The Netherlands has long been an attractive destination for entrepreneurs who want to grow or build their import-export businesses. The country location, logistics infrastructure, ports, and access to the European Union market makes it ideal choice for launching import-export business.
As per reports, in 2025 the Dutch goods exports were around €655 billion and imports reached approximately €582 billion. The data clearly show the scale of international trade flowing through the country.
For entrepreneurs planning to start import-export business in 2027, this import-export data showcase a clear business opportunities. Now all that is left is choosing the right product in the right category and you’re good to go. For that you need to understand demand, supplier reliability, import duties, VAT, customs, product requirements, logistics, and business structure before you start trading.
After that you can build an import business, export business, wholesale operation, trading company, distribution business, or e-commerce model around specific products and markets.
When it comes to starting an import-export business no single product can guarantee success in the international trade. The best import-export idea depends on demand, margins, compettions, regulations, sourcing cost and product distribution efficiency. Here are some import and export business ideas worth considering for 2027.
One of the most lucrative categories in the Netherlands to start an import-export business is the Food industry. Recent published reports suggest that from January to July 2026, Dutch goods exports included around €53.8 billion in food and live animals based on change of ownership.
You can capitlize on this business opportunity and source specialty food products from other countries and distribute them in the Netherlands or wider EU market. Potential niches include:
Next, attractive category for launching an import-export trading business is in the electroins and consumer technology. You can source consumer electronics products and accessories distribute them through Dutch wholesalers, retailers, marketplaces, or their own e-commerce channels.
If you’re planning to import-export product in any of the above mentioned niche category make sure to verify the applicable requirements before placing them on the European market.
Another industry to explore the import-export business idea in the Netherlands is machinery and transport equipment. Reports showcase that from January to July 2026 exports in this category were worth approximately €110.3 billion. Thus making the industrial product category an interesting domain to launch a busienss.
The next category you can explore launching an import-export business in the Netherlands in 2026 is the energy efficiency and renewable energy products. Before entering this domain access the opportunity product by product.
You don’t need to be a manufacturer for exporting renewable energy products. All you need is EU specific products and solid distribution channels so that these products reaches the end consumer.
The Netherlands has a highly developed agricultural and horticultural trading ecosystem. There’s an opportunities for entrepreneurs working with agricultural products, ingredients, flowers, plants, seeds, and related goods. Depending on the product, a business could operate as:
Report suggests that Duth export of chemical and related products reaches approximately €61.6 billion in January to July 2026. This makes chemical and industrial material an interesting domain to launch an import-export business in 2027.
It’s a specialized B2B niches such as industrial materials, manufacturing inputs, and chemical products. However, this is a highly regulated area. Businesses should not enter chemical trading simply because the market appears profitable. Product classification, safety documentation, storage, transport, environmental requirements, and EU chemical regulations can all affect the business model.
If you’re a first time entrepreneurs, we recommend importing or exporting chemicals products that are less regulated and therefore easier to enter.
International beauty and personal care products can also offer opportunities for starting an import-export business in Europe. This idea become more lucrative when you choose to a product has an established customer base in one market but limited availability in Europe.
An import business could focus on:
Cosmetics imported into the EU are subject to specific requirements. For example, KVK notes that cosmetics may need registration in the EU’s Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP). This means product compliance should be checked before importing rather than after the first shipment arrives.
First decide whether you will operate as an importer, exporter, wholesaler, distributor, commercial agent, or e-commerce business. Your role affects how you manage inventory, contracts, logistics, margins, and regulatory responsibilities.
Many international entrepreneurs establish a Dutch BV through Dutch BV company formation for an import-export trading business. A BV is a separate legal entity and can provide a structured base for operating in the Netherlands. The appropriate structure should be evaluated based on ownership, liability, tax considerations, expected activities, and plans for future expansion.
A business operating in the Netherlands generally needs to be registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK). The registration records the company’s business activities and other relevant details. For a trading company, it is important that the registered activities accurately reflect what the company intends to do.
