Useful information on international removals

The thought of having to arrange an international removal will cause some serious stress with most people. A good reason to start on time and to prepare well for all aspects you will come across. SCL Rotterdam offers some general and useful information on this page that might be of help. Information will be added to this page frequently in the next couple of months, so please check back soon! Do you have other questions of would you like to discuss what SCL can do for your international removal? Please don't hesitate to contact us.

Is there anything I should know if I am moving to or from the Netherlands?

Dutch Customs has set some groundrules for international removals of household goods. For example, there is a distinct difference between moving from and to EU-countries and countries outside the EU. Different rules might also apply to differents kinds of goods. You can read more on this at the Dutch Customs' Website.

I would like to move my vehicle with me. Can you give me some tips?

Be sure to apply for a Dutch Import License as soon as possible! Dutch Customs is legally allowed to take up to 8 weeks to approve and provide your license. (Normally this will take anywhere between 1 and 3 weeks)
Make sure you keep the vehicle's spare key in your own possession.
Check before shipping if your vehicle contains sufficient oil and cool fluids.
Check if your vehicle's tire tension is ok.
Check if your vehicle's battery is in good condition to prevent an empty or dead battery upon arrival.
If possible, disable or turn off your vehicle's alarm system to avoid delays at loading and unloading.
If needed, make a list with start codes or starting procedures if your vehicle does not start using the key to avoid delays at loading or unloading.
Before shipping, have your car checked up by your local garage for any damaged or worn-out parts. Repairs or replacements are often cheaper at your country of origin and will possibly improve your chances at a smooth Dutch technical approval.
Make sure your vehicle is filled up with no more gasoline than 1/8 of the tank's capacity.
If you are planning to ship personal goods together with the vehicle, please provide a packinglist for us to use when declaring the goods at Dutch Customs.