Can I take animals, plants and natural objects into the Netherlands?
If you are travelling to the Netherlands or returning to the Netherlands after a trip abroad, there are rules on taking animals, plants and natural objects with you. The rules that apply in your case depend on what you want to take.
Select what you want to take with you
You can take stones, gems and minerals with you.
You cannot take coral with you. Of large shells, you can only take the following quantities:
- Giant clam: 3 clams. 2 halves put together count as 1 clam. The clams’ total weight must not exceed 3 kilos.
- Karkó/conch shell: 3 empty shells. You cannot take this shell out of the Caribbean parts of the Netherlands.
Small shells found lying on the beach can be taken with you.
You cannot take souvenirs made of ivory, such as small figures or jewellery.
Whether you can take plants, bulbs and seeds depends on the country from which you are travelling to the Netherlands. Check the list of EU countries and select your situation.
I am travelling from an EU country, Liechtenstein, Northern Ireland or Switzerland
You can take plants, bulbs and seeds into the Netherlands.
I am travelling from a non-EU country or the Canary Islands
You can take dried plants with you.
If you want to take other plants, bulbs or seeds into the Netherlands you will need a phytosanitary certificate stating that the plants, bulbs and seeds are free of disease. You can apply to the authorities in the country you are travelling from to the Netherlands for a phytosanitary certificate.
If you need a phytosanitary certificate and do not have one with you when you arrive in the Netherlands, customs will confiscate the products.
Find out more about taking plants, bulbs and seeds into the Netherlands (NVWA) (information in Dutch)
Orchids
You can only take cultivated orchids with you. You cannot bring products containing salep into the Netherlands. Salep is made from the tubers of a protected type of orchid.
Cactuses
You cannot take endangered cactuses or souvenirs made from endangered cactuses with you. For example, a rainstick (dried cactus filled with seeds that makes a sound like falling rain when shaken).
You cannot take souvenirs made from sea turtles with you. These include jewellery, combs and spectacle frames. You also cannot take entire sea turtle shells.
You cannot take souvenirs made from macaw, parakeet or cockatoo feathers with you. These include pens, jewellery and headdresses.
You cannot take items of clothing, caps or hats made from protected species with you. You can read more about protected species on the website of Customs.
You cannot take bags and shoes made from protected species with you. These include snakeskin bags and crocodile skin boots. You can read more about protected species on the website of Customs.
Taking protected animals or plants with you
You can take certain protected animals or plants with you if you have a permit. Find out whether you need a permit and how to apply for one on the website of the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA).
Check whether you need a permit and how to apply (information in Dutch)
If you need a permit, and cannot show one when you arrive in the Netherlands, customs will confiscate your items and may impose a fine.
Taking animals, plants and natural objects on the plane
If you are travelling by air, check the rules of the airport and airline as well. For example, on sharp objects.
Contact
If you want to know whether you can take an item into the Netherlands, send a photo to customs via Facebook, X or Instagram. You can also call the Customs Information Line (DouaneTelefoon).
If you have a question about anything else, contact NetherlandsWorldwide.