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That depends on the country. For example, you are not allowed to send alcohol to some countries. There are also items that DHL cannot or may not transport, such as weapons, loose lithium batteries, perfume and flammable substances. Check the full list here.

Customs carries out regular checks. It is important that you always ensure good, sturdy packaging. This way, customs can also close the package properly after checking.
View our packaging tips

Sometimes Customs needs additional information. It is very important that you fully state the details of you as the sender and of the recipient. If Customs has any questions, they can contact you quickly. In the case of gifts, the consignment must also always contain a so-called 'pro forma invoice'. View more information about Customs documents.

Please contact our Customer Service. We then know what Customs needs and are happy to help you.

In principle, you only pay the transport costs and any surcharges and services. The customs costs (import duties and VAT) are usually for the recipient.
Read more about receiving

When you buy products from abroad and have them sent to the Netherlands, you as an 'importer' must generally pay any import duties and VAT. Sometimes the shipper (online store) chooses to pay those charges. But if the shipper hasn't paid for those costs, you're the one who has to pay the import duties and VAT.

When your package arrives in the Netherlands, it first goes through Dutch customs. In order to be able to import the package quickly, DHL Express advances the import duties and VAT and pays them to customs. If DHL Express delivers the package to you, you must first repay the import duties and VAT, plus administration costs* to DHL.

*DHL Express charges a 2% administration fee for this service, with a minimum of €14.50 excluding VAT.

If the value of the package does not exceed €45, you do not pay import duties and VAT for a gift. This only applies if the articles are not intended for commercial purposes:

• The package was sent by a private individual to a private individual as a gift.
• The items in the package are for personal use by the consignee.
• The shipment (the gift) is incidental in nature.
• The nature and quantity of the gift is such that the consignment has no commercial character.
• It is a gift from the sender, for which there is no payment.

Yes, you also have to pay VAT and/or import duties for goods that are older or had a previous owner.