Europe Ready Check: which EU rules apply to your products?
Selling to Europe from Turkey, the Gulf, India, China, the United States or the United Kingdom? Answer a few questions about your company and your products. You see which EU roles, registrations and dates apply to you, and which of them your own Dutch company can cover.
Short answerTo sell goods in the EU, a company from outside the EU usually needs an importer in the EU, an EU customs number (EORI number), a VAT number in each country where its stock is, and an EU responsible person for consumer products (GPSR). Parcels to consumers pay €3 duty per item type since 1 July 2026, and an EU handling fee of €2 per item type is expected from 1 November 2026. Iron, steel, aluminium, fertilisers and cement above 50 tonnes a year, and hydrogen from the first kilogram, need CBAM status before import. Your own Dutch company can take most of these roles itself.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Your EU compliance checklist in up to seven questions
Answer the questions for your company. Your checklist shows the EU roles, registrations and dates for your situation, with a link to the full guide for each point.
Please answer the marked questions first.
Your checklist
Based on your answers. Change an answer, and the checklist updates at once.
Parcels to consumers
Since 1 July 2026
Parcels to consumers: €3 duty and an expected €2 fee per item type
Since 1 July 2026, customs charges €3 per item type on parcels worth €150 or less that consumers in the EU buy from you. An item type is each different product code in the parcel. From 1 November 2026, an EU handling fee of €2 per item type is expected on top, and product codes become mandatory in the customs declaration.
Your typical parcel, one item type: €3 duty plus €2 handling fee, so €5 per parcel from 1 November 2026, plus VAT.
Your typical parcel, two item types: €6 duty plus €4 handling fee, so €10 per parcel from 1 November 2026, plus VAT.
Your typical parcel, three item types: €9 duty plus €6 handling fee, so €15 per parcel from 1 November 2026, plus VAT.
Your typical parcel, four or more item types: €12 duty plus €8 handling fee, so €20 or more per parcel from 1 November 2026, plus VAT.
The €3 duty applies until 1 July 2028. With one bulk shipment to a warehouse in the Netherlands, the importer pays the normal duty once, on the customs value of the whole shipment.
The EU import VAT scheme for parcels up to €150 (IOSS)
For parcels worth €150 or less, you charge the VAT of your customer’s country at checkout and pay it through one monthly return: the EU import VAT scheme for parcels up to €150 (IOSS).
A seller from outside the EU appoints an intermediary established in the EU for this registration. Your own Dutch company can register for the IOSS itself.
Your company in the EU registers for the IOSS itself, in its own country.
From 1 July 2028, the seller becomes the importer for distance sales
From 1 July 2028, the seller or the platform becomes the importer for distance sales to consumers in the EU. This importer gives customs the data, pays or guarantees the charges and makes sure the products meet EU rules. It must be established in the EU, or use an EU company with Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status as its representative (Regulation (EU) 2026/2108).
The European Commission checks the parcel duty by 1 December 2027. Your own Dutch company is established in the EU, so it can be your importer for distance sales.
Each shipment into the EU needs an importer, import VAT and an EU customs number (EORI number). The importer declares the goods at customs and pays the duty and the import VAT. That can be your EU customer, an importer service or your own Dutch company.
When your own Dutch company imports, your customers receive the goods cleared, and the customer relationship stays with your company.
Import VAT in your VAT return: the Article 23 licence
When your goods enter the EU in the Netherlands, the Article 23 licence lets the importer declare the import VAT in its Dutch VAT return and deduct it on the same return under the normal rules. Your company then skips the payment at the border, and the cash stays in your business.
Your Dutch company applies for the licence itself.
A company established in the Netherlands applies for the licence itself. A company abroad uses a Dutch fiscal representative.
Stock in the EU: a VAT number where your goods are stored
Selling from stock in an EU country means a VAT number in that country. Amazon gives its sellers the same rule: a VAT registration where your goods are stored. With stock in a Dutch warehouse, your company needs a Dutch VAT number.
Amazon asks for a VAT number in each country where it stores your goods. With Pan-European FBA, you choose at least two storage countries, and Amazon says you can start with two VAT numbers. Each extra storage country adds a VAT number and a VAT return there.
Do you need an EU responsible person? Yes, for consumer products
Since 13 December 2024, every consumer product sold in the EU needs a responsible economic operator established in the EU, under the EU product safety rules (GPSR). That is the manufacturer, the importer, an authorised representative or a fulfillment service provider in the EU. Online listings show the manufacturer, the responsible person and the safety warnings.
