Two charges for every parcel
The EU removed its €22 VAT exemption in 2021, so VAT applies to every import from the first euro. In the Netherlands the standard rate is 21%. For parcels worth up to €150, marketplaces such as DHgate can collect VAT at checkout through the Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS), so the parcel clears without a further charge. Since 1 July 2026, the EU also charges a temporary flat customs duty of €3 for each different item category, meaning tariff sub-heading, in parcels up to €150 sent to consumers under IOSS. It is scheduled to run until 1 July 2028. The Netherlands is DHgate's fourth-largest market for spreadsheet searches, about 880 a month.
How the €3 duty works
| Parcel contents (under €150) | Categories | EU duty |
|---|---|---|
| Ten identical t-shirts | 1 | €3 |
| A t-shirt and a cap | 2 | €6 |
| Shoes, a hoodie and a belt | 3 | €9 |
It is €3 per category, not per item. Above €150, normal duty rates apply to the goods instead, with VAT on top.
Group similar items in one parcel and keep the number of categories low to limit the new duty.
If VAT was not collected at checkout
If an order does not use IOSS, PostNL or the courier collects the VAT on delivery and adds a handling fee, which on a cheap order can be a large share of the total. Check at checkout whether VAT is included. Agents with EU tax-inclusive lines, such as Sugargoo, build this in.
Delivery to Amsterdam
Economy lines usually take two to four weeks to the Netherlands; couriers about a week. LoongBuy reported in 2026 that China Post services to EU countries were temporarily suspended, so commercial lines are more common.
DHgate direct or an agent from the Netherlands
For one or two items in one category, DHgate direct is simple. For hauls, an agent parcel with grouped categories can cost less in duty and fees than several DHgate parcels each paying €3 per category. Litbuy, Hipobuy and Oopbuy have their largest audiences in Germany, next door, while BBDBuy and Lovegobuy lead in France; check the status index. Use the calculator to compare.
Seizures and product rules
Dutch customs seize trademark-infringing goods, and EU product-safety rules apply to toys, electrical goods and cosmetics. Jewelry must meet EU nickel limits; our jewelry page explains. Seized goods are not refunded.
Returns from the Netherlands
EU consumer rights apply to EU sellers; DHgate disputes follow DHgate's own rules. International returns are expensive, so measure first and vet sellers with our checklist.
A Dutch buyer's checklist
- Confirm VAT is included at checkout (IOSS).
- Count item categories, not items, when estimating the €3 duty.
- Group similar items into one parcel.
- Check nickel-free claims on jewelry.
- Skip branded goods.
A worked example
Say you order two hoodies and a cap from one DHgate seller for €70 including shipping, with IOSS. VAT at 21% is collected at checkout. The parcel holds two categories, hoodies and caps, so the EU duty is €6. Order the same items from two different sellers and each parcel carries its own duty: €3 for the hoodies and €3 for the cap, the same total here, but with two lots of shipping. Add shoes from a third seller and you pay another €3 plus another shipment. Consolidating in one agent parcel keeps it to one shipment, though each category still counts.
FAQ
Do I pay VAT on DHgate orders to the Netherlands?
Yes, 21% from the first euro, ideally collected at checkout under IOSS.
What is the €3 EU duty?
Since 1 July 2026, a €3 customs duty per different item category in parcels up to €150 sent to consumers.
Is the €3 duty per item?
No, per item category; ten identical t-shirts count once.
What if VAT is not charged at checkout?
PostNL or the courier collects it on delivery with a handling fee.
How long does DHgate take to the Netherlands?
Economy lines usually two to four weeks; couriers about a week.
Does the €3 duty apply above €150?
No; above €150, normal customs duty rates apply instead, plus VAT.