Netherlands
Check our destination guide for postal restrictions and requirements
An update on our pre-departure customs clearance process
An update on our pre-departure customs clearance process
From 1 March 2023, there is an additional change to pre-departure customs clearance process due to European Union Import Control System (EU ICS2).
Prohibitions
The following items are prohibited from importation, meaning they won't be allowed to enter the destination country, territory or region.
To check which items are considered dangerous and prohibited for sending from Australia, download our dangerous goods guide (1.2MB).
- Animals and animal products
- Animal and vegetable fats, oils
- Firearms and firearm parts
- Imitation and pirated products
- Knives
- Lottery tickets and advertising, unauthorised
- Mineral products
- Products of chemicals or allied substances
- Photographic or cinematographic products
- Plastics and articles thereof
- Printed articles; books and newspapers- offensive by nature
- Pearls, precious stones and metals
- Tanning or dyeing extracts
- Tobacco
- Vegetable products
- Transporting food of any kind is prohibited under International Courier.
Batteries
All types of batteries and devices containing them are prohibited from being sent via International Courier services.
Import restrictions
If an item is subject to import restrictions, it means that provisions must be met before it will be released from customs in the destination country, territory or region.
We recommend you confirm import restrictions with local authorities before posting:
- Animals and animal products
- Arms and ammunition
- Foodstuffs, prepared
- Hemp
- Hides and skins, raw
- Narcotics
- Pharmaceutical products
- Precious metal products
- Seeds
- Vegetables and plant products
- Weapons
Okay to send? Send responsibly.
As the sender, it's your responsibility to make sure your items don't break any laws or rules – both within Australia and in the destination country.
Restrictions and conditions can change at short notice so the information on this page should be used as a guide only. For the latest information, you should check the UPU prohibitions & restrictions (PDF 3.2MB) or contact the destination country's customs, postal trade or government authority.
It's also your responsibility to check if the destination country imposes any duties, taxes, brokerage fees or any other fees on the item you're sending. If you're unsure, please contact the consulate office of the destination country.
Special documentation
In addition to our customs forms, authorities in the destination country, territory or region require further documentation for some items.
Netherlands has no current requirements for special documentation.
Delivery locations & exclusions
Before sending to this destination, it’s worth noting a few more details about our international delivery services.
Delivery locations & exclusions data (Personal)
- International Express (carried via the EMS network) - Parcels deliver to all destinations
International Express - Parcels does deliver to a Post Office Box however does not deliver Poste Restante.
- International Courier
Check our International Courier page to find a participating Post Office.
Shipments must be lodged at the counter by the participating Post Office cut-off time, which may vary by outlet. International parcels are charged according to actual weight. The maximum weight you can send is 20kg and the maximum girth is 140cm.
International Courier Declaration and DHL Airway Bill forms, available at participating retail centres, need to be filled out by hand and attached to the shipment (instructions available in-store). For Customs declarations, articles may not be declared as containing "Personal effects".
International Courier does not deliver to a Post Office Box or Poste Restante.
Metropolitan delivery to (valid postcodes in brackets):- Amsterdam (1011 to 1109)
- Eindhoven (5611 to 5658)
- Rotterdam (3011 to 3089)
For more information from the overseas carrier, check the Netherlands Post Office website.
Make sure it's safe to send
Some items are considered dangerous and unsuitable for sending from Australia, even if they’re not prohibited by the destination country.