Ultimate Guide to VAT Refunds and Customs at Amsterdam Airport
If you are thinking about where you must plan your next vacation, then there is no better country than the Netherlands. This active and diverse country provides a numerous and exciting experience of history, culture, and landscapes. The country never leaves the fans disappointed especially those who have a passion for shopping since the Netherlands is endowed with markets, fashionable boutiques, and designer stores. However, in shopping centers like Leidsestraat in Amsterdam for instance, you find that items are sold with a 21% VAT. Fortunately, as a non-EU visitor, one can get a VAT refund on goods purchased in the Netherlands.
In this guide, you'll learn how to reclaim your tax money and navigate customs regulations at Amsterdam Airport, ensuring a smooth and rewarding shopping experience.
How Much is VAT in the Amsterdam Airport?
In the Netherlands, you'll mostly come across the standard VAT rate of 21%. There are also two special rates. The first is a 9% rate, which applies to things like food and drink, agricultural products, medicines, books, and newspapers. The second is a 0% rate, which applies to exports, such as international transport and goods sold to non-EU countries.
How Much VAT Can You Get Back in Amsterdam Airport?
The amount of VAT you can get back depends on the VAT rate applied to your purchases. However, keep in mind that the refund service providers or retailers might charge a processing fee. This fee can vary and will be deducted from your refund. So, the actual amount you receive may be different in each case.
Who Can Get a VAT Refund at the Amsterdam Airport?
To be eligible for a VAT refund in the Netherlands, you must meet these conditions:
- You live outside the EU and can show proof of your residence.
- You will take the products with you in your luggage within three months after the purchase.
- The total value on the invoice is at least €50, including VAT.
How to Get a VAT Refund in the Netherlands
When you arrive in the Netherlands, start thinking about your VAT refund right away. The process begins with your first purchase.
There are two ways to apply for a VAT refund: at the Amsterdam Airport or online.
At the Amsterdam Airport:
#1. Collect the Necessary Forms from Participating Stores When You Make a Purchase.
- Fill out the forms and keep your receipts.
Online:
- Download the 'NL Customs VAT app before arriving in the Netherlands.
- Register on the app using your passport.
- Process of getting Tax in the Netherlands
#2. Receive a Tax Exemption Form
Without the App, at the Amsterdam Airport:
- When you make a purchase, ask for a receipt.
- Confirm that the retailer will refund the VAT.
With the App:
- Ask the retailer to issue the invoice in your name and register it digitally right after the purchase.
Note that some retailers may not support the digital VAT reclaim process. If that’s the case, use the offline process described above.
#3. Have the Forms Stamped
Without the App, at the Amsterdam Airport:
- When leaving the EU, ask Customs to sign your receipt.
- Customs will check your eligibility for a VAT refund.
- Send the signed invoice to the retailer or your tax refund intermediary.
With the App:
- Go near the customs desk with your app open.
- Turn on 'Bluetooth' and 'Location'/'Location Services'.
- Request validation for your VAT refund application in the app. The app will tell you if you need to report to the customs desk with your purchases.
- Once your application is validated in the app, you can receive your refund.
Locations of the Tax Refund and Opening Times at the Amsterdam Airport
- Accessible to all visitors and passengers
- Before Security (2 locations)
- Located opposite Check-in 28–30
- Global Blue: Departures 3
- Planet & Innova Tax Refund - Departures 3
- Open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Once your application is validated in the app, you can receive your refund
What Can and Cannot Be Brought to Amsterdam Airport?
When you travel to or from the Netherlands, you can bring most things with you, but there are rules for some items. These rules apply to drinks, tobacco, medicines, meat, fish, products made from protected animals and plants, and large amounts of money.
Customs Rules for Traveling to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Customs checks what you bring into the Netherlands. While you can bring many items, there are strict rules. Certain items are completely prohibited and should never be packed in your luggage:
- Drugs like hashish, cocaine, heroin, crystal meth, or any other narcotics
- Real or fake weapons, pepper spray, ammunition, or explosives
- Items made from protected or endangered animal and plant species, such as crocodile leather shoes or jewelry made of ivory
Navigating Customs: What You Can Bring to the Amsterdam (AMS) Airport
Different rules apply if you want to bring these items into the Netherlands:
- Medicines: You need to follow specific regulations for bringing medicines.
- Counterfeit products: Bringing counterfeit items is not allowed.
- Pets: There are rules for bringing pets into the country.
- Meat, fish, and dairy: Regulations govern bringing these food items.
- Vegetables, fruits, flowers, and plants: There are guidelines for bringing these natural products.
- Ancient or antique items: Specific rules apply to these types of items.
- Large sums of cash: There are regulations concerning bringing significant amounts of money.
Taxable Items and Limits for Imports into the Netherlands
Certain items may attract taxes when imported into the Netherlands:
- Prohibited items include drugs, weapons, and endangered species.
- If you are carrying €10,000 or more in cash out of the EU, you must declare it.
When Traveling Out of the Netherlands, There Are Customs Regulations You Must Follow:
- Each country has its own rules regarding animal products, food, and plants.