Payment for imports may be made freely, provided that the method of payment conforms to the relative exchange control regulations. There is an agreement between South Africa and the Netherlands to eliminate double taxation. Samples of negligible value are exempt from import duties and taxes. Samples representing particular categories of goods are admitted on a temporary basis, on condition they are not sold or put to normal use except for demonstrations. Alternatively, samples of value may be admitted temporarily under bond or deposit to cover the amount of customs charges.
Most imports are free from licensing requirements.
Import licences are required for a limited number of products, mainly those of the agricultural, steel and textile sectors. Common EU regulations are also applied to imports from non-EU countries of most other agricultural and livestock products. Duties are assessed mainly ad valorem on the CIF value. Adequate warehousing facilities are available in all major Dutch cities. Most imports from Eastern Europe have been formally liberalised.