Your own Dutch company can take this role as the importer of your goods. A partner service as EU responsible person is the other option.
Packaging: a producer registration in each EU country (PPWR)
Since 12 August 2026, the EU packaging rules (PPWR) apply in every EU country. The company that first makes packaged goods available in a country is the producer there and registers for producer responsibility in that country. Each country can ask producers from outside the EU for an authorised representative, and Germany does.
Your own Dutch company covers the Netherlands as importer and producer. For direct sales to end users in other EU countries, a partner acts as your representative there.
Batteries: producer responsibility in each country of sale
Producer responsibility for batteries applies since 18 August 2025, also for batteries built into products (Batteries Regulation (EU) 2023/1542). A producer that sells batteries directly to end users in another country appoints an authorised representative there.
Cosmetics, medical devices and chemicals: a specialist role in the EU
These products have their own EU rules, each with its own role for a company in the EU. A specialist partner takes on or supports that role for your products.
Cosmetics: each product needs a responsible person in the EU before it goes on sale. For imported cosmetics, the importer is the responsible person (Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, Article 4). Cosmetics responsible person
Medical devices: a manufacturer from outside the EU designates one authorised representative in the EU before the device goes on sale (Regulation (EU) 2017/745, Article 11). Medical devices in the EU
Chemicals: from one tonne a year, a substance needs a registration with the European Chemicals Agency (REACH). A manufacturer from outside the EU can appoint an only representative in the EU, who then registers for its importers (Regulation (EC) 1907/2006, Articles 6 and 8). REACH only representative
From 20 January 2027, the EU Machinery Regulation applies (Regulation (EU) 2023/1230). It sets duties for the manufacturer, the importer and the authorised representative in the EU, with a CE marking on each machine.
Your own Dutch company can be the importer. A specialist partner checks the product documents.
Food and drinks: a company in the EU for the food information
The company responsible for the food information in the EU is the company whose name the food is sold under. When that company is established outside the EU, the importer into the EU takes this role (Regulation (EU) 1169/2011, Article 8).
Your own Dutch company can be that importer. A specialist partner checks your labels.
The EU deforestation rules (EUDR) cover cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, rubber, soy and wood, and products made from them, such as furniture and paper. They apply from 30 December 2026 for large and medium companies and from 30 June 2027 for micro and small companies. For micro and small companies already covered by the EU Timber Regulation, the date is 30 December 2026. The first company that places the goods on the EU market does the due diligence.
Your own Dutch company can take that role as importer, with a partner for the checks.
The EU carbon border tax (CBAM) applies since 1 January 2026 to iron and steel, aluminium, fertilisers (ammonia included), cement, hydrogen and electricity. Hydrogen counts from the first kilogram. For the other goods, the rules apply above 50 tonnes a year, counted together. Then only an authorised CBAM declarant may import these goods, and the status is needed before import.
Your Dutch company applies itself, with its Dutch business login (eHerkenning level 3). The Dutch Emissions Authority (NEa) decides.
Your company in another EU country applies in its own country.
An importer from outside the EU works through an indirect customs representative, who is then always the declarant. Your own Dutch company can apply itself, with its Dutch business login (eHerkenning level 3). The Dutch Emissions Authority (NEa) decides.
1 February 2027: the sale of CBAM certificates starts. Your company buys its certificates itself.
31 March 2027: the first quarterly check. Your company then has certificates for 50% of the emissions imported so far that year.
30 September 2027: the first annual declaration, for your 2026 imports.
For iron and steel, aluminium, fertilisers (ammonia included) and cement, CBAM applies above 50 tonnes a year, counted together per importer. Up to that amount, the imports are exempt. Keep a record of your tonnes per calendar year. Above the threshold, the rules apply to all imports of that year, and the importer needs authorised CBAM declarant status before import.
Expect more than 50 tonnes in a year? Then apply for the status before your first shipment.
Turkish support may cover your rent and fulfillment
Two Turkish decisions support these costs abroad. The support is a refund in lira, paid after your company has paid the costs.
Decision 5973, article 11: 50% of the rent of a unit that sells Turkish products abroad, such as a warehouse, shop or showroom. Four years per country, up to 25 units, with a cap of 2,000,000 lira per unit per year (decision text, last amended March 2026).
