Question 1

How long does shipping from China to the Netherlands take?

Accepted Answer

Air freight: 5–12 days from departure in China to arrival at Amsterdam Schiphol. Sea freight (LCL): 30–40 days port-to-port to Rotterdam. Sea freight (FCL): 25–35 days plus 2–4 days for Dutch customs and delivery. Express courier: 3–6 days door-to-door.

Question 2

Why is Rotterdam significant for shipping from China?

Accepted Answer

Rotterdam is Europe's largest container port by volume, with extensive weekly sailings from major Chinese ports and deep-water capacity for the largest container vessels. It also functions as a major re-export and consolidation hub for onward EU distribution, which is why many importers use the Netherlands as a regional entry point even when their end customers are elsewhere in Europe.

Question 3

What import duties and VAT apply when shipping from China to the Netherlands?

Accepted Answer

The Netherlands is in the EU Customs Union, so import duty follows the EU's Common External Tariff (TARIC) based on your product's HS code — the same rates as anywhere in the EU. Dutch VAT (BTW) is charged at the standard rate of 21% on most goods, with a reduced 9% rate for some categories. Under Latynex DDP, both duty and Dutch VAT are pre-paid as part of the all-in quote.

Question 4

Do I need an EORI number to import goods into the Netherlands?

Accepted Answer

An EORI number is generally required to file customs declarations as the importer of record in the Netherlands — the exact party responsible depends on your Incoterm and shipment structure. Under DDP, where available, Latynex arranges import customs clearance on your behalf, so you typically don't need to register your own EORI for that shipment. Under DAP, self-managing customs, an EORI must be registered with Dutch customs (Douane).

Question 5

What is the Dutch Article 23 VAT deferment scheme?

Accepted Answer

The Netherlands offers an import VAT deferment license (commonly referred to as an 'Article 23 license') that lets VAT-registered importers declare import VAT on their periodic VAT return instead of paying it at the moment of import, improving cash flow. This is a general feature of Dutch customs policy — whether it applies to your specific shipment depends on your own VAT registration and is worth discussing with a Dutch tax advisor or your customs broker.

Question 6

Can I get DDP shipping from China to the Netherlands?

Accepted Answer

DDP shipping may be available for China–Netherlands shipments on air and sea freight, depending on shipment structure and destination. Where it applies, EU duty and Dutch VAT can be pre-paid as part of the all-in quote, and import customs clearance is arranged on your behalf so you typically don't need to register your own EORI for that shipment. DAP may be more appropriate where you want to control import clearance directly — exact responsibility should always be confirmed before booking. VAT-registered Dutch businesses can typically reclaim the VAT component on their regular return.

Question 7

How do I ship from China to Amazon FBA Netherlands?

Accepted Answer

Latynex handles the FBA supply chain from Chinese supplier to Amazon.nl fulfilment centres: factory collection, FNSKU labeling, carton compliance, export customs, international freight, and import clearance under DDP, with delivery to your assigned FC.

Question 8

Can I use the Netherlands as a hub to distribute across Europe?

Accepted Answer

Yes — this is a common strategy given Rotterdam's role as Europe's largest port and re-export hub. Cargo can be imported into the Netherlands, stored, and then distributed onward to other EU markets. The customs and VAT treatment of this kind of onward movement depends on your specific setup, so it is worth discussing your distribution plan with us before committing to a single-country import strategy.

Question 9

What is the difference between FCL and LCL for shipments to the Netherlands?

Accepted Answer

FCL (Full Container Load) means your cargo fills an entire container and travels without being mixed with other shippers' goods — typically suited to larger shipment volumes. LCL (Less than Container Load) means your cargo shares a container with other shippers' goods and you pay only for the space you use, which includes consolidation and deconsolidation steps at origin and destination. LCL is useful for smaller, regular commercial shipments that don't justify a full container.

Question 10

What information do you need to quote a shipment to the Netherlands?

Accepted Answer

To quote your shipment to the Netherlands we typically need: supplier/pickup city in China, destination city or postcode in the Netherlands, commodity description, carton or pallet count, gross weight, dimensions/total CBM, preferred mode if known (air or sea), FCL or LCL if relevant, cargo ready date, Incoterm if already agreed, dangerous-goods/battery status, and your final-delivery requirement in the Netherlands.

Shipping From China to the Netherlands — Air and Sea

How to Ship From China to the Netherlands

Air Freight — 5–12 Days

Sea Freight — 25–35 Days

Amazon FBA Netherlands

EU Distribution Hub

Express — 3–6 Days

DDP — Delivered Duty Paid

FCL — Full Container Load

LCL — Less Than Container Load

How China to Netherlands Shipping Works

Request a quote with your cargo details

Supplier collection from China

China export warehouse and consolidation

Export customs clearance in China

International freight: air or sea

Arrival in the Netherlands

Dutch import customs clearance

Final delivery to your Dutch address

China → Netherlands: Transit Time and DDP Cost Guide

DDP vs DAP Shipping to the Netherlands — What's the Difference?

Importing Into the Netherlands — What You Need to Know

EU Import Duty (TARIC)

Dutch VAT (BTW)

EORI Number

Rotterdam as an EU Distribution Point

What We Need to Quote Your Shipment to the Netherlands

China–Netherlands Freight — Frequently Asked Questions

Related Services & Routes

Ship From China to the Netherlands — Air or Sea