{"id":74754,"date":"2025-09-26T12:09:56","date_gmt":"2025-09-26T10:09:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/?p=74754"},"modified":"2025-11-04T11:13:59","modified_gmt":"2025-11-04T10:13:59","slug":"netherlands-article-23-vat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/netherlands-article-23-vat\/","title":{"rendered":"Netherlands Article 23 VAT Deferment Permit Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"288\" data-end=\"474\">Learn how the Netherlands Article 23 VAT deferment permit helps online sellers save cash flow, simplify imports, and stay VAT compliant.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"288\" data-end=\"474\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-75179\" src=\"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Article-23-EN-1.png\" alt=\"Netherlands Article 23 VAT\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Article-23-EN-1.png 1200w, https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Article-23-EN-1-300x150.png 300w, https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Article-23-EN-1-1024x512.png 1024w, https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Article-23-EN-1-768x384.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"476\" data-end=\"479\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"481\" data-end=\"545\">Introduction: Why the Netherlands Article 23 VAT Matters for Online Sellers<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"546\" data-end=\"796\">The Netherlands is one of Europe\u2019s most important logistics hubs, with Rotterdam and Schiphol serving as gateways for e-commerce imports.\u00a0<span style=\"letter-spacing: -0.2px;\">For online sellers using Amazon or other platforms, understanding\u00a0<\/span><strong style=\"letter-spacing: -0.2px;\">the Netherlands Article 23 VAT\u00a0<\/strong><span style=\"letter-spacing: -0.2px;\"> is essential.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"798\" data-end=\"1036\">The Netherlands <strong data-start=\"802\" data-end=\"838\">VAT deferment permit <\/strong>allows businesses to defer import VAT instead of paying it immediately at customs. This simple mechanism can transform cash flow and streamline compliance for sellers importing goods into the EU.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1038\" data-end=\"1095\">\ud83d\udccc Related: <a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/getting-started-vat-registration-for-ecommerce-businesses-in-the-netherlands\/\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"1050\" data-end=\"1093\">Registering for VAT in the Netherlands<\/a><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"1097\" data-end=\"1100\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"1102\" data-end=\"1154\">1. What Is the Article 23 VAT Deferment Permit?<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1155\" data-end=\"1273\">The Article 23 VAT deferment permit is based on <strong data-start=\"1203\" data-end=\"1270\">Article 23 of the Dutch VAT Act (Wet op de Omzetbelasting 1968)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1275\" data-end=\"1500\">\n<li data-start=\"1275\" data-end=\"1359\">\n<p data-start=\"1277\" data-end=\"1359\">Normally, importers must pay VAT at the border when goods enter the Netherlands.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1360\" data-end=\"1500\">\n<p data-start=\"1362\" data-end=\"1500\">With Article 23, this payment is <strong data-start=\"1395\" data-end=\"1407\">deferred<\/strong>. Instead of paying at customs, the VAT is reported in the company\u2019s next Dutch VAT return.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1502\" data-end=\"1595\">\ud83d\udc49 This means no upfront VAT payments, while ensuring compliance with Dutch and EU tax law.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1597\" data-end=\"1722\">\ud83d\udccc External reference: <a class=\"decorated-link cursor-pointer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.belastingdienst.nl\/wps\/wcm\/connect\/bldcontenten\/belastingdienst\/business\/vat\/vat_in_the_netherlands\/how-to-declare-vat-for-e-commerce-and-services\/how-to-declare-vat-for-e-commerce-and-services\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"1620\" data-end=\"1720\">Dutch Tax and Customs Administration \u2013 Belastingdienst (official)<\/a><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"1724\" data-end=\"1727\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"1729\" data-end=\"1773\">2. Who Needs It and When Does It Apply?<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1774\" data-end=\"1814\">Article 23 is especially relevant for:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1816\" data-end=\"2081\">\n<li data-start=\"1816\" data-end=\"1886\">\n<p data-start=\"1818\" data-end=\"1886\"><strong data-start=\"1818\" data-end=\"1840\">Amazon FBA sellers<\/strong> storing goods in Dutch fulfillment centers.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1887\" data-end=\"1988\">\n<p data-start=\"1889\" data-end=\"1988\"><strong data-start=\"1889\" data-end=\"1907\">Non-EU sellers<\/strong> importing via Dutch ports or airports before distributing goods across the EU.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1989\" data-end=\"2081\">\n<p data-start=\"1991\" data-end=\"2081\"><strong data-start=\"1991\" data-end=\"2014\">EU-based businesses<\/strong> that import into the Netherlands for resale elsewhere in Europe.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2083\" data-end=\"2214\">You do not need the permit if you never import goods into the Netherlands or if you only sell domestically in other EU countries.