How many cigarettes can I take into the Netherlands?
If you are travelling to the Netherlands or returning to the Netherlands after a trip abroad, you can take cigarettes with you. You may have to pay tax. This depends on where you are travelling from and how many cigarettes you take with you.
Choose your situation
From an EU country or Northern Ireland, you can take up to 800 cigarettes for your own use, tax free.
If you are taking other tobacco products to the Netherlands (such as cigars or tobacco), different rules apply.
Find out which rules apply to other tobacco products (Customs)
If you are travelling from a non-EU country to the Netherlands, whether you have to pay tax depends on how many cigarettes you take.
200 cigarettes or less
From a non-EU country, you can take up to 200 cigarettes for your own use, tax free.
More than 200 cigarettes
If you are taking more than 200 cigarettes, please follow these steps:
- Show customs proof that the cigarettes are for your own use. If you cannot do so, customs will confiscate them.
- You have to submit a customs declaration when you arrive in the Netherlands. You will pay import duty, excise and VAT. If you do not submit a customs declaration you may be fined.
If you are taking other tobacco products to the Netherlands (such as cigars or tobacco), different rules apply.
Find out which rules apply to other tobacco products (Customs)
Taking cigarettes with you on the plane
If you are travelling by air, check the rules of the airport and airline as well.
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.