Customs Services

Seabourne Logistics offers customs services in the Netherlands for international companies importing into or exporting from the EU. Our AEO-certified customs team handles import and export customs clearance by air, sea, road and rail, with offices in Rotterdam, Hoofddorp and Eindhoven directly linked to Dutch Customs. As an established customs broker, we treat clearance as part of your supply chain, not as a separate handover, so your goods clear the border on time, with predictable cost and compliance.

✓ Customs services tailored to your import and export volumes

✓ AEO-certified team and direct Dutch Customs links for fast clearance

✓ One partner for customs clearance, freight and warehousing

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Customs clearance built into your operation

As an established customs broker with offices across 13 countries and 5 continents, we know clearance is most efficient when it sits inside your supply chain rather than alongside it. We work with importers, exporters, e-commerce businesses and project teams that ship through the Netherlands, handling classifications, declarations and authorisations as part of the same flow as their freight and warehousing. Our customs team consists of licensed, experienced brokers, so your classifications, declarations and authorisations stay in expert hands as your volumes and trade lanes shift.

Across every trade route and regime, our customs services are backed by 24/7 support from approved customs brokers in AEO-certified offices that cover the world’s major trade lanes. We have handled customs for clients ranging from SMEs to listed multinationals, across imports from Asia, exports to the United States, intra-EU movements and the trade flows that emerged after Brexit.

Import and export customs clearance

Our customs services cover full clearance for goods entering and leaving the Netherlands, by air, sea, road and rail. We prepare import and export declarations, manage origin and transit documentation, and use our AEO status to pre-clear shipments where possible, so goods move from carrier to consignee with minimal hold time at the border.

Customs documentation and classification

From HS classification to invoice legalisation, we prepare the paperwork that keeps shipments compliant. That includes EUR.1, ATR and CVO origin documents, T1 transit declarations, Certificates of Origin, and the detailed classifications that determine duty and VAT for your goods.

AEO-certified clearance and pre-arrival declarations

Authorised Economic Operator status, granted by Dutch Customs, marks Seabourne as a trusted partner across all our customs offices. AEO clients benefit from fewer physical inspections, faster clearance, and the ability to use simplifications such as pre-arrival declarations and Remote Location Filing for goods declared from one site.

Compliance consultancy and training

Beyond day-to-day clearance, our customs services include compliance audits, import and export compliance training, and consultancy on classification, valuation and origin. We also support Brexit-affected trade flows and adapt your processes to keep declarations clean as regulations change.

Fiscal representation in the Netherlands

For non-Dutch companies importing into the EU, fiscal representation lets you defer import VAT under Article 23 and operate without a Dutch entity. Together with our specialist partners, we provide full fiscal representation as part of our customs services.

Why choose Seabourne customs services

AEO-certified customs department with licensed customs brokers
Tailored customs solutions, no standard packages
Import and export clearance, including express courier and e-commerce flows
Strategic Netherlands locations: Hoofddorp, Rotterdam and Eindhoven
Specialist partners for fiscal representation and Article 23 VAT
33 Seabourne offices across 13 countries on 5 continents
Personal account management with transparent SLAs and 24/7 support

More than clearance: supporting customs services

Alongside day-to-day clearance, our customs services include the consultancy, simplifications and support that keep your operation efficient.

✓ Remote Location Filing (RLF)
✓ Duty drawback and reconciliation
✓ Classification and value assistance
✓ Dangerous goods documentation
✓ Brexit consultancy

✓ Bonds and insurance services
✓ Paperless declarations
✓ Compliance audits and training
✓ Permit applications and temporary import/export
✓ Import compliance consulting

The Netherlands as your customs gateway to Europe

The Netherlands is one of Europe’s busiest customs gateways for goods entering and leaving the EU. Our customs services run from three strategic locations: Rotterdam near the Port of Rotterdam (Europe’s largest port), Hoofddorp near Amsterdam Schiphol (a key European air cargo hub) and Eindhoven in the high-tech corridor. From these gateways, we support imports from Asia, the United States and the United Kingdom, exports to global markets, and intra-EU movements where customs implications remain.

We watch every declaration through the system

From the moment a declaration is filed, we monitor its progress through Dutch Customs and step in early when an entry is flagged for inspection, a classification is queried or a document is missing. Our team works with carriers, customs authorities and your shipper to resolve issues before they become delays, and your account manager keeps you informed without you having to chase.

Industries and shipments we know inside out

Our customs services cover declarations across the sectors Seabourne supports every day: technology and electronics, industrial and manufacturing, pharma and healthcare (covered in full on our pharma and healthcare transport page), automotive, e-commerce and e-fulfilment, cosmetics and skincare, and dangerous goods. We also support the trade flows with the most customs complexity: post-Brexit UK movements, bonded transit under T1, regulated goods requiring permits, and project shipments needing bespoke documentation.

Seabourne Logistics has been in international logistics since 1962, and today operates as part of The Santova Group’s global logistics network. Our customs services run from the Netherlands and cover every step from classification to border release: HS coding, declarations, origin paperwork, AEO simplifications and fiscal representation, while customs, freight and warehousing stay under one partner. That gives you one contract, fewer handovers and a supply chain that crosses borders on time.

We deliver. Worldwide. Always.

Fiscal Representation >

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a customs broker and a freight forwarder?

The roles overlap: a customs broker handles clearance and compliance at the border, while a freight forwarder manages the transport and logistics of a shipment. Many providers, Seabourne included, do both. With our own AEO-certified customs team, your declarations, documentation and transport stay with one partner. More on our freight services page.
What does AEO certification mean and why does it matter for customs clearance?

AEO (Authorised Economic Operator) is a status granted by Dutch Customs to operators that meet strict criteria on financial standing, compliance and security. For your shipments, working with an AEO-certified customs broker means fewer physical inspections, faster clearance, and the ability to use simplifications such as pre-arrival declarations and Remote Location Filing.
What is the difference between direct and indirect customs representation?

Direct representation means the customs broker files declarations in your name and on your behalf, with your company on record as importer. Indirect representation means the broker files in their own name on your behalf, taking joint liability. Seabourne offers both and advises which fits your VAT, fiscal representation and risk preferences.
Does Seabourne handle customs clearance for all freight modes?

Yes. We clear shipments arriving or leaving by air, sea, road and rail, including courier and e-commerce flows. Customs clearance is also integrated with our freight services when you book transport and clearance together, so declarations are prepared before the goods arrive.
Does Seabourne combine customs clearance with fiscal representation?

Yes. Together with our specialist partner Taxperience, we provide fiscal representation for non-Dutch companies importing into the EU, including Article 23 VAT deferral. That lets you defer import VAT to your periodic return rather than paying it at the border, with customs clearance and VAT handled on the same timeline.
What documents does Seabourne need to clear my shipment?

For a standard import or export declaration, we typically need the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, EORI number, and any origin documents (EUR.1, ATR, CVO) for preferential treatment. For specific cargo we may also need certificates such as health, dangerous goods, dual-use or import licences. Our team will confirm what applies to your shipment when you submit your details.
Where are Seabourne's customs offices in the Netherlands?
Can I combine customs with freight and warehousing under one partner?

Yes. Many clients combine our customs services with freight, warehousing and fiscal representation, so transport, clearance, storage and VAT all run on one contract with a single point of contact. That removes the handover gaps between customs and the rest of your supply chain.

Warehousing Services

E-Fulfilment Services

Courier Services

Freight Services

Pharma & Healthcare Solutions