What can you bring?

Food, medicines, gold, cash and pets from India to the Netherlands.

You may not bring meat, milk or dairy products from outside the European Union; this includes home-made dishes, ghee and sweets made with milk. Fruit, vegetables and plants are restricted. Dry spices, tea and rice for your own use are generally no problem.

You may bring medicines for personal use, preferably in the original packaging with a prescription or doctor's letter. Strong painkillers, sleeping pills and other drugs covered by the Opium Act require an official certificate. Cash of 10,000 euros or more must be declared, and above the allowance you pay import duty and VAT on new purchases, gold and jewellery included.

Dogs and cats from India need a microchip, a rabies vaccination, a blood test and a health certificate. The process takes months, so start in good time. The NVWA sets out the steps.

Useful links

• Dutch Customs belastingdienst.nl
  What you may bring, allowances and declaring cash.
• NVWA nvwa.nl
  Bringing food, plants and pets.
• CAK hetcak.nl
  Certificate for medicines covered by the Opium Act.