If your business imports goods from or exports goods to countries outside the EU, you will generally need EORI number registration when dealing with customs. The EORI number identifies your business in customs procedures. For exports from the Netherlands outside the EU, KVK confirms that an EORI number is required for the export declaration.
VAT registration is another important part of an import-export business. The VAT treatment depends on where the goods are purchased, where they enter the EU, where they are sold, and whether the transaction is domestic, intra-EU, or international. A business trading across several EU countries may also need to consider specific VAT reporting schemes and registrations depending on its sales structure.
If you import goods from outside the EU, you need to understand the applicable customs requirements before ordering stock. The amount of import duty depends on factors such as the product’s classification and origin. KVK explains that the TARIC code is used to determine applicable EU customs duties and certain additional requirements. You should therefore establish the correct product classification before calculating your final landed cost.
Importers are responsible for ensuring that products placed on the European market meet applicable requirements. Depending on the product, this may involve:
Having an excellent import-export business idea is one this but you needs a reliable supply chain to become successful. Before placing orders, agree with suppliers on:
You should also determine whether you will work with a freight forwarder, customs broker, warehouse, or fulfillment provider.
Tax planning is particularly important for an import-export business because several different taxes and charges can affect the final cost of goods.
When importing goods from outside the EU, businesses may need to account for import duties and import VAT. The duty depends on the product and its classification. The VAT treatment depends on the applicable transaction and business circumstances, making VAT advisory important when planning cross-border trade.
For businesses importing goods into the Netherlands, the Article 23 license can also be relevant. Eligible businesses can use an Article 23 permit to account for import VAT through their VAT return rather than paying the import VAT immediately at customs. This can be particularly useful for businesses that regularly import goods and want to manage cash flow more efficiently.
Starting an import-export business involves commercial decisions as well as tax and compliance planning. The structure you choose can affect how you manage VAT, import costs, accounting, and transactions with suppliers and customers.
FlorinTax helps international entrepreneurs understand the tax and accounting side of establishing and operating a trading business in the Netherlands. Depending on your business model we provide company setup guidance, VAT registration and compliance, corporate tax, accounting, import VAT considerations, and ongoing tax reporting.
Before moving further, getting the tax implications assessed before you invest in inventory can help you build a more accurate picture of your costs and potential margins.
The Netherlands offers a strong environment for entrepreneurs looking to build an import-export business in Europe. Food and agricultural products, electronics, machinery, sustainable technologies, are among the areas worth exploring for 2027.
But, the most profitable opportunity is not necessarily the product with the highest demand. The success of an import-export business depends on a number of factors such as market demand, reliable suppliers, workable margins, manageable regulations, efficient logistics, and a sound tax structure.
Before launching this is what you can do. Research your target market, calculate the full landed cost of your products, check EU product requirements, arrange the appropriate customs and VAT registrations. Make sure your import-export business structure supports your long-term plans.
If you are planning to start an import-export business in the Netherlands, FlorinTax can help you understand the tax, VAT, accounting, and compliance requirements involved in building your Dutch trading operation.
Planning your import-export business for 2027? Talk to FlorinTax about setting up the right tax and compliance foundation for your Dutch trading business.
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The article highlights food and specialty food products, electronics and consumer technology, machinery and industrial equipment, renewable energy products, agricultural products and horticulture, chemicals and industrial materials, and cosmetics and personal care products. Pasted markdown
The Netherlands has strong logistics infrastructure, major ports, and access to the European Union market. Its large volume of international trade also creates opportunities for importers, exporters, wholesalers, distributors, and trading businesses. Pasted markdown
A business operating in the Netherlands generally needs to register with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK). For a trading company, its registered business activities should accurately reflect what it intends to do.
If a business imports goods from or exports goods to countries outside the EU, it will generally need an EORI number for customs procedures. The EORI number identifies the business when dealing with customs.
VAT requirements depend on where goods are purchased, where they enter the EU, where they are sold, and whether transactions are domestic, intra-EU, or international. Businesses trading across multiple EU countries may also need additional VAT registrations or reporting arrangements. Pasted markdown
