Get started with imports
The theme this month is getting started with importing. From understanding customs regulations to finding the right suppliers, we cover the most important steps to help you make good choices.
Start with these 5 questions before you start importing
There are many reasons to import products from abroad. Finding a lower price is a common reason. Or sometimes you can’t find the right products in the Netherlands, so you have to look abroad. But how do you start importing? If you ask yourself these 5 questions, you’ll be well on your way to getting started with imports.
1. Is there really a market for this product?
You can order products from abroad without making plans. But if you don’t have any customers, then you’ll be stuck with the stock. So before you spend money, do market research and check if there’s demand for your product. Consider your target audience and see how and where they buy products. Also, look at what your competition is doing.
It’s good to know your own strengths and weaknesses. And to look at opportunities and threats in your area of business. Together, this information forms your SWOT analysis. This helps you see what needs extra attention and where you can grow your business.
2. Can I import it into the Netherlands?
You can import almost anything. Especially when it comes to goods from other EU countries. If your product is already approved for import in another EU country, you can import it into the Netherlands as well.
But sometimes there are restrictions. For example, because of international sanctions. Or a product that is forbidden to import, such as fake branded goods. And sometimes you need a licence or extra documents if you are going to import. For licensing, you can think of medicines. When importing animal or plant products, you often need an extra document, such as a health certificate.
3. Where can I find the right supplier?
First, think about what you want from the relationship with a supplier. Should they be able to deliver quickly? Is product quality the most important thing to you? Or the price? An ideal supplier often offers more than just a competitive price.
You can find suppliers in different ways. Online via search engines. But also offline, for example, at trade fairs or via business trips abroad. And various organisations can help you. Those might be Dutch embassies abroad, or the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). Read more about finding business partners. And, importantly, how to find out if they are trustworthy.
4. What laws and regulations are there?
The Netherlands has its own rules when it comes to product requirements. These include, for example, the safety of people, animals, and the environment. These requirements are explained in the Commodities Act. There are also European rules. These are contained in directives that the European member states adopt. An example is CE marking. With this mark, the importer indicates that the product is safe and complies with all European requirements. For example, CE marking can be found ?on machines, toys, medical devices, and electrical appliances.
There are also rules that affect you financially. For example, VAT and import duties. If you buy things within the EU, you do not pay import duties. Are you importing products from outside the EU? Then there usually are import duties. How much you pay depends on the product and the country you are importing from. This is because the EU has trade agreements with some countries. For items made in one of those countries, you often pay less or no import duties.
5. Who arranges the transport of products?
Agree with your supplier who will arrange the transport. And to where. Use Incoterms? for this. These are international delivery terms that make it clear who is responsible for each part of the transport. Have your supplier put the Incoterms? you chose together in the quotation.
Are you responsible for arranging transport yourself? Read how to arrange this, what to think about, and who can help you.
Grow your knowledge of importing
Now that you’ve learned the basics, check out our Import content to explore more articles. For example:
·?????? Find out how to calculate import duties
·?????? Read about import declarations
·?????? Avoid problems by using Incoterms?
·?????? Get to know product requirements
·?????? And learn about importing from inside the EU, from outside the EU, or specific countries
Good luck with your first international orders!
Other news
Subsidies for electric vehicles
Are you thinking about buying a company van or another commercial vehicle? The subsidy scheme for zero-emission commercial vehicles, also known as the SEBA scheme, reopened on 23 April 2024. You can receive subsidy of up to €5,000 per vehicle if it meets the requirements.
If you need to buy or lease a larger vehicle, the purchase subsidy for zero-emission trucks (AanZET), might be a better fit. The current application period closes on 24 May 2024.
The subsidy for electric passenger cars for private individuals (SEPP) can also be interesting for entrepreneurs who use a private vehicle for occasional business use. The available subsidy for new electric cars is €2,950, while you can receive €2,000 for second-hand electric cars. The SEPP subsidy can also be used in combination with private lease contracts. Conditions apply and there is a fixed budget available each year.
Read more about switching to electric driving in the Netherlands.
New rules for international trade
A new free trade treaty between the EU and New Zealand comes into force on 1 May 2024. This will mean less import duties on products with preferential origin from New Zealand. It can also benefit EU businesses exporting to New Zealand. Find out more.
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Event calendar
The following events may be of interest to entrepreneurs who don’t yet speak Dutch.
15 May: Dutch immigration and labour law Hosted by IN Amsterdam, Fragomen, and Russel Advocaten, this seminar looks at immigration and employment law in the Netherlands. Although mainly aimed at private individuals, the information is also useful for self-employed professionals or businesses looking to hire foreign staff. Sign up
23 May: Get a head start with the Netherlands Tax Administration These monthly webinar sessions are called Goede Start met de Belastingdienst. Each event looks at different tax issues new business owners can encounter, and they offer practical advice to smoothly take care of your tax matters. The live webinars are only available in Dutch, but you can watch the video stream later with English subtitles. Sign up
19 June: Q&A Starting a business This free online seminar is a collaboration between KVK, Business.gov.nl, and IN Amsterdam. Save up your questions and get expert advice on a variety of topics that matter when you start a business. Sign up
If you feel a bit more confident understanding Dutch, KVK hosts regular events, online or in-person.
More inspiration
We’ll be back next month with a new topic and more inspiration for entrepreneurs. If you can’t wait, there’s lots more English-language info to discover on KVK.nl/en.?