Do I have to declare living animals and carcass at Netherlands customs?

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

What happens if I do not declare living animals and carcass 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 living animals and carcass 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 living animals and carcass out of Netherlands?

Netherlands publishes no separate rule for taking living animals and carcass out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Netherlands limit for living animals and carcass 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 Regels dieren en dierlijke producten. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Er gelden strenge regels voor de invoer van levende dieren, dierlijke producten, diervoeding en diergeneesmiddelen van buiten de Europese Unie (EU).”

How does Netherlands compare with other countries on living animals and carcass?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit living animals and carcass, 19 limit it and 0 let it through. Netherlands is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Living animals and carcass can I bring into Netherlands?

Restricted

You can bring Living animals and carcass into Netherlands only within the stated limits.

Carried Limited

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

Regels dieren en dierlijke producten Douane Nederland

Questions about Living animals and carcass in Netherlands

Do I have to declare living animals and carcass at Netherlands customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Netherlands customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare living animals and carcass 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 living animals and carcass 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 living animals and carcass out of Netherlands?: Netherlands publishes no separate rule for taking living animals and carcass out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Netherlands limit for living animals and carcass 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 Regels dieren en dierlijke producten. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Er gelden strenge regels voor de invoer van levende dieren, dierlijke producten, diervoeding en diergeneesmiddelen van buiten de Europese Unie (EU).”
How does Netherlands compare with other countries on living animals and carcass?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit living animals and carcass, 19 limit it and 0 let it through. Netherlands is among the ones that set a limit.

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

Australia Canada China France

Other items in this group

Antique and replica weapons Banned knives and edged weapons Buddha images, artifacts/objects, antiques CITES-protected species and products Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) Consumer fireworks