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There are advantages and also potential challenges for Northern Ireland companies doing business in the Netherlands.

Advantages of exporting to the Netherlands

Benefits for Northern Ireland businesses exporting to the Netherlands include:

• member of the EU Single Market
• dual market access allows businesses in Northern Ireland to trade goods freely with the Netherlands as it is part of the European Union. Read more about how to take advantage of dual market access.
• similar culture to the UK
• ideal test market for products

Strengths of the Dutch market include:

• an early adopter of new technology
• one of the world’s most open economies

You should also be aware of some challenges you could face when exporting to the Netherlands.

Challenges of exporting to the Netherlands

Doing business in the Netherlands does not present major challenges to Northern Ireland companies as the Dutch market is similar to the UK.

However, the Dutch market is very open, and therefore highly competitive. Northern Ireland companies should be well prepared in order to meet the competition from both domestic and international companies

The European Union (EU) is an economic and political union of 27 countries. 

Dual market access allows businesses in Northern Ireland to trade goods freely with the Netherlands as it is part of the European Union.

What is dual market access?

Dual market access allows businesses in Northern Ireland to trade goods freely with both Great Britain and the European Union.

This means goods can move from Northern Ireland to Great Britain and the EU without customs checks or tariffs, offering businesses a competitive advantage in both markets.

What are the benefits of dual market access when exporting to the Netherlands?

With dual market access, your manufacturing business based in Northern Ireland can: 

• Expand your customer base: Sell goods seamlessly to both GB and EU markets.
• Avoid trade barriers: no customs declarations or tariffs when trading with the EU.
• Enhance your competitiveness: access to two major markets provides a unique edge over businesses operating in only one.
• Reduce compliance costs: Northern Ireland maintains regulatory alignment on goods with EU regulations and there are no additional approvals required to place qualifying goods on the on the market in GB.
• Simplify your supply chains: businesses in Northern Ireland can act as a gateway between the UK and EU, leveraging their unique position to enhance logistics and distribution networks.  

Dual market access presents opportunities for businesses meaning that Northern Ireland-based companies can strengthen relationships with both UK and EU customers while maintaining supply chain efficiency. 

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The Netherlands has excellent access to the European mainland and many goods enter the EU through it. There are a number of sectors that could potentially offer some opportunities to Northern Ireland companies.

Food and drink

There are opportunities in food retail and services, including plant-based meals, dairy alternatives, spirits, organic food, private-label products and healthy snacks.

• Taste for British products - The Netherlands’ affluent, UK-friendly population has a taste for traditional British tea room products, whisky, gin and cheese. Younger generations are embracing trends from the London ‘foodie’ scene. The UK’s ethnic cuisines are also becoming more popular.
• Own-brand products - The leading Dutch supermarkets are always looking for new suppliers for their own-brand products, both traditional products (including tea, baked goods, snacks and cereals) and new healthy options (including ‘free from’ and low-sugar ranges).
• Healthier foods - The government is promoting healthier lifestyles to fight the growing problem of obesity and diabetes in the country. There is also a national campaign to introduce more plant-based eating to everyday diets.

Offshore wind energy

The Netherlands plans to build five new wind farms by the end of 2023. These should create a total installed capacity of 4.5 gigawatts. There will be opportunities for UK companies throughout the project lifecycle.

• Development and planning - Developers will need 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ during and after the bidding process for the offshore wind power site, and following the award of the contract.
• Project delivery - There are opportunities for UK businesses in forming strategic alliances with Dutch companies to offer project and delivery expertise.
• Operations and maintenance - Limited domestic experience in operations and maintenance may create opportunities for experienced UK companies to offer their services.

Technology

The Netherlands’ growing technology sector offers a range of opportunities for UK companies, including in logistics, sustainable cities and renewable energy.

