The Netherlands is Europe's premier e-commerce hub. We handle the Article 23 VAT deferment, EORI registration, IOSS/OSS compliance, and 3PL integration that makes Rotterdam your gateway to 450 million EU consumers.
Defer import VAT instead of paying at the border. Essential for container imports via Rotterdam.
Import One-Stop Shop for low-value B2C shipments directly from non-EU countries to EU consumers.
One-Stop Shop for B2C sales from EU stock to consumers in other EU countries. One return covers all.
Economic Operators Registration and Identification—required for any business importing or exporting goods.
"IOSS is essential for non-EU sellers shipping directly to European consumers. It prevents your customers from being hit with surprise handling fees and customs delays at the door."
— Thomas, Logistics & Tax Advisor
| Your Model | Required Setup | VAT Scheme |
|---|---|---|
| Dropship from China/Asia Direct B2C, goods ≤€150 | IOSS intermediary (no EU entity needed) | IOSS |
| Container imports to EU warehouse B2B distribution, high volume | Dutch BV + Article 23 + EORI + 3PL | Standard + OSS |
| Amazon FBA (multi-country stock) EU fulfillment network | VAT registration per stock location | Local + OSS |
| Single EU warehouse, pan-EU sales Centralized fulfillment | Dutch BV (or VAT only) + OSS | OSS |
Europe's largest port handles 14 million containers annually. Combined with the Netherlands' best-in-class logistics infrastructure, it's the natural choice for EU distribution.
Do you need a Dutch BV or VAT-only registration? Depends on inventory ownership, banking needs, and contract requirements.
Dutch VAT registration, EORI number, and Article 23 license for import VAT deferment.
Connection to our Rotterdam 3PL network. Customs broker setup for import clearance.
VAT returns, Intrastat, and annual accounts. We handle filings so you focus on sales.
From e-commerce to wholesale: we help entrepreneurs set up the right structure, handle VAT and customs compliance, and connect you with logistics partners
It's navigating VAT, customs, and compliance across multiple European jurisdictions
Answer a few questions to get personalized guidance for your European expansion
Get strategic guidance from our team. We'll help you choose the right structure, handle compliance, and connect you with the right partners.
Get a Custom QuoteEverything you need to trade compliantly across European borders
OSS, local VAT, or multi-country setup. We register you in the right jurisdictions and handle ongoing compliance.
Establish your EU entity in the Netherlands, Ireland, or Nordic countries with proper substance and director arrangements. Or skip entity formation and use fiscal representation.
Economic Operators Registration number for imports, customs procedures, and bonded warehouse arrangements.
Trade without forming a local entity. We connect you with qualified fiscal representatives in Netherlands, Belgium, and other EU countries.
Access competitive warehousing rates through our Zendeq platform. Get quotes from vetted 3PL partners across Europe.
Monthly VAT returns, intrastat reporting, annual accounts. We connect you with accountants who understand cross-border trade.
A typical timeline from strategy consultation to compliant European operations
We analyze your business model, sales channels, target markets, and current setup to determine the optimal structure—entity formation or fiscal representation.
Week 1Receive your personalized plan with clear costs and timelines. We prepare all necessary documentation for company formation, VAT registration, and customs setup.
Weeks 2-3Establish your company (if needed) or appoint fiscal representative. Handle chamber of commerce registration, director arrangements, and substance requirements.
Weeks 3-6Register for VAT (OSS and/or local), obtain EORI number for imports, and set up customs clearance procedures and import VAT deferment.
Weeks 4-8Open business bank accounts, connect payment processing, and establish warehouse/3PL partnerships through our fulfillment network.
Weeks 6-10Start trading compliantly. We connect you with accountants for ongoing VAT returns and remain available for questions as you scale.
Week 10+Choose the setup that fits your business model—no hidden fees
If you are already in the EU, cross-border expansion is mostly about VAT strategy and warehouse placement. If you are coming from outside, you face bigger decisions about structure and substance.
The fundamental question: do you need a full European entity or can you use fiscal representation? There is no universal answer. Some businesses test with fiscal rep and transition later. Others run profitably on fiscal rep long-term. Some need the full entity from day one for banking, credibility, or tax planning. The Dutch setup is one common example of how these choices play out.
Then there is logistics and market selection. Where you warehouse inventory affects VAT obligations, shipping costs, and delivery speed. Different European hubs suit different business models, and each regional market has its own characteristics worth understanding.
The real challenge is not incorporation. That is straightforward. It is making the right strategic choices about structure, jurisdiction, VAT setup, and fulfillment infrastructure before you commit capital and start trading.
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