Decision 5986, article 6(1): 50% of fulfillment abroad, three years per country, with a cap of 10% of your e-commerce sales in that country (amended January 2026).
You apply through your exporters’ association, and the caps rise with inflation each January. Your exporters’ association confirms the current rules.
Customs union: duty-free industrial goods, the same import steps
Since 1 January 1996, industrial goods from Turkey enter the EU duty-free under the customs union between the EU and Turkey. Coal and steel follow a separate agreement, and farm products get preferences only. Each shipment still needs an importer in the EU, import VAT and an EORI number.
EU-India trade agreement: negotiations concluded in January 2026
The EU and India concluded the negotiations for their free trade agreement on 27 January 2026. In September 2026, the European Commission sent its proposals for the signature and conclusion to the Council. After the signature, the European Parliament gives its consent. The agreement can enter into force once India has also ratified it.
The EU importer claims the lower duty, so the choice of your importer decides who keeps the saving. With your own Dutch company as importer, the saving stays in your group.
Exporters from the Gulf: your own importer in the EU
Your own Dutch company can be the importer of your goods in the EU, with its own VAT number, EORI number and, for CBAM goods, its own CBAM status. Documents from Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain get an apostille. Documents from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar and Kuwait go through legalisation.
For 2026, the Dutch list of low-tax jurisdictions names Bahrain and leaves out the UAE. For owners in Bahrain and the UAE, our team checks the current list first.
Warehouse, fulfillment and customs: selected partners near Schiphol and Rotterdam
For stock in the Netherlands, selected partners near Schiphol and Rotterdam store your goods, ship your orders and clear your shipments through customs. Partners are chosen per assignment, after you ask, for your products and volumes. The team checks each partner’s licence or status before you receive a price.
What your own Dutch company covers, and what partners do
Your own Dutch company
The importer of your goods in the EU
Its own VAT numbers, starting with a Dutch VAT number
Its own EU customs number (EORI number)
Its own Article 23 licence for import VAT
Its own registration for the EU import VAT scheme (IOSS)
The responsible person for product safety, as importer
The producer of your packaging in the Netherlands
Its own authorised CBAM declarant status
Your importer for distance sales from 1 July 2028
The company responsible for your food information
The first company on the EU market for the deforestation checks
We set up the company and its tax numbers. Your Dutch company (BV) from €2,950 excl. VAT. A holding with an operating company from €4,950 excl. VAT. Usually within one week once all documents are complete.
Selected partners near Schiphol and Rotterdam
Warehouse and fulfillment for your orders
Customs clearance by a customs broker
A Dutch fiscal representative, as long as your company is established abroad
An intermediary in the EU for the IOSS
An EU responsible person service, when you prefer that option
Representatives for packaging and batteries in other EU countries
The sector role for cosmetics, medical devices or chemicals
Checks of your product documents, labels and supply chain
An indirect customs representative with CBAM status, until your own company has the status
Partners are chosen per assignment, after you ask, for your products and volumes. The team checks each partner’s licence or status before you receive a price. You decide. The partner invoices you directly for its own work, and we invoice our own work. You have one contact person on our team.
Doing business in or from the Netherlands, with Europe or the rest of the world? You get more than a Dutch company. You get the right structure to grow your business and your wealth, with the lowest possible tax burden. Our team works from Hoofddorp, next to Schiphol.
Your answers and your checklist go into the message of the form. Add your name and email address, and you get free advice on your next step.
EU import requirements at a glance: roles, registrations and who covers them
Each role comes with its own rule and date. Your own Dutch company can take many of them itself. A partner takes the others, chosen per assignment for your products and volumes.
Role or registration
Rule and date
Your own Dutch company
Through a partner
Importer at customs
Union Customs Code
Your company is the importer
An indirect customs representative or an importer service
EU customs number (EORI number)
Free; form DO 438 for companies from outside the EU
Its own number
A customs broker files the declarations
VAT number where the stock is
Amazon asks for one per storage country (2026)
Its own Dutch VAT number
VAT returns in other storage countries through a partner
Article 23 licence for import VAT
Dutch VAT Act
It applies itself
A Dutch fiscal representative
EU responsible person for consumer products (GPSR)
Since 13 December 2024
Yes, as importer established in the EU
An EU responsible person service
Producer of packaging (PPWR)
Since 12 August 2026
Yes, for the Netherlands
A representative in each other EU country
Producer of batteries
Since 18 August 2025
Yes, for the Netherlands
A representative in each other EU country
Authorised CBAM declarant
Since 1 January 2026, with the status before import
It applies itself (eHerkenning level 3; the NEa decides)
An indirect customs representative with that status
Importer for distance sales
From 1 July 2028
Yes, it is established in the EU
An EU company with Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status
Sector roles: cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals (REACH)
Sector rules
As importer, with partner support
A specialist partner per sector
The EU product roles come with legal duties, such as product safety and record keeping. A partner checks the product documents before your company takes on such a role.