• Logistics technology - The Netherlands has a dense network of road, rail, water and flight connections, so there is strong demand for innovative technology for the logistics industry. The road network needs innovations to help monitor and manage the flow of traffic.
• Sustainable cities - There is a strong trend towards urbanisation in the Netherlands. Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht are growing rapidly. There are opportunities to offer sustainable solutions to water management, energy usage and 'liveability' challenges in these cities.
• Transition to renewable energy - Netherlands is moving away from the use of gas and towards renewable energy. The large-scale industrial, agriculture and logistics sectors, as well as consumers, will need 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ with this change.

Financial and professional services

The Netherlands has a large banking sector, and Amsterdam is at the heart of the financial industry.

• Services for the logistics sector - The importance of the logistics sector is creating opportunities to provide financial, legal and advisory services. Banks, insurance companies, legal firms and consultancies with good knowledge of international markets will find significant opportunities.
• Multinational headquarters - An attractive economic environment for international businesses, the Netherlands is home to many international companies’ headquarters. These headquarters need English speakers who can provide high-quality financial and professional services.
• Fintech demand - The Dutch financial sector is moving towards a cashless economy, and banks are rapidly introducing mobile banking. Exporters that can offer innovative, safe and secure solutions for mobile banking and investment will find strong interest from Dutch companies.

There are a number of things to consider before preparing to export to the Netherlands.

VAT

VAT is called BTW in the Netherlands. The usual rate is 21%. A lower rate of 9% applies to some products and services, such as food, medicines, and paint and plaster for homes.

Standards and regulations

Products and services should meet relevant , including clear instructions for proper use, and include warnings against misuse.

The is responsible for standards.

Services regulations

Read information on rules for to the Netherlands.

Packaging and labelling

EU standards apply to packaging.

Payment terms

Dutch law requires that every invoice should be paid within 30 days unless the buyer and supplier agree on other payment conditions.

A payment term of over 60 days is only allowed if it can be shown that it is not detrimental to either party.

Netherlands Enterprise Agency has provided .

Trade barriers

to trading with the Netherlands.

that are affecting your business so we can help fix them.

Operating in the Netherlands

Local partnerships

The Netherlands is a small and well-developed market, so a local representative can be very helpful.

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Intellectual property

Intellectual property (IP) rights are territorial and rights granted in the UK do not provide protection elsewhere. You should consider getting IP protection abroad if you want to trade overseas or sell to overseas customers via the internet.

The Intellectual Property Office provides practical information to help you . Further 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ for businesses in Northern Ireland can be found through a network of , based in key UK export markets.

Developing exports to the Netherlands could be a part of growing your business. But breaking into the market can be challenging. The right 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ and advice can significantly improve your prospects.

Invest NI offers a range of advice, plus additional 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ services for businesses trading with the Netherlands.

•  - this programme can help you gain access to the Netherlands. This assistance provides businesses with consultancy 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ in addition to helping you with tailored market research and market visits.
• – get 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ with market research and market visits.
• - join trade missions and exhibitions to access new opportunities, strengthen relationships, and accelerate your business’s global growth.
• – access export and capability solutions to get the knowledge and skills to structure and build on your export activity.
• - assesses your business's readiness for exporting and get a tailored report sent to you, detailing your journey, next steps, practical tips, templates, and 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ available.
• Invest NI offers advice and 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ to help businesses .
• Invest NI can advise on how to use to 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ your exports
• Invest NI can advise on and may be able to provide financial 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ directly to businesses.

As well as Invest NI, there are other sources of 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ to assist with trading with the Netherlands.

• The Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce (NICC) provides members with a to learn, up-skill and connect as they grow locally and internationally.
• Department for Business and Trade (DBT) in-market 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ - eligible UK businesses can on exporting to specific countries from the DBT global network of international market hubs.
• A freight forwarder can organise delivery and customs clearance, minimising the logistical problems you deal with directly.
• Your bank can advise you on the most appropriate form of financing and how to protect yourself against foreign exchange risks and non-payment.