Best Worldwide Shipping to the Netherlands from Canada

Shipping to the Netherlands from Canada

The Netherlands is a gateway to the European Union for many Canadian companies. The Netherlands is also a leading market in Europe from Canada. Canadian companies depend on low cost shipping the Netherlands from Canada for their parcels and online orders.

In thisShipping Guide To the Netherlands, we review:

  • Customs clearance processes and cost shipping from Canada to Netherlands
  • Shipping personal effects Netherlands from Canada
  • Duty Free clearance under Canada EU Free Trade (CETA to Netherlands).
  • Review of the different Modes of shipping parcels and pallets
  • Shipping via Sea Freight to the Netherlands
  • Air versus Ocean to the Netherlands from Canada
  • Canada parcel carrier shipping options to the Netherlands
  • Shipping Canadian Shopify Orders to the Netherlands and the EU
Disclaimer: Information in this post and all Jet Worldwide content is for general information only.

Ship From Canada

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Ship From Canada


The cheapest way to send a package to the Netherlands is via Canada Post surface options. The price can be as low as around $29.For larger commercial shipments courier is a common option. Air freight offer the lowest cost for cargo less than 100 kilograms. Ocean freight is most economical for large commercial orders.

SAMPLE international shipping rate to Netherlands

The cost via a commercial carrier averages around $150 for up to 10 pounds. Fill in form below for a price estimate.


How-to-Video: Shipping to Europe from Canada

Download accompanying PDF

Dutch Customs Clearance for imports from Canada

Dutch customs generally follow the UE customs processes of other European countries.

When preparing the customs invoice, include a notation  that showing C.I.F value. This Includes value of the items, insurance and freight . Without notation, Dutch Customs assumes the value for duty excludes C.I.F. This leads to assessing higher duty and taxes.

The Value of cargo from Canada to The Netherlands effects duty charges

  • A commercial shipment less than 150 Euros: VAT applies
  • A commercial shipment over €150 : Duty and VAT apply.

European union graphic duty plus VAT

Taxes for cargo imports to The Netherlands:

  • The Netherlands has a Value Add Tax / VAT of 21%. It is on the CIF value (see above) plus duty.
  • Duty charges can be particularly high for textiles, automotive parts and consumer electronics (such as i-phones!). Some goods enjoy a lower VAT rate (6%).

Shipping Personal Effects The Netherlands from Canada

To seek personal effects exemption, a Permit exemption for Personal Effects is necessary. Personal goods from Canada can clear duty free. The conditions include:

  • You have been living outside the EU for at least one year
  • Your are moving your main residence from outside the EU to the Netherlands.

Download personal effects form to The Netherlands: Click here

The following items cannot be clear as personal goods

  • alcoholic products
  • tobacco and tobacco products
  • commercial material and items for professional purposes
  • New items less than 6 months old

Shipping personal goods to the Netherlands

  • Shipping of excess baggage is best when shipping one or several boxes.
  • For transfering an entire household of goods, best contact a moving specialist

Canadian European Free Trade and Duty Free Parcel Import to The Netherlands

European Union countries and Canada benefit from a free trade agreement. Companies benefit from duty free import for Canada origin goods.

CETA Rules of Origin when shipping between the Netherlands and Canada

In order to qualify for zero duty under CETA, a product must be "originating" from Canada or an EU country. The product must be the result of sufficient transformation. Read more: Benefit from Canada's Free Trade Agreements.

Just the purchase and shipping does not grant country of origin status for preferential duty free import. Read more goods that ship from Canada versus  Canadian origin goods.

There are two main methods for determining origin under CETA: The change of tariff classification method and the regional value content method.

  • The change of tariff classification refers to a sufficient change in tariff classification. A result of production or transformation in Canada or the EU.
  • The regional value content method pertains to a certain percentage of its value in Canada or the EU.

There are also specific rules of origin for certain sectors.Textiles, apparel, automotive, and chemicals have different requirements for determining origin. Verify compliance prior to shipping.

Sample origin Statement CETA


Benefit form having a certificate of origin

The country of origin determines if preferential duty free import can apply. It also supports regulatory actions such as quarantine and import quotas.

