Shipping to the Netherlands from the UK
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The Netherlands had a gross domestic product (GDP) of $1 trillion in 2021. It has the 17th largest economy globally and the fifth-largest within the European Monetary Union (Eurozone).
With over 170 million consumers located within a 300-mile radius of the Netherlands that account for over one-third of the population of the European Union, it holds a critical position within the global business network.
In 2021, Dutch shoppers made almost 36.5 million purchases directly from foreign sellers.
Although these facts are encouraging for UK-based businesses seeking to reach Dutch customers, familiarity with international shipping procedures is vital to enhance their chances of success in the market.
This guide can help you get started on shipping from the UK to the Netherlands.
Costs & delivery speeds for shipping to the Netherlands from the UK
To ensure a seamless experience while shipping goods across borders, it is important to choose the right shipping couriers for your business.
When selecting a courier, some shippers may prioritise speed and be willing to pay a premium for faster delivery, while others may choose to opt for cost-conscious solutions and accommodate delivery timelines.
One may also consider additional factors such as parcel weight limit, customs support offered, and protection cover amount when choosing a suitable courier.
Several reputed shipping companies offer services for delivering packages from the UK to the Netherlands, including Royal Mail, FedEx, UPS, Evri (The new Hermes), Parcelforce Worldwide, and DPD.
The following table presents some of the services offered by these companies along with their applicable rates. Please note that the costs shown here are only indicative and were calculated in February 2023 using each courier’s unique calculator.
The rates have been estimated based on a standard example of a 2 kg package. The parcel value was entered as £50 wherever requested. The final quotes may differ depending on various factors.
Note: These are general options for consumers’ shipping orders directly from a courier’s store. To know what ShipBob offers when shipping to other countries like the Netherlands, please request a quote here.
ShipBob’s exact rates for customers will vary as we charge an all-in ‘total fulfilment cost’ that includes picking, packing, and shipping, among other factors.
| Service | Price | Delivery Time | |
| Royal Mail | International Standard | £10.98 | 3-5 business days |
| Royal Mail | International Tracked | £11.75 | 3-4 business days |
| Royal Mail | International Economy | £14.25 | 10-15 business days |
| Royal Mail | International Tracked and Signed | £13.46 | 3-4 business day |
| UPS | Express Plus | £53.87 | 1 business day, early morning. |
| UPS | Express Saver | £16.37 | 1 business day, delivery by 12pm |
| UPS | Express | £23.87 | 1 business day by mid-morning |
| UPS | Standard | £11.99 | 2-3 business days |
| FedEx | International Economy | £109.39 | 2-3 business days |
| FedEx | International First | £177.23 | 1-3 business days |
| FedEx | International Priority | £117.07 | 1-3 business days |
| FedEx | International Priority Express | £122.90 | 1-3 business days |
| Evri | Evri Courier | £11.47 | 3-7 business days |
| Parcelforce Worldwide | globalpriority | £46.30 | 3+ business days |
| Parcelforce Worldwide | globalexpress | £78.00 | 1+ business days |
| Parcelforce Worldwide | globalvalue | £38.90 | 5+ business days |
| DPD local | Air Express | £50.72 | 1-3 business days |
| DPD local | Air Classic | £45.36 | 3-4 business days |
| DPD local | Classic | £17.39 | 3-4 business days |
At present, UPS, Royal Mail, and FedEx charge the same amount for pickup as well as drop-off services. While Parcelforce Worldwide, Evri, and DPD have varied pricing for drop-offs and pickups.
For these three companies, only pickup service pricing has been shown in the table above. The package dimensions were used as 45cm X 35cm X 16cm (L X W X H), wherever requested.
How to choose a shipping courier
Since choosing the right shipping courier is among the most important steps in international shipping, it is a good idea to weigh the merits and demerits of the major delivery companies.
To assist you in making a decision find below a table with the pros and cons of top couriers that offer shipping services to send goods from the UK to the Netherlands.
