Customs & Logistics
Knowledge Center

Find answers, articles and tips about customs clearance, export and logistics.
Driver handing the consignment note to a warehouse worker at the open rear doors of a trailer

CMR consignment note: what is on it, who is liable and what customs does with it

The CMR consignment note applies automatically to international road transport. What is on it, how the per kilo liability cap works and what customs does with it.
Export administrator preparing a proforma invoice at a desk with a laptop and a calculator

Proforma invoice: what customs wants to see on it and where it goes wrong

A proforma invoice is a statement of value, not a demand for payment. What customs wants to see on it, when to use one and which mistakes hold a shipment.
Freight forwarder handing shipping paperwork to a driver at a container terminal gate

Incoterms 2020 explained: which rule to pick and who ends up paying

Incoterms 2020 divide carriage, risk, costs and customs formalities. Which of the eleven rules to pick, and why EXW and DDP cause the most trouble.
Importer and customs broker shaking hands after agreeing the terms

Choosing a customs broker: what to check before you sign the authorisation

Before you authorise a customs broker: which authorisations to check, what the price does not tell you, and the five questions to ask before signing.
Stack of shipping invoices and a calculator on a desk while working out import duty

Import duty calculation: the formula customs uses and where it goes wrong

Import duty is charged on the customs value, not the invoice price. The formula, a worked example and the four errors that cost the most money.
Hands signing a customs representation authorisation at a desk

Direct or indirect representation at customs: who carries the customs debt?

Direct or indirect representation decides who is the declarant and who carries the customs debt. You notice the difference years later, on a recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is customs clearance and how does The Customs Company support it?

Customs clearance is the mandatory process of declaring goods to customs authorities to allow legal import or export across borders. The Customs Company handles complete customs clearance in the Netherlands, including document verification, customs declarations, duty and VAT calculation, and regulatory compliance. By combining expert customs knowledge with digital systems, the company ensures fast, accurate, and compliant clearance for international shipments.

Yes. The Customs Company operates as a professional customs broker in the Netherlands, supporting importers, exporters, logistics providers, and international traders. As an experienced customs broker, the company manages customs declarations, customs formalities, transit procedures, and advisory services, helping businesses navigate Dutch and EU customs regulations efficiently.

Fiscal representation and VAT representation in the Netherlands (VAT representation NL) allow non-EU or foreign companies to trade goods within the EU without establishing a local legal entity. The Customs Company provides fiscal and VAT representation services, handling VAT registration, reporting, and compliance for import and export activities conducted via the Netherlands.

A T1 document is a customs transit document used to move non-EU goods within the European Union under customs supervision without immediate payment of import duties and VAT. The Customs Company prepares and manages T1 documents and other transit documents, enabling secure and compliant movement of goods between ports, borders, and bonded warehouses.

Yes. The Customs Company specializes in customs clearance in Rotterdam, Europe’s largest seaport and a major logistics hub. Acting as a reliable customs agent in Rotterdam, the company supports sea freight, container imports, exports, and transit shipments, ensuring smooth customs handling and minimal delays at the Port of Rotterdam.

HS Classification (Harmonized System classification) determines the correct customs duty rates, VAT, and regulatory requirements applied to goods. Incorrect HS codes can result in fines, shipment delays, or compliance issues. The Customs Company provides expert HS classification services, ensuring accurate product classification and compliant customs declarations.

Yes. The Customs Company offers professional customs advice and trade compliance services to help businesses comply with EU and international trade regulations. This includes guidance on customs legislation, documentation requirements, licensing, import and export controls, and risk mitigation to prevent penalties and disruptions.

The Customs Company manages all customs formalities, including import declarations, export declarations, and transit documents such as T1, T2, and T2L. The company also supports customs inspections, controls, and regulatory procedures, ensuring compliant and efficient cross-border trade operations.

Yes. The Customs Company works closely with freight forwarders, logistics providers, and bonded warehouses in the Netherlands (Bonded warehouse NL). This collaboration supports customs-controlled storage, transit movements, and seamless coordination between customs clearance and freight operations.

Following Brexit, customs declarations are required for trade between the UK and the EU. The Customs Company provides full Brexit customs services in the Netherlands, including UK import and export declarations, VAT handling, transit documentation, and customs advisory support to ensure compliant and uninterrupted UK-EU trade.

Your partner in smooth customs clearance.

Discover how we simplify customs processes and keep your international trade moving.

Your partner in smooth customs clearance.

Discover how we simplify customs processes and keep your international trade moving.