Shipping goods outside the European Union is not just a shipping task. Any company exporting goods from the Netherlands to a country outside the EU must file an export declaration with Dutch Customs. It is not just an option, but a legal obligation.
Skipping this step or completing it incorrectly has real consequences. Goods are detained at the border, shipments are delayed and financial penalties apply. A single error in the declaration can prevent an entire shipment from leaving the country.
In this article, we explain what an export declaration is, what documents you need, how the process works and what costs you can expect.
What is an export declaration?
An export declaration is a formal document filed with Dutch Customs when EU goods leave the European Union. The exporter is legally responsible for filing it. A customs agent or forwarder can handle the export declaration on behalf of the exporter. The declarant must always be based in the EU.
No export declaration is required for shipments to other EU countries. It is only required when goods leave the EU completely. Specifically, you need one in the following situations:
- When EU goods are shipped to a country outside the EU
- When goods are shipped for commercial purposes
- When goods fall under restricted or controlled categories
- When goods require an export license
Export documents: what do you need before you ship?
Before filing an export declaration in the Netherlands, the exporter must have the proper documents ready. The required documents depend on the product type, destination country and transportation method.
According to the Chamber of Commerce (KVK). there are 4 main categories of export documents. Each with a different purpose. Using the right document can reduce or avoid import duties for your foreign customer.
| Paper | Purpose | When needed. |
| Commercial invoice | Primary document for customs valuation and determination of import duties. | For any commercial shipment outside the EU. |
| Certificate of Origin (CoO). | Proves in which country the product was manufactured. | When the destination country requires proof of origin. |
| EUR.1 certificate | Proves preferential origin, reduces or avoids import duties. | When exporting to countries with an EU trade agreement. |
| Invoice Statement | Simplified alternative to the EUR.1 certificate. | When the value of preferential goods is under €6,000. |
| ATA Carnet | Allows temporary export without payment of import duties or VAT. | When temporarily moving goods outside the EU. |
| ATR Certificate | Allows duty-free trade between the EU and Turkey. | When exporting to Turkey. |
| Legalization of signature. | Confirms the identity of the person who signed the invoice. | When the destination country requires verified signatures. |
| Export license | Required for controlled or safety-critical goods. | For high-value, strategic or restricted merchandise. |
6 steps to complete your export declaration
The export declaration process in the Netherlands follows a clear sequence. Both the exporter and Dutch Customs play a role in different stages. Following each step correctly keeps your shipment on track and prevents costly errors.
Here are the 6 steps to complete your export declaration smoothly:
Step 1: Register your company and apply for an EORI number
Before filing an export declaration, the exporter must be registered in the Dutch trade register and have a valid KVK number. This is the first requirement for any company exporting from the Netherlands.
An EORI number is a legal requirement for all exporters in the EU since July 2009. Without this number, Dutch Customs will refuse the declaration. Apply for your EORI number before your first shipment to avoid unnecessary delays.
Step 2: Collect all required export documents
Once registration is complete, collect all the documents needed for the shipment. The exact documents depend on the product type and destination country. Make sure you have the following core documents ready before filing the declaration:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing List
- Air waybill or bill of lading
- Certificate of origin or EUR.1 (if applicable)
- Export license (for controlled goods)
Step 3: Classify your goods with the correct HS code
Each exported product must be assigned the correct HS code before the declaration is filed. The HS code determines what documents are required and what import duties your foreign customer will pay at the destination.
Use the Access2Markets-tool. Enter your HS code, country of origin and destination country to get a complete list of required documents and applicable tariffs. Incorrect classification results in delays or rejection at destination customs.
Step 4: Submit the export declaration via DMS or AGS
In the Netherlands, export declarations are filed electronically through DMS or AGS systems. You can file them at your local customs office or the office where the goods are packed or loaded for transport.
If DMS or AGS is temporarily unavailable, an emergency procedure exists so that your shipment is not detained. A simplified declaration option is also available for eligible companies, but it requires a special permit from Dutch Customs.
Step 5: Wait for customs clearance
After you submit the export declaration, Dutch Customs evaluates it. Customs may inspect the shipment before granting permission.
Not every shipment is inspected. Customs selects shipments based on risk level. Only after receiving customs clearance can the goods be moved to the customs exit office.
Step 6: Move goods to the customs exit office
Once customs authorizes, the exporter or carrier moves the goods to the designated customs exit point. The exit office confirms that the goods have physically left the EU.
This confirmation is important because it supports your VAT exemption on export shipments. Keep all export documents after completion of the shipment for compliance during inspections.
What does an export declaration in the Netherlands cost?
Exporting goods involves more costs than just transportation and product value. Knowing these export declaration costs in advance will help you set the right price for international customers.
Costs vary depending on the destination country, product type and whether you use a customs agent. These are the costs you should consider:
- Customs agent or freight forwarder fees: Charged for preparing and filing the export declaration on your behalf
- KVK export document fees: Fixed fees apply when applying for a CVO, EUR.1, ATA carnet or legalization
- Export license fees: Applicable for controlled, strategic or high-value goods
- Transport insurance premium: Recommended to protect goods during international transport
- ATA carnet fees: One-time fee for temporary export outside the EU
- Inspection fee: Charged if Customs selects the shipment for physical inspection
What happens if you make a mistake in your export declaration?
Filing an export declaration with incorrect or incomplete information has real consequences. Dutch Customs requires declarations to be completely accurate before goods can leave the country. Even a small error in the export declaration can stop an entire shipment at the border.
These are the most common customs mistakes you should avoid:
- Missing or invalid EORI number.
- Wrong HS code for product classification
- Data on commercial invoice does not match air waybill
- Missing export license for controlled goods
- Filing the declaration before customs clearance is received
- Incorrect or missing origin documents for the destination country
- Failure to verify the identity of the recipient before shipment
Why growing companies choose a professional customs service
Companies that export occasionally and to known destinations can handle declarations themselves. The Dutch Customs National Helpdesk is available for companies that prefer to file declarations independently. However, export rules vary by country, by product and change regularly.
For companies that export regularly or to multiple countries, a professional customs company makes a substantial difference. An approved export declaration service in the Netherlands handles the entire process, from filing the declaration and origin documents to customs clearance.
This is what you get with professional support:
- Fewer errors and delays: Professionals know exactly what each destination country requires
- Faster customs clearance: Experienced agents have direct connections with Dutch Customs and Portbase
- AEO-certified service: Gives your shipments a trusted status for faster processing
- Complete Document Handling: From Certificate of Origin to EUR.1 and ATA carnet
Conclusion
Completing your export declaration correctly is what keeps your shipments moving. The right documents, the correct HS code and a clear understanding of the process make international trade from the Netherlands easy.
For companies that want zero errors and faster customs clearance, is The Customs Company an AEO-certified customs service in the Netherlands. They work with direct connections to Dutch Customs and Portbase, providing 24/7 support for efficient handling of declarations.
Exporting with the right customs partner means fewer delays, lower risk and more confidence in every shipment.
