Do I have to declare personal-use cosmetics (each item) at Netherlands customs?

No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.

What happens if I do not declare personal-use cosmetics (each item) 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 personal-use cosmetics (each item) 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 personal-use cosmetics (each item) out of Netherlands?

Netherlands publishes no separate rule for taking personal-use cosmetics (each item) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Netherlands limit for personal-use cosmetics (each item) 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 Belasting betalen over aankopen uit het buitenland. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

How does Netherlands compare with other countries on personal-use cosmetics (each item)?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit personal-use cosmetics (each item), 4 limit it and 16 let it through. Netherlands is among the more permissive.

How much Personal-use cosmetics (each item) can I bring into Netherlands?

Allowed

You can bring Personal-use cosmetics (each item) into Netherlands without a special limit.

Carried Allowed

Declaration Not required

Limit 430 EUR

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Value cap: 430 EUR
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

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

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Belasting betalen over aankopen uit het buitenland Douane Nederland · Jun 17, 2025

Questions about Personal-use cosmetics (each item) in Netherlands

How much personal-use cosmetics (each item) can I bring into Netherlands?: Netherlands publishes no quantity limit for personal-use cosmetics (each item) carried by a traveller. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare personal-use cosmetics (each item) at Netherlands customs?: No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.
What happens if I do not declare personal-use cosmetics (each item) 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 personal-use cosmetics (each item) 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 personal-use cosmetics (each item) out of Netherlands?: Netherlands publishes no separate rule for taking personal-use cosmetics (each item) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Netherlands limit for personal-use cosmetics (each item) 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 Belasting betalen over aankopen uit het buitenland. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
How does Netherlands compare with other countries on personal-use cosmetics (each item)?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit personal-use cosmetics (each item), 4 limit it and 16 let it through. Netherlands is among the more permissive.

Related items

Accompanied cash Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap) Alcohol and alcoholic beverages above 22% vol (or undenatured ethyl alcohol 80% vol and over)

Related countries

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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 Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances