As a passenger you should take into account that the import of articles into the country of destination is usually subject to restrictions. Also when you are flying back to the Netherlands from a country outside the EU the import of articles is subject to restrictions.

Import regulations of the Netherlands

When you are returning from a country outside the European Union, you will be subject to the Dutch import regulations. So make sure that you do not bring back too much, in particular liquor and tobacco articles. Every person of 17 and older is allowed to import into the Netherlands:

• 200 cigarettes or 250 grammes of tobacco (shag or pipe tobacco) or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars.

• 1 liter of liquor or 2 liters of sparkling wine or liqueur wines such as sherry or port.

• 2 liters of non-sparkling wine.

• 50 grammes of perfume and 0.25 liters of eau de toilette.

• 500 grammes coffee or 200 grammes coffee extracts or coffee essence.

• 100 grammes tea or 40 grammes tea extracts or tea essence.

If you are importing more than these maximum quantities, you will have to pay VAT on this and possibly also taxes and import duties. For further information you can contact the Customs Tax Line.

Flying to an EU destination

When you are flying from a destination within the European Union and to a destination within the European Union, there are no restrictions with regard to the amount of articles that you are allowed to import. This applies to all See Buy Fly articles, including liquor. So it is perfectly alright to bring something extra. But note: tobacco articles form an exception to this rule.

Stopover at an EU destination

If you are flying to a destination within the EU, and can demonstrate that you are continuing your journey to a destination outside the EU within the next 24 hours, you will be regarded as a non-EU traveller. In that case the same rules apply to you as for those travelling to destinations outside the EU.

EU destinations

EU destinations are Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Great-Britain, Ireland, Italy, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. The Canary Islands and the British Channel Isles are considered non-EU destinations.

Flying to destinations outside the EU

For destinations outside the European Union the restrictions apply of the country that you are flying to. These are different for each country. For further information with regard to the import regulations of your country of destination you should contact your travel agent or the embassy of the country of destination in advance. You will find the addresses of the Dutch embassies and consulates on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

VAT refund

Non-EU residents that have purchased goods in Europe and are entitled to a VAT refund, can have their VAT paid out in cash at Schiphol. VAT cheques of the Global Refund organisation can be cashed at one of the branches of ABN AMRO Bank and GWK. Cheques issued by the Cashback and Easy Tax Free organisations can be cashed at the desk of the Communication Centre in Lounge Central.

To qualify for a VAT refund the following points are important:

• BEFORE passing passport control, the purchases, receipts, relevant VAT cheque(s) and passport have to be shown at the customs office that is located in Departures 3. It is important therefore that you do not check in the goods that you have purchased before going to the customs office!

• Customs officers will check the documents and goods and then stamp the VAT cheque.

• The completely filled in and stamped cheque can then be cashed at one of the branches of ABN AMRO Bank and GWK (Global Refund) or at the Communication Centre in Lounge Central (Easy Tax Free and Cashback).

If you have any questions about the refund of VAT you can also call the Customs Office at Schiphol: (+31) (0)20 316 47 00. For general information about travelling and customs matters – besides the customs offices - you can also contact the Customs Information Line (+31) (0)800 01 43 (toll-free)

*Note: this information has been reproduced from the websites of Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and the Dutch Customs website.