What happens if I do not declare medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances 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 medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances 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.

Where does this rule come from?

Douane Nederland (Dutch Customs Administration) states it in Verdovende middelen (drugs). CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Neemt u medicijnen mee die vallen onder de Opiumwet? Dan moet u altijd een medische verklaring aanvragen.”

How does Netherlands compare with other countries on medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances, 18 limit it and 2 let it through. Netherlands is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances can I bring into Netherlands?

Restricted

You can bring Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances into Netherlands only within the stated limits.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Above allowance

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

Verdovende middelen (drugs) Douane Nederland

Questions about Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances in Netherlands

Do I have to declare medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances at Netherlands customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Netherlands customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances 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 medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances 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 medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances out of Netherlands?: Netherlands publishes no separate rule for taking medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Netherlands limit for medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances 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 Verdovende middelen (drugs). CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Neemt u medicijnen mee die vallen onder de Opiumwet? Dan moet u altijd een medische verklaring aanvragen.”
How does Netherlands compare with other countries on medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances, 18 limit it and 2 let it through. Netherlands is among the ones that set a limit.

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Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V) Controlled/prescription medicine Dietary supplements and sports nutrition External-use medicine (personal use) Medicine containing stimulant raw materials Narcotic and psychotropic medicines