectual property protections.

Packaging Tips for International Shipments

Use quality corrugated boxes suitable for international transit. The Netherlands' efficient logistics infrastructure means packages generally experience less rough handling than some other destinations, but standard international packaging best practices still apply. Wrap items individually, use adequate cushioning, and seal all seams with strong tape.

Dutch addresses follow a specific format: name, street name and house number (often with letter additions like "A" or "bis"), postcode (4 digits followed by 2 letters, such as 1012 AB), city, and "NETHERLANDS" as the country. Getting the postcode format correct is important, as PostNL and other Dutch carriers rely heavily on postcodes for routing.

It is worth noting that the Netherlands has a high population density and relatively small geographic area, so packages rarely travel more than a few hundred kilometers within the country for final delivery. This contributes to the generally fast and reliable last-mile delivery experience. However, delivery to apartments in cities like Amsterdam can sometimes be challenging if the recipient is not home. Many Dutch residents use their workplace or a neighbor as a secondary delivery address, and PostNL allows recipients to set delivery preferences online.

Tracking and Insurance Options

USPS provides tracking through the PostNL network, with Priority Mail Express International offering the most detailed tracking. PostNL's domestic tracking is comprehensive, so you can generally follow your package to delivery. UPS, FedEx, and DHL all provide full end-to-end tracking with real-time updates.

Insurance coverage follows the same patterns as other European destinations: USPS includes up to $200 for Priority services, while UPS, FedEx, and DHL offer declared value coverage with options for additional protection. The Netherlands has a low rate of package theft and loss, making it a relatively safe destination for valuable shipments, but insurance is still recommended for high-value items.

How to Save on International Shipping

Rate comparison is essential: The Netherlands' status as a logistics hub means competitive pricing, but rates still vary significantly between carriers and services.

Use Atoship: Access discounted commercial rates from multiple carriers through Atoship's platform. Compare USPS, UPS, FedEx, and other options side by side, and save 20% to 40% compared to retail rates.

Consider USPS for lightweight items: For packages under 4 pounds, USPS First-Class Package International to the Netherlands is hard to beat on price, especially given PostNL's reliable last-mile delivery.

Utilize IOSS for e-commerce: If you sell to Dutch consumers, registering for IOSS and including VAT in your product prices creates a smoother customer experience and can reduce cart abandonment.

Right-size your packaging: Dutch PostNL lockers and pickup points have size limits. If your customers use these services, packaging within standard dimensions ensures smooth delivery.

Ship to pickup points: Services like PostNL pickup points and DHL ServicePoints are very popular in the Netherlands. Offering delivery to pickup points can reduce failed delivery attempts and associated costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to ship from the US to the Netherlands? Express services deliver in 1 to 2 business days (the Netherlands is one of the fastest European destinations). USPS Priority Mail International takes 6 to 10 business days. First-Class takes 7 to 14 days. Customs clearance in the Netherlands is typically efficient, adding minimal additional time.

What is the Dutch VAT rate on imports? The standard VAT rate (BTW) is 21%. A reduced rate of 9% applies to food, books, and pharmaceuticals. If the seller is registered for IOSS, VAT is collected at checkout and no additional VAT is charged upon import.

Is shipping to the Netherlands expensive? The Netherlands is one of the more affordable European destinations to ship to from the US due to its logistics infrastructure. Rates start around $14 for lightweight packages via USPS and range up to $155 for express delivery of heavier items. Using Atoship can reduce costs by 20-40%.

Can I ship CBD products to the Netherlands? Despite the Netherlands' tolerant domestic policies, importing CBD and cannabis products from the US is subject to strict international and EU regulations. CBD products containing any THC are generally prohibited. Even CBD isolate products face regulatory uncertainty. Consult with a customs broker before attempting to ship such products.

What is IOSS and should I use it for shipping to the Netherlands? The Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) is an EU system that allows e-commerce sellers to collect VAT at the point of sale for goods valued at EUR 150 or less. If you register for IOSS, your Dutch customers pay VAT during checkout rather than upon delivery. This eliminates surprise charges, speeds up customs clearance, and significantly improves customer satisfaction. For businesses regularly shipping to the Netherlands and other EU countries, IOSS registration is highly recommended. You can register through any EU member state's tax authority or through an intermediary.

Are there parcel lockers I can ship to in the Netherlands? The Netherlands has an extensive network of parcel lockers and pickup points. PostNL operates over 10,000 pickup points and parcel lockers. DHL has DHL ServicePoints throughout the country. Many Dutch consumers prefer collecting packages from these locations rather than waiting for home delivery. While you cannot typically ship directly to a locker from the US, some carriers and fulfillment services allow Dutch recipients to redirect packages to a nearby pickup point. For e-commerce sellers, offering pickup point delivery can reduce failed delivery attempts and returns, improving overall shipping efficiency.