Do I have to declare endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) at Netherlands customs?

Yes — it has to be declared to Netherlands customs on arrival.

What happens if I do not declare endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) 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 endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) 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 Protected animal- and plant species. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Only if you have a CITES licence, are you allowed to bring in protected animal or plant species to the Netherlands.”

How does Netherlands compare with other countries on endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn)?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 8 prohibit endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn), 12 limit it and 0 let it through. Netherlands is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) can I bring into Netherlands?

Restricted

You can bring Endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) 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

Protected animal- and plant species Dutch Customs

Questions about Endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) in Netherlands

Do I have to declare endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) at Netherlands customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Netherlands customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) 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 endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) 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 endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) out of Netherlands?: Netherlands publishes no separate rule for taking endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Netherlands limit for endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) 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 Protected animal- and plant species. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Only if you have a CITES licence, are you allowed to bring in protected animal or plant species to the Netherlands.”
How does Netherlands compare with other countries on endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn)?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 8 prohibit endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn), 12 limit it and 0 let it through. Netherlands is among the ones that set a limit.

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