Couriers | Pros | Cons |
| Royal Mail |
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| FedEx |
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| UPS |
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| DPD |
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| Evri |
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| Parcelforce |
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Shipping to the Netherlands from the UK with Royal Mail
Originally established as an exclusive mail service for the Royals in the UK, Royal Mail has undergone significant transformations over the course of its more than 500 years of existence.
Over the years, the Royal Mail postal service has become more accessible and available to a wider range of people, reflecting a process of democratization.
It has a vast network that enables it to deliver to 230 countries and territories worldwide.
When shipping from the United Kingdom to the Netherlands, a variety of services are available for customers to choose from such as International Tracked & Signed, International Tracked, International Standard, and International Economy.
When to use Royal Mail to ship from the UK to the Netherlands
If you want to send parcels of up to 2 kg to your friends or customers in the Netherlands at a reasonable cost and there is no urgency, then Royal Mail is the most suitable option for you.
Delivery timelines for most services are set between 3-5 business days.
Shipping to the Netherlands from the UK with UPS
UPS is a prominent player in the global shipping industry.
It has a network that can deliver your shipments to over 220 countries and territories.
Since its inception in Europe in 1976, the company has expanded significantly in the region and currently operates in 56 European countries and territories.
When to use UPS to ship from the UK to the Netherlands
UPS offers a comprehensive range of solutions at competitive prices.
It could be your preferred choice of courier if you are looking for quick delivery solutions to send packages of up to 70 kg each and appreciate the facility of time-defined delivery slots.
Moreover, UPS offers a dedicated platform for small businesses that provides them with affordable flat-rate shipping solutions even for larger shipments.
Shipping to the Netherlands from the UK with FedEx
With a strong presence of 35+ years in Europe, FedEx is a top player in the transportation industry worldwide.
Its European Headquarters are in Hoofddorp and the company can ship to over 220 countries and territories globally.
FedEx boasts an impressive vehicle and air fleet within Europe. Its reliable and efficient services ensure that businesses can seamlessly ship their products to customers worldwide.
When to use FedEx to ship from the UK to the Netherlands
FedEx is a good choice due to its prompt delivery solutions and dependable tracking mechanisms.
However, it is worth noting that their services may be priced higher compared to other couriers. Nonetheless, FedEx does offer a generous weight limit of up to 68 kg and provides freight options as well.
Overall, if reliable and speedy delivery is a top priority, FedEx is a great option to consider despite its relatively higher pricing.
Individuals or businesses who hold a FedEx account may be eligible for discounts of up to 40%. It is worth considering opening a FedEx account if you plan to use their services frequently or for larger shipments.
The discounts offered can help to reduce shipping costs and make it a more cost-friendly option for businesses of all sizes.
Shipping to the Netherlands from the UK with DPD UK
DPD has an extensive network that can deliver to 230 countries and territories globally.
Additionally, its exceptional ground-based services in Europe make it a highly viable option for shipping to the Netherlands from the United Kingdom.
Apart from ground-based services, DPD also provides Air Express options for deliveries within Europe.
When to use DPD UK to ship from the UK to the Netherlands
DPD is committed to providing innovative solutions to its users, such as the DPD Predict tool for the DPD Classic services. This feature allows recipients to receive a delivery window of one hour, ensuring they do not have to wait around all day for their package deliveries.
Even the other service options offered by DPD come with full trackability, providing customers with peace of mind about their shipments’ status.
For individuals who value reliable and transparent shipping services and want to stay informed about their package deliveries, DPD is a trustworthy choice.
Additionally, it has over 6,000 drop-off locations spread across the United Kingdom, ensuring easy accessibility for the majority of the population. These convenient drop-off points add to the appeal of using DPD as a reliable and efficient shipping partner.
Shipping to the Netherlands from the UK with Evri
With vast experience in the UK logistics industry and a large network that can deliver to more than 190 countries worldwide, Evri is a trusted and reliable player in the shipping industry.
The company has an extensive nexus of 6,000+ parcelshops and lockers spread throughout the UK, making it a convenient option for businesses and individuals alike.
When to use Evri to ship from the UK to the Netherlands
Some of the most cost-effective options on this route when shipping packages of up to 15 kg each are offered by Evri.
The company is committed to delivering international packages in Europe within a target delivery window of 3-7 working days.
If you are searching for cost-effective shipping solutions, are open to flexible delivery timelines, and value the convenience of a vast drop-off shop network, Evri could be a good fit for your shipping needs.
Shipping to the Netherlands from the UK with Parcelforce
Parcelforce Worldwide boasts an impressive ability to reach 99 percent of the world’s population, highlighting its expansive global reach.
With a vast network of drop-off points, including 11,000 local post office branches within the UK, Parcelforce Worldwide is a convenient and accessible option for shipping packages to the Netherlands from the UK.
When to use Parcelforce to ship from the UK to the Netherlands
For those seeking convenient and efficient solutions for their shipping needs, Parcelforce Worldwide offers compelling solutions with a range of delivery speeds.
For individuals or businesses with frequent or evolving shipping needs, Parcelforce Worldwide can be the ideal courier of choice.
With a vast network of drop-off points and an array of services, including 1+ business day deliveries, it offers flexibility and convenience to meet a variety of shipping requirements.
Duties & taxes when shipping to the Netherlands from the UK
Goods entering the Netherlands are subject to three types of import levies: import duties, value-added tax (VAT), and excise and consumption taxes. Dutch importers are responsible for paying these charges at the time of customs clearance of goods.
The Netherlands applies European Union (EU) tariffs, which are determined based on the international Harmonized System of product classification.
Unlike customs duties, which are the same across all EU member countries, VAT is set by each country’s tax authorities. The Dutch VAT regime has 3 rates, 21%, 9%, or 0%.
The general tariff is 21% but some categories such as books, medicines, etc., or businesses based in the Netherlands may be eligible for reduced rates of VAT.To obtain further information regarding the Netherlands’ customs regulations, refer to the EU’s TARIC (integrated Tariff of the European Union) website.
The Netherlands customs information
Upon arrival in the Netherlands, goods imported from the United Kingdom are subject to customs formalities, which require the filing of a Summary Declaration after goods have been presented to customs officials.
This declaration must be filed within the first working day and can be completed by the courier, importer, their representatives, or any person taking responsibility for the goods.
For imports into the European Union (EU), the Single Administrative Document is used as the importer’s declaration and contains information on the goods and their movement worldwide.
It is essential for trade in non-EU goods and is used to determine both customs duties and VAT. Typically, the importer or their agent will make this declaration when clearing goods through customs.
Non-EU companies are required to have an Economic Operator Identification and Registration (EORI) number to lodge the customs declaration.
Once all necessary formalities, duties, and taxes have been addressed, the customs authority will release the goods for free circulation.
It is important to note that customs regulations are subject to revisions and changes. Therefore, it is recommended to review the official Dutch customs website before shipping to avoid any issues.
Prohibited items when shipping to the Netherlands
To safeguard the welfare of its citizens and uphold its principles, every nation places restrictions or bans on the import of certain items. The Netherlands is no exception, as it prohibits a variety of items from being imported and imposes restrictions on others.
Furthermore, each courier has its own set of rules regarding items that are not permitted to be shipped. It is recommended that you stay informed of these regulations to prevent unnecessary delays or complications.
The following table has a list of some items that are prohibited from being imported into the Netherlands.
Items you can’t ship to the Netherlands from the UK |
| Weapons and explosives |
| Goods infringing a trademark |
| Unregistered pharmaceutical products |
| Vegetable seeds |
| Tasers and similar products (that can paralyze or hurt people by way of electrical shocks) |
| Counterfeit coins and banknotes, passports, etc. |
| Waste products |
It is recommended that you stay up-to-date by checking the official customs website before shipping, as the list of prohibited and restricted items may change.
What ecommerce businesses need to know about shipping to the Netherlands
The Netherlands boasts a flourishing economy and serves as a significant entry point to Europe, with cultural similarities to the UK that render it a favourable testing ground for products. It is the UK’s 3rd largest export market.
Owing to its advanced economy and strategic location, the country has become one of the world’s top trading nations.