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2216\" data-end=\"2279\">\ud83d\udccc Related: <a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/amazon-fba-vat-compliance\/\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"2228\" data-end=\"2277\">Amazon FBA VAT compliance in the Netherlands<\/a><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2281\" data-end=\"2284\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"2286\" data-end=\"2330\">3. Benefits of Article 23 VAT Deferment<\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"2331\" data-end=\"2653\">\n<li data-start=\"2331\" data-end=\"2394\">\n<p data-start=\"2333\" data-end=\"2394\"><strong data-start=\"2333\" data-end=\"2357\">Cash flow advantage:<\/strong> No upfront VAT payment at customs.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2395\" data-end=\"2469\">\n<p data-start=\"2397\" data-end=\"2469\"><strong data-start=\"2397\" data-end=\"2430\">Simplified customs clearance:<\/strong> Goods move faster across the border.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2470\" data-end=\"2557\">\n<p data-start=\"2472\" data-end=\"2557\"><strong data-start=\"2472\" data-end=\"2501\">Improved competitiveness:<\/strong> Frees up capital to reinvest in stock or advertising.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2558\" data-end=\"2653\">\n<p data-start=\"2560\" data-end=\"2653\"><strong data-start=\"2560\" data-end=\"2590\">Administrative efficiency:<\/strong> VAT is declared in the return, alongside other transactions.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2655\" data-end=\"2747\">\ud83d\udc49 For online sellers, this can mean <strong data-start=\"2692\" data-end=\"2744\">thousands of euros in liquidity saved each month<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2749\" data-end=\"2868\">\ud83d\udccc External reference: <a class=\"decorated-link cursor-pointer\" href=\"https:\/\/europa.eu\/youreurope\/business\/taxation\/vat\/vat-rules-rates\/index_en.htm\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"2772\" data-end=\"2866\">European Commission \u2013 Import VAT rules<\/a><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2749\" data-end=\"2868\"><div class=\"cta-shortcode cta-shortcode-normal \"><div class=\"cta-image\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Samer.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"cta-content\"><h3 class=\"font600\">Book a free consultation<\/h3><p>Our VAT experts are happy to help you. Book a free consultation today!<\/p>\n<div class=\"button-container\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/contact-us?button=blog\" class=\"button button-secondary uppercase\">Free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2870\" data-end=\"2873\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"2875\" data-end=\"2921\">4. How to Apply for the Article 23 Permit<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2922\" data-end=\"3029\">The Article 23 VAT deferment permit must be requested from the Dutch tax authority (<strong data-start=\"3006\" data-end=\"3025\">Belastingdienst<\/strong>).<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3031\" data-end=\"3058\"><strong data-start=\"3031\" data-end=\"3056\">Requirements include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3059\" data-end=\"3220\">\n<li data-start=\"3059\" data-end=\"3094\">\n<p data-start=\"3061\" data-end=\"3094\">A valid Dutch VAT registration.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3095\" data-end=\"3138\">\n<p data-start=\"3097\" data-end=\"3138\">Proven compliance with VAT obligations.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3139\" data-end=\"3220\">\n<p data-start=\"3141\" data-end=\"3220\">In some cases, a <strong data-start=\"3158\" data-end=\"3183\">fiscal representative<\/strong> (mandatory for non-EU businesses).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3222\" data-end=\"3243\"><strong data-start=\"3222\" data-end=\"3241\">Steps to apply:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol data-start=\"3244\" data-end=\"3505\">\n<li data-start=\"3244\" data-end=\"3272\">\n<p data-start=\"3247\" data-end=\"3272\">Register for Dutch VAT.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3273\" data-end=\"3339\">\n<p data-start=\"3276\" data-end=\"3339\">Submit an Article 23 application form to the Belastingdienst.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3340\" data-end=\"3441\">\n<p data-start=\"3343\" data-end=\"3441\">Provide supporting documents (VAT number, proof of business activities, fiscal rep if required).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3442\" data-end=\"3505\">\n<p data-start=\"3445\" data-end=\"3505\">Await approval \u2014 typically processed within several weeks.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p data-start=\"3507\" data-end=\"3585\">\ud83d\udccc Related: <a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/fiscal-representation-in-the-netherlands\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"3519\" data-end=\"3583\">Fiscal representation for non-EU sellers in the Netherlands<\/a><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"3587\" data-end=\"3590\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"3592\" data-end=\"3630\">5. Common Challenges and Mistakes<\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"3631\" data-end=\"3957\">\n<li data-start=\"3631\" data-end=\"3710\">\n<p data-start=\"3633\" data-end=\"3710\">\u274c <strong data-start=\"3635\" data-end=\"3674\">Confusing deferment with exemption:<\/strong> VAT is still due \u2014 just deferred.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3711\" data-end=\"3786\">\n<p data-start=\"3713\" data-end=\"3786\">\u274c <strong data-start=\"3715\" data-end=\"3753\">Assuming it applies automatically:<\/strong> You must apply for the permit.