Read more: Understanding a certificate of origin.


Shipping Options Netherlands from Canada

Canadian International Carrier Options

The shipping options available for sending international from Canada include:

  • Air freight: This is the fastest shipping option with door to door solutions.
  • Ocean freight: Best for pallets large commercial orders
  • Commercial carriers such as FedEx, DHL, UPS and their partners.
  • Canada Post is generally the best option for individuals shipping small shipments and personal items.

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Shipping Cargo via Sea Freight Canada to the Netherlands

The Netherlands is the logistics centre of Europe. Major ports serve as common points between the Netherlands and Canada. 

  • Ports of Export in Canada include Prince Rupert, Montreal and Halifax. We coast cargo can export from Vancouver.
  • Ports for Import to the Netherlands includes Rotterdam and Amsterdam. Antwerp, although in Belgium, is one of the largest  in Europe.  It is useful for cargo to the Netherlands.

Optimal shipping routes depend on the  specific characteristics of your cargo.

LCL Sea Freight to the Netherlands

Less than container load (LCL) is best when shipping one to several pallets. Via this mode of shipping, there is sharing of container space and cost between different consignments. Allow extra transit time for the loading and de-consolidation of the container.

FCL Sea Freight from Canada

Full container load (FCL) is the fastest way to ship via ocean. This can be via either 40 foot or 20 foot container.

Shipping Air versus Ocean

With the many minimum surcharges for ocean shipments, shipping smaller consignments via air is cheaper. This is especially true for door to door shipping. Generally, shipments of less than 100 kilograms are cheaper via air. Cargo over 500 kilograms are much less expensive via ocean.

Shipping packages and parcels from Canada to the Netherlands

The shipping of packages and smaller cargo shipments generally is via the post or courier. Economy air is available for packages as small as 30 kilograms. Fill in form below for a comparison price for parcels to the Netherlands.

The Netherlands is the major hub for e-commerce parcels to the Euro domestic zone. Contact our team for details.

Shipping Netherlands from Canada via Canada Post

Consider Canada post as the best option for individuals to send personal packages to  the Netherlands.  Canada Post shipments import for delivery via PostNL. 

For shipping parcel post packets to The Netherlands from Canada Post

  • Small Packet International Surface, Air, Track Packet
  • International Parcel Surface, Xpresspost
  • Priority Worldwide Pak (via FedEx)
Taxes for gifts shipped to the Netherlands from Canada

To qualify as as a gift, shipping is from an individual to an individual. If you are sending to a friend at work for example, best to ship the gift to their home address.

  • Gifts under €45 (around ~$60 CAD)can be import free of duty and taxes.
  • Gifs more than € 45 but less than €700 are subject to a rate of 2.5% of the value plus VAT.
  • Gifts over € 700 do not qualify for the gift exemption.
  • Gifts containing alcohol or other items with restrictions do not qualify for the gift exemption.

Visit Dutch Customs website directly for up to date information.


Shipping Netherlands from Canada via FedEx and UPS Canada

FedEx and UPS are North America's largest carriers. Along with DHL,  and provide reliable express parcel delivery (along with DHL) from Canada to The Netherlands. Deliver door to door via these carriers. These carriers can be expensive some smaller businesses.

FedEx and UPS shipping Netherlands from Canada services include:

  • International priority-express air Netherlands from Canada
  • International economy air to Netherlands

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Shipping to The Netherlands from Canada via Jet Worldwide

Jet Worldwide partners with the world's leading carriers and European agents to offer low cost delivery for packages, pallets and e-commerce. Economy air freight, ocean containers, and zone jumping via DPD Europe.  Get an easy quote from our team.

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Shipping to The Netherlands from Canada via Purolator Courier

Purolator is among the largest Canadian domestic carrier. Puro offers international shipping options to the Netherlands partner carriers.


Shipping Canadian e-commerce to the EU via Amsterdam

Jet Worldwide has best in class international shipping solutions for Canada's leading e-commerce platforms and sellers. Contact our team for details (minimum volumes are necessary).


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Contact our team for pricing, reverse logistics and support.

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