Is dropshipping legal in the Netherlands and Belgium?
Yes, dropshipping is legal in the Netherlands and Belgium. The same rules apply as for any other webshop: registration, VAT, delivery, returns and product safety.
Is dropshipping legal?
The short answer is yes. Dropshipping is a legal business model in the Netherlands and Belgium. The same rules apply as for any other webshop: you register your business, handle VAT, deliver what you promise, deal with returns and only sell safe products. The Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK) also has information about dropshipping on its website.
Dropshipping is a way of selling where the shop owner does not hold any inventory. Instead, you partner with suppliers and sell their products directly from their warehouse, through your own webshop or through a marketplace such as bol or Amazon. If you use a marketplace, check its rules and whether your supplier allows it. The model suits business owners who want to sell online without buying stock up front.
The benefits of dropshipping
The model has a few clear advantages:
- No inventory. You do not have to buy, store and ship the products you sell. You can focus on selling instead, through channels such as Facebook, Google Ads, Pinterest, TikTok or an email list.
- No storage costs. You do not need warehouse space. Products ship directly from the supplier to your customer's address.
- Low starting capital. The barrier to entry is low because you do not buy stock, so you are not left with unsold products.
- Saved time. You do not pack and ship orders yourself.
What you must consider as a dropshipper
As a dropshipper you follow the same rules as any other webshop. The main ones:
- Register your business. In the Netherlands you register your business with the KVK. In Belgium you register in the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (KBO) through a recognised business counter. Show your business details, such as your KVK or enterprise number and your VAT number, on your website.
- Handle your VAT. You charge VAT on your sales and pay it to the tax authorities, unless you use the small business scheme (KOR) in the Netherlands or the small business exemption scheme in Belgium. If you sell to consumers in other EU countries, also look into the One Stop Shop (OSS) scheme. You can find more information at the Belastingdienst and the FOD Financiën.
- Keep your agreements. Products should arrive on the date you promised.
- Returns. Online shoppers have a 14-day right of withdrawal. That right applies to you as the seller, even if your supplier doesn't accept returns. So check each supplier's return policy.
- Sell safe products. Products must be safe. For certain product groups, such as toys and electrical appliances, a CE mark is mandatory. Since 13 December 2024 the EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) also applies. Among other things, it requires online sellers to show the manufacturer's details with the product.
Follow the rules, sell good products and deliver on time, and dropshipping works just like any other webshop.
When dropshipping crosses the line
Dropshipping has picked up a bad reputation because of a handful of dishonest sellers. Scams occur in every industry, and this one is no exception. Here is what you must never do:
- Fail to pay VAT.
- Fail to deliver products.
- Sell counterfeit products.
- Advertise with false promises.
Anyone who does this breaks the law or their agreements with customers. That can lead to fines, damage claims and, in serious cases, closure of the business.
Dropshipping with European suppliers
Working with European suppliers is a strong option. European suppliers deliver faster, and their products are made for the European market. That means fewer returns and fewer questions from customers.
At GOGETTERS we have worked on improving dropshipping in the Netherlands since 2018. Our app connects European suppliers to your webshop in minutes and takes the busywork off your hands: automatic order processing, product imports and stock updates through our integrations. That leaves you free to concentrate on growing your business. Questions? Reach us at support@gogetters.nl.
Would you rather sell products you can stand behind? Browse the European supplier catalogue to see what is available.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Dropshipping is a legal business model in both countries. You follow the same rules as any other webshop: register your business, handle VAT, deliver what you promise, respect the 14-day right of withdrawal and only sell safe products, with a CE mark for the product groups that require one.
When a seller breaks the law or their agreements with customers: not paying VAT, failing to deliver, selling counterfeit goods or advertising with false promises. That can lead to fines, damage claims and, in serious cases, closure of the business.
European suppliers deliver faster, and their products are made for the European market. That usually means fewer returns and fewer questions from customers than with suppliers from outside the EU.
Connect European suppliers to your store for free.
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