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3787\" data-end=\"3864\">\n<p data-start=\"3789\" data-end=\"3864\">\u274c <strong data-start=\"3791\" data-end=\"3815\">Poor record keeping:<\/strong> VAT must be accurately reported in the return.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3865\" data-end=\"3957\">\n<p data-start=\"3867\" data-end=\"3957\">\u274c <strong data-start=\"3869\" data-end=\"3919\">Non-EU sellers skipping fiscal representation:<\/strong> This can cause delays or rejection.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3959\" data-end=\"4025\">\ud83d\udccc Related: <a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/tag\/common-vat-mistakes\/\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"3971\" data-end=\"4023\">Common VAT mistakes online sellers should avoid<\/a><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"4027\" data-end=\"4030\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"4032\" data-end=\"4061\">6. How hellotax Can Help<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"4062\" data-end=\"4120\">hellotax helps online sellers stay compliant with VAT rules across Europe. While we don\u2019t handle Netherlands Article 23 VAT permits directly, our platform automates VAT registrations, filings, and OSS compliance in other EU countries. For businesses using the Netherlands as an entry point, our team ensures your VAT setup aligns with EU-wide requirements.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4372\" data-end=\"4493\">With hellotax, you can focus on scaling your Amazon or e-commerce business, while we handle VAT and customs complexity.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4495\" data-end=\"4543\">\ud83d\udc49 <a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"4498\" data-end=\"4541\">Discover hellotax VAT automation tools<\/a><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"4545\" data-end=\"4548\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"4550\" data-end=\"4580\">Conclusion &amp; Key Takeaway<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"4581\" data-end=\"4864\">The <strong data-start=\"750\" data-end=\"780\">Netherlands <\/strong><strong data-start=\"4585\" data-end=\"4639\">Article 23 VAT deferment permit<\/strong>\u00a0allows importers to <strong data-start=\"4660\" data-end=\"4725\">defer VAT at customs and declare it later in their VAT return<\/strong>. For Amazon FBA sellers and international e-commerce businesses, this is a powerful tool to free up cash flow and streamline operations.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4581\" data-end=\"4864\">Many online sellers underestimate how valuable the <strong data-start=\"250\" data-end=\"280\">Netherlands Article 23 VAT<\/strong> mechanism can be when planning long-term EU expansion. Because the Netherlands is often used as the first entry point for imported goods, securing the <strong data-start=\"432\" data-end=\"462\">Netherlands Article 23 VAT<\/strong> permit early can help businesses build a more cost-efficient supply chain from day one. By deferring import VAT and improving liquidity, sellers can reinvest this capital into product sourcing, advertising, and stock replenishment while staying fully compliant with Dutch VAT rules. For e-commerce brands scaling quickly, this strategic advantage can significantly boost cash flow and support sustainable growth in the EU market.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4866\" data-end=\"5136\"><strong data-start=\"4866\" data-end=\"4883\">Key takeaway:<\/strong> Article 23 makes the Netherlands one of the most attractive entry points into the EU for online sellers \u2014 but applying correctly and staying compliant is crucial. Although Article 23 permits must be applied for directly with the Dutch tax authorities (and may require a fiscal representative for non-EU sellers), hellotax can help you stay VAT compliant in other EU countries and streamline your overall cross-border compliance.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5138\" data-end=\"5209\">\ud83d\udccc Related: <a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/vat-oss-schemes\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"5150\" data-end=\"5207\">Learn how the EU OSS scheme works for online sellers<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn how the Netherlands Article 23 VAT deferment permit helps online sellers save cash flow, simplify imports, and stay VAT compliant. Introduction: Why the Netherlands Article 23 VAT Matters for Online Sellers The Netherlands is one of Europe\u2019s most important logistics hubs, with Rotterdam and Schiphol serving as gateways for e-commerce imports.\u00a0For online sellers using [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":27,"featured_media":75179,"parent":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[5593],"tags":[6493,6497],"class_list":{"0":"post-74754","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-vat-compliance","8":"tag-netherlands-article-23-vat","9":"tag-vat-compliance-netherlands","10":"entry"},"acf":[],"modified_by":"Brenda Varela","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/74754","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/27"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=74754"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/74754\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/75179"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=74754"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=74754"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=74754"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}