Since January 2026, Dutch customs uses digital validation for purchases made in the Netherlands.
Your Dutch purchases must be digitally registered with customs:
Partner stores: Purchases are registered automatically by the store and submitted to customs.
Non-partner stores or online purchases: Register your purchase via our app or website before departure and before passing customs.
We recommend downloading the NL Customs VAT App to check whether your purchases are correctly registered. In most cases, visiting the customs desk is no longer necessary.
At the airport:
Open the NL Customs VAT App.
Enable location services (GPS) and Bluetooth.
Request VAT validation in the app.
The app will indicate whether:
validation is completed immediately, or
you need to visit the customs desk for an additional check.
You may also visit the customs desk directly, where an officer can locate your purchases by scanning your passport.
If you purchased goods in another EU country and leave the EU via Schiphol:
Visit the customs desk.
Customs will place a manual (ink) stamp as proof of export.
Digital validation does not apply to non-Dutch purchases.
⚠️ Important:
Your receipt must show your name, country of residence, and passport number.
If this information is missing, bring a Tax-Free form.
Bring your purchased items (if requested), passport, boarding pass, and — if you hold an EU passport — proof of residence outside the EU.
After customs, upload a photo of the stamped receipt or Tax-Free form to your claim.
€50 per store per day for purchases made in the Netherlands.
Location: Departure Hall 3 (before check-in and security)
Desk hours: 06:00 – 22:00
⚠️ Customs officers are available 24/7.
If the desk is closed, use the phone numbers displayed at the customs desk. A customs officer will come to assist you if needed.
+31 88 158 3900 (06:00 – 22:30)
+31 88 158 3440 (22:30 – 06:00)
Digital validation: automatically registered — no upload required.
Manual stamp: upload the stamped document to your claim.
You will receive email updates as your refund progresses and when payment details can be submitted.