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.
The customs desk is located on the 1st floor. Enter the airport through the main entrance, turn right, and go upstairs. Follow the signs to the customs desk. If you are unsure, ask an airport staff member for directions.
Note: Customs officers are present 24/7.
If the desk is closed, you can call the customs phone number displayed at the desk. A customs officer will come to help stamp your receipts. If the number is not visible, please ask airport staff for assistance.
Contact Information:
Rotterdam Airport General Info: +352 2700 0767
Rotterdam Airport Customs: +31 88 158 3800
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.