How to sell products in Europe: the dates to plan for
The EU rules for sellers from outside the EU change in steps until July 2028.
Date
What changes
Who it concerns
13 December 2024
Every consumer product needs an EU responsible person (GPSR)
Sellers of consumer products
18 August 2025
Producer responsibility for batteries, with a representative per country
Sellers of batteries and electronics
1 January 2026
CBAM definitive period: authorised CBAM declarant status before import
Importers of iron, steel, aluminium, fertilisers, cement and hydrogen
1 July 2026
€3 customs duty per item type on parcels up to €150
Sellers of parcels to consumers
12 August 2026
EU packaging rules (PPWR)
Every seller of packaged goods
1 November 2026
Product codes mandatory in the customs declaration; €2 handling fee per item type expected
Sellers of parcels to consumers
30 December 2026
Deforestation rules (EUDR) for large and medium companies, and for micro and small companies already covered by the EU Timber Regulation
The first company on the EU market for cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, rubber, soy and wood
20 January 2027
EU Machinery Regulation
Manufacturers, importers and authorised representatives of machinery
1 February 2027
Sale of CBAM certificates starts
Authorised CBAM declarants
31 March 2027
First quarterly CBAM check (50%)
Authorised CBAM declarants
30 June 2027
Deforestation rules (EUDR) for the other micro and small companies
Micro and small companies
30 September 2027
First annual CBAM declaration, for 2026 imports
Authorised CBAM declarants
1 December 2027
The European Commission checks the parcel duty
Sellers of parcels to consumers
1 July 2028
The seller or the platform becomes the importer for distance sales
Online sellers and platforms
The €2 handling fee is expected from 1 November 2026: the European Commission adopted it on 21 September 2026, and it applies ten days after its publication in the Official Journal.
Selling in the EU from abroad: three guides
The full rules behind your checklist, step by step.
Yes, if you sell consumer products in the EU. Since 13 December 2024, the EU product safety rules (GPSR) ask for a responsible economic operator established in the EU: the manufacturer, the importer, an authorised representative or a fulfillment service provider. Your own Dutch company can take this role as the importer of your goods. A partner service is the other option.
How do I sell products in Europe from outside the EU?
You have three options. You ship parcels to consumers from abroad, you ship in bulk to a warehouse in the EU, or your own EU company imports the goods. Parcels up to €150 pay €3 duty per item type since 1 July 2026, and an EU handling fee of €2 per item type is expected from 1 November 2026. Stock in the EU needs an importer, an EU customs number (EORI number) and a VAT number in the country where the stock is.
What are the EU import requirements in 2026?
Each shipment into the EU needs an importer, import VAT and an EU customs number (EORI number). In the Netherlands, the Article 23 licence lets the importer declare the import VAT in its VAT return. Consumer products need an EU responsible person, and packaging needs a producer registration in each EU country of sale. Iron, steel, aluminium, fertilisers, cement and hydrogen fall under the EU carbon border tax (CBAM).
Which roles can my own Dutch company take?
Your own Dutch limited company (a BV) can be the importer of your goods, with its own VAT number, EORI number and Article 23 licence. As importer, it can be the responsible person for product safety and the producer of your packaging in the Netherlands. It can apply for authorised CBAM declarant status itself, and from 1 July 2028 it can be your importer for distance sales. For medical devices, cosmetics and chemicals, a specialist partner takes on or supports the sector role.
Is the Europe Ready Check free?
Yes. The check is free and shows your result at once. When you want our team to have a look, the form takes your answers, your name and your email address. You then get free advice on your next step.
How current are the rules in the check?
Last reviewed in October 2026. The €2 handling fee is expected from 1 November 2026, after publication in the Official Journal of the EU. The European Commission sent the EU-India trade agreement to the Council for signature in September 2026. For Turkish support, your exporters’ association confirms the current rules.
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