HOLLAND

Switzerland-Netherlands bilateral relations

Relations are excellent; economic, cultural and individual exchange is intense, friendly and direct. Switzerland and the Netherlands have similar political, economic and social conceptions.

Economic cooperation

The Netherlands is an important economic partner of Switzerland, and bilateral trade has been constant for years. Switzerland usually has a trade deficit with the Netherlands, which is one of the main destination countries for Swiss direct investment. At the end of 2014, the Kingdom of the Netherlands was the top investor in Switzerland by a total amount of CHF 189 billion.

 

Business languages

Dutch, German, English.

 

Weights and measures

Metric

 

Currency

National currency: euro
ISO code: EUR

 

Customs Tariff

Harmonized system; customs clearance based on transaction value.

 

Import control

EU goods are subject to free movement. Invoices with traditional trade indications are required for import of non-EU goods. Pharmaceutical medical products must be registered.
Aruba and the Netherlands Antilles are considered third-country areas.
Business tax: 21% (reduced rate: 6%).
A refund of turnover tax is possible.

 

Payment terms and offers

In trade with solvent importers, forward payments are accepted as domestically.

 

Indications of origin

Origin markings on goods and crates are not required.

 

Marking/labeling

Special regulations for packaging, marking, marking and “value goods” apply to: foodstuffs, margarine, dairy products, meat, meat derivatives, fat, fish, shellfish and seafood, eggs, vinegar, wine, liquor, beer and spices, carpets, paper, gas masks, capoc, bedding, crystal, detergents, radioactive substances, textiles.

 

Packaging

The EU directive requires that wood packaging material must be made of debarked wood logs. This EU regulation goes beyond the treatment required by ISPM 15 standards.

 

Patterns and samples of goods

Samples with no commercial value are exempt from customs duty.