Shipping live chickens from the USA to the Netherlands is fully legal and routine — with the proper documentation. The Netherlands is a major European hub for live animal imports through Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS). Live Poultry Store has been shipping NPIP-certified poultry internationally since 2003.
This guide covers everything you need: NVWA import permits, USDA export certificates, EU TRACES requirements, recommended breeds for the Dutch maritime climate, costs, and timeline.
🇳🇱 Did you know?
The Netherlands is one of the world's largest poultry exporters and has the most advanced live animal handling facilities at Schiphol Airport. Dutch poultry farmers have been importing American heritage breeds for decades.
📋 Step-by-Step Import Process to Netherlands
1. Contact Us First
Call +1 (346) 636-0501 or email info@livepoultrystore.com. We'll confirm current Dutch NVWA import requirements for your specific order and quantity.
2. Obtain NVWA Import Permit
Your application goes to NVWA (Nederlandse Voedsel- en Warenautoriteit). We provide guidance and the required form templates for your import permit.
3. Place Your Order
Minimum 10 birds. We'll hold your selected breeds and schedule a ship date after your import permit is in hand.
4. USDA APHIS Export Certification
Our veterinarian inspects birds, completes USDA Form 17-140, and submits for APHIS endorsement 48 hours before departure.
5. EU TRACES Notification
We file the Common Health Entry Document (CHED) in the EU TRACES system 24 hours before arrival at Dutch customs.
6. Shipping & Customs Clearance
Birds ship via USPS Priority Mail Express International to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS). Dutch NVWA contacts you for veterinary inspection upon arrival.
📄 Required Documents for Netherlands Import
📋 USDA APHIS Export Health Certificate (Form 17-140)
Issued by our USDA-accredited veterinarian within 48 hours of shipment. Endorsed by APHIS at port of departure.
✅ NPIP Certificate (Pullorum-Typhoid Clean)
All flocks are NPIP tested and certified. Certificate included with every international shipment.
🇪🇺 EU TRACES CHED (Common Health Entry Document)
Filed electronically in the TRACES system 24 hours before arrival. We handle this for you.
🇳🇱 NVWA Import Permit (Invoervergunning)
Issued by the Nederlandse Voedsel- en Warenautoriteit. Valid for one shipment. You obtain this — we provide guidance.
📦 Commercial Invoice
Includes breed names, quantity, individual price, total value, and harmonized code (0105.94). We provide this.
🆔 Identification & Vaccination Records
Individual bird identification if required by NVWA. Available upon request.
Best Chicken Breeds for the Dutch Maritime Climate
The Netherlands has a temperate maritime climate: cool summers (18-22°C / 64-72°F), mild winters (0-5°C / 32-41°F), high humidity, and regular rainfall. These breeds thrive in Dutch conditions:
Buff Orpington
200-280 eggs/yr · Cold-hardy · Dense feathering resists rain · Calm temperament
Rhode Island Red
250-300 eggs/yr · Dual-purpose · Adaptable to all Dutch regions
Black Australorp
250-300 eggs/yr · Cold-hardy · World record layer · Gentle
Barred Plymouth Rock
200-250 eggs/yr · Rain-tolerant · Friendly · Heritage breed
Easter Egger
200-280 eggs/yr · Colorful blue/green eggs · Hardy in humidity
Wyandotte
200-240 eggs/yr · Cold-hardy · Rose comb resists frostbite · Beautiful
Silkie Bantam
100-150 eggs/yr · Show/pet breed · Needs dry shelter · Very docile
Cochin
150-180 eggs/yr · Ultra-fluffy · Cold-hardy · Great brooder
Not sure which breed is right for your region of the Netherlands? Call us — we'll help you choose based on your local conditions and goals.
💰 Costs & Timeline
| Item | Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Birds (per bird, breed dependent) | $18.99 - $42.99 | — |
| USDA APHIS Export Health Certificate | $98 - $150 (included in shipping) | 48 hours before departure |
| USPS Priority Mail Express International | $150 - $350 (varies by weight) | 3-5 business days |
| NVWA Import Permit (Invoervergunning) | €30 - €80 (paid locally) | 2-4 weeks processing |
| Dutch Veterinary Inspection at Schiphol | €50 - €120 (paid locally) | Day of arrival |
| Estimated Total for 10 Birds | $350 - $550 + local fees | 3-4 weeks from order to arrival |
* All prices in USD unless noted. Shipping rates subject to change based on current carrier pricing. Call for exact quote.
🇳🇱 Dutch Entry Points for Live Poultry
Live chickens typically enter the Netherlands through:
- 📍 Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) — Primary BCP
- 📍 Rotterdam Seaport (for sea freight)
- 📍 Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST) — Alternate
Most shipments arrive at Schiphol Airport's Border Control Post. The NVWA will notify you for veterinary inspection. You or your broker must be present or arrange representation.
❓ Netherlands Shipping FAQs
Not required, but recommended for first-time importers. Many Dutch customers handle the process themselves using our guidance. NVWA provides English-language support.
Spring (April-June) and early Fall (September-October) are ideal. We avoid shipping in winter (December-February) due to potential delays from snow and freezing temperatures at Schiphol.
Yes. Birds must be vaccinated against Newcastle Disease and originate from flocks free of Avian Influenza. Our USDA health certificate confirms compliance with EU Directive 2009/158/EC.
Absolutely. Call +1 (346) 636-0501. We've helped customers throughout the Netherlands — from Amsterdam to Rotterdam to Utrecht — successfully import live chickens.
Delays are rare at Schiphol — it's one of Europe's most efficient animal handling airports. If delays occur, our live arrival guarantee still applies, and we coordinate with NVWA to expedite clearance.
Ready to Ship Chickens to the Netherlands?
Call us for a custom quote and step-by-step guidance through the Dutch NVWA import process.
Minimum 10 birds for Netherlands. We handle all USDA APHIS and EU TRACES paperwork.