For a UK-based ecommerce business seeking to tap into the potential of the Netherlands, we have compiled some valuable insights to help navigate the Dutch business landscape.
1. Promote British-made products
Dutch consumers are receptive to new products that come out of Britain and within the country, English is widely spoken along with Dutch.
As an ecommerce business, use the British heritage advantageously to gain acceptance and success in this market.
2. Leverage the advanced Dutch transport network
The Netherlands boasts the most advanced logistics and distribution network in Europe, providing exceptional access to the European mainland.
Several goods enter the European Union (EU) through the country.
Its primary distribution hubs comprise Rotterdam, the largest port in Europe, and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, the fourth-largest cargo airport in Europe.
In 2018, the World Economic Forum ranked its transport infrastructure among the best in the world (source).
As a UK-based ecommerce business, you can use the strategic location and robust logistical infrastructure of the Netherlands to optimise your shipping and delivery solutions to many countries in Europe.
3. Prepare to deliver goods fast
When considering online purchases, Dutch consumers prioritise delivery price and speed.
Delivery times may vary for different services offered in the Netherlands.
Customers’ demand for fast delivery and specific time slots is on the rise. They expect real-time updates on the delivery process and seek low-cost or free deliveries and returns.
Some operators offer same-day delivery and delivery during prearranged time slots.
As a cross-border business looking to acquire customers from a new territory, it is important to plan to meet their expectations.
Partner with an international 3PL like ShipBob
ShipBob is a global omnichannel fulfilment partner that makes it easy for online businesses to go global. By partnering with ShipBob, you save time and costs on logistics by leaning on the experts.
From DDP shipping solutions to access to a network of global fulfilment centres,ShipBob offers invaluableinternational ecommerce sellingresources to help businesses launch into new markets with east.
ShipBob not only takes care of picking, packing, and shipping your orders bound for the Netherlands with a fulfilment centre locations across the world, but also enables merchants to store inventory and fulfil orders from our Netherlands fulfilment centre to simplify cross-border complexities. We also offer upfront fulfilment costs that include customs, duties, and additional taxes.
“We definitely saw advantages in the number of ShipBob’s international locations and the various features associated with being a global company. We have DDP shipping enabled for all of our international orders – that’s currently one of our favourite features. We now have peace of mind that we can actually get things sent and delivered worldwide without having to worry about duties. People will reach out and say “Wow, that’s already done?” And we tell them, “Yep, it’s done.”
Ben Jablow, VP, Alliances at Postal
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Shipping to the Netherlands FAQs
You can find below answers to some of the most common questions asked when shipping to the Netherlands from the UK
What’s the cheapest way to ship to the Netherlands from the UK?
Royal Mail’s International Standard option is among the cheapest solutions when shipping from the UK to the Netherlands.
With this service, you can ship a package of up to 2 kg and expect delivery within 3-5 business days.
What’s the cheapest way to ship large packages to the Netherlands from the UK?
UPS Standard service is the cheapest option to ship packages of up to 70 kg each. For packages up to 15 kg, Evri offers the cheapest options to ship.
What’s the fastest way to ship a package to the Netherlands from the UK?
UPS’s Express Plus service can get your shipment delivered to the Netherlands from the UK as early as 9:00 am the next business day.
Do I have to pay customs duties and fees when shipping to the Netherlands from the UK?
Following the implementation of Brexit, the United Kingdom is now considered a non-EU country, and any goods imported from the UK into the Netherlands may be subject to applicable Value Added Tax (VAT) and customs duties.
All goods in the Netherlands are subject to a standard VAT rate of 21%. However, certain categories such as books and medicines may attract a reduced VAT rate of 9%.
Additionally, businesses based out of the Netherlands may be eligible for 0% VAT.
What’s the easiest way to ship something to the Netherlands from the UK?
Parcelforce Worldwide has a vast drop-off location network within the UK. It offers a range of options with differing scales of trackability, compensation cover, etc. to its users to choose from and has parcel collection options as well.
All these benefits make it the easiest way to ship from the UK to the Netherlands.
