Do I have to declare strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) at Netherlands customs?

No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.

What happens if I do not declare strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) in Netherlands?

If you declare the excess yourself, the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Algemene douanewet, Artikel 10:1, eerste lid, if the goods are found without being declared: an administrative fine is imposed. Under Algemene douanewet, Artikel 10:1, tweede lid, if it is treated as smuggling: it carries between 0 and 4 years of imprisonment; an administrative fine is imposed.

Can I post or ship strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) to Netherlands instead of carrying it?

Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.

Can I take strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) out of Netherlands?

Netherlands publishes no separate rule for taking strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Netherlands limit for strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) apply per person or per family?

Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.

Where does this rule come from?

Douane Nederland (Dutch Customs Administration) states it in Groente, fruit en planten meenemen. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Sommige verse groenten en fruit mag u meenemen zonder certificaat. Dit geldt voor: * dadel * banaan * kokosnoot * doerian * ananas”

How does Netherlands compare with other countries on strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian)?

Of the 19 countries covered here, 3 prohibit strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian), 6 limit it and 10 let it through. Netherlands is among the more permissive.

How much Strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) can I bring into Netherlands?

Allowed

You can bring Strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) into Netherlands without a special limit.

Carried Allowed

Declaration Not required

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Groente, fruit en planten meenemen Douane Nederland

Questions about Strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) in Netherlands

Do I have to declare strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) at Netherlands customs?: No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.
What happens if I do not declare strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) in Netherlands?: If you declare the excess yourself, the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Algemene douanewet, Artikel 10:1, eerste lid, if the goods are found without being declared: an administrative fine is imposed. Under Algemene douanewet, Artikel 10:1, tweede lid, if it is treated as smuggling: it carries between 0 and 4 years of imprisonment; an administrative fine is imposed.
Can I post or ship strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) to Netherlands instead of carrying it?: Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.
Can I take strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) out of Netherlands?: Netherlands publishes no separate rule for taking strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Netherlands limit for strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) apply per person or per family?: Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
Where does this rule come from?: Douane Nederland (Dutch Customs Administration) states it in Groente, fruit en planten meenemen. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Sommige verse groenten en fruit mag u meenemen zonder certificaat. Dit geldt voor: * dadel * banaan * kokosnoot * doerian * ananas”
How does Netherlands compare with other countries on strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian)?: Of the 19 countries covered here, 3 prohibit strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian), 6 limit it and 10 let it through. Netherlands is among the more permissive.

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