Sending a package from South Africa to the Netherlands can be a seamless experience with ParcelParcel. Whether you’re shipping furniture, business documents, or personal items, we partner with leading carriers like DHL, FedEx, and UPS to ensure reliable and efficient delivery. Follow this comprehensive step-by-step guide to make your shipping process free of stress.
Chantal has been writing about logistics topics for almost two decades and has worked for major international carriers.
Here's an overview of estimated costs for shipping a 20 kilo parcel from South Africa to the Netherlands:
Service Type | Estimated Delivery Time | Price Range (ZAR) | Price Range (EUR) |
DHL Express | 2-4 business days | R10,346 | €545,64 |
FedEx International Priority | 1-4 business days | R12,274 | €641,60 |
UPS Safer | 1-4 business days | R12,677 | €672,49 |
Tip: Shipping costs may vary based on package weight, dimensions, and selected service type. Use our online tool for an instant and accurate quote.
Start by visiting ParcelParcel’s platform to receive a free, instant quote. Compare various options from DHL, FedEx, and UPS to find the best combination of cost and delivery speed for your package. Whether you need fast shipping or a more economical option, we got options for everyone.
✅ Pro Tip: If you're sending multiple packages, explore our volume shipping discounts for additional savings.
To ensure your items arrive safely, it’s important to pack correctly. Here’s how:
Select a sturdy box: Ensure the box can hold the weight and size of your items securely.
Wrap fragile items: Use bubble wrap or packing peanuts for extra stability.
Seal the package tightly: Use strong packing tape to secure all openings.
Quick checklist:
Suitable box selected
Items wrapped and protected
All seams sealed securely
When shipping from South Africa, consider the following specific details:
Local shipping network: ParcelParcel collaborates with top carriers like DHL, FedEx, and UPS in South Africa. These carriers are well-equipped to handle your shipment efficiently, ensuring quick and reliable service from South Africa.
Customs regulations: Understanding customs regulations is crucial for smooth shipping:
All shipments require a commercial invoice detailing the items and their values.
Ensure accurate HS codes are provided for each item to facilitate customs clearance.
Prohibited and restricted Items: Certain items may be restricted or prohibited for export. Check the official South-African customs page to be aware of restrictions, including:
❌ Narcotic drugs: Prohibited under international drug control agreements.
❌ Endangered species: Items made from or including parts of protected wildlife.
❌ Certain firearms: Restrictions apply to the export of specific types of firearms and ammunition.
❌ Unprocessed gold: Raw gold must comply with strict export regulations.
❌ Cultural artefacts: Items of significant cultural heritage require special permits.
Contact our support team to check if your items are restricted or permitted for export from South Africa. You should also be aware that the Netherlands has import regulations that can be checked on the official webpage: Customs administration of the Netherlands.
Import duties and taxes: When exporting goods from South Africa to the Netherlands, taxes such as VAT (21%) and import duties apply based on the customs value of the items. Historical ties from when South Africa was colonized by the Dutch may influence cultural and trade relations, but they don't directly affect current tax policies.
Interestingly, both countries are part of trade agreements like the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and the European Union’s trade policies, which may provide reduced tariffs on certain goods. Understanding these regulations is essential for a relaxed shipping experience.
Need assistance? Our team of experts is here to help with customs paperwork and guide you through the shipping process to avoid any issues.
After you ship your package, you can track it in real-time through ParcelParcel’s platform. Simply enter your tracking number to stay informed about your package’s status and location.
Insurance Option: For high-value items, consider adding insurance for extra protection during transit. Contact our team to learn more about this option.
Q1: How long does it take to deliver a package from South Africa to the Netherlands?
A: Delivery times vary based on the carrier and service selected. DHL Express typically takes 3-5 business days, while FedEx International Priority takes approximately 2-4 business days.
Q2: What documentation is required for customs clearance when shipping from South Africa? A: A commercial invoice, accurate HS codes, and any necessary export permits are required. Our platform offers guidance in preparing these documents.
Q3: How can I comply with South African export regulations?
A: To comply with export regulations, ensure you have the correct documents, like export permits and customs declarations. Partnering with a customs broker or experienced shipping service can simplify the process and keep you informed of any regulatory updates. Our resources provide helpful tips to navigate compliance and avoid delays or fines.
Our customer support team is ready to help you with any questions about your shipment or customs regulations, and the best part is: there are no waiting times! You’ll get a caring advisor who’s genuinely interested in making your shipping experience smooth and stress-free. Plus, once you connect with someone, you can reach out to them again for your future shipments. It’s all about building that personal touch. Contact us today for expert assistance!
New to ParcelParcel? Try our services today and use code PP10 for a 10% discount on your first shipment's shipping costs. Experience how easy international shipping can be with ParcelParcel!
You can instantly check the shipping costs through our rate calculator. Enter the weight, dimensions, and destination country of your shipment, and you will see all available shipping options along with their respective delivery times. The calculator can be used to compare shipping rates for both export and import shipments.
If you need help calculating a shipping rate, watch the video below. Click on the 
button to play the video and the 
icon to view the video in fullscreen.
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Shipping costs are calculated based on dimensions (LxWxH in cm), weight (in kg), and the destination country. Both the actual weight (as shown on the scale) and the volumetric weight are considered.
The volumetric weight is the weight calculated based on the space your shipment occupies in the plane. The higher of the two weights (volumetric or actual weight) is used to calculate the shipping rate. You don't need to calculate this yourself; our calculator does it for you.
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You can use the discount code PP10 for 10% discount on the transportation costs of your first shipment. You can apply the discount code during the checkout process (instructions).
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Whether additional costs apply depends on whether your shipment stays within the European Union or is sent to/from a country outside the European Union. Below, you can see the additional costs for each situation.
Within the European Union
If, for example, you send a shipment from the Netherlands to Italy (within the EU), there will be an additional 21% VAT on the shipping costs.
Furthermore, if your shipment stays within the European Union, you won't have to deal with any import duties or customs clearance fees because your shipment doesn't go through customs. Please note that the European Union is not the same as Europe.
View here all the countries that are part of the European Union. For example, Switzerland is part of Europe but not part of the European Union.
Outside the European Union
If, for example, you send a shipment from the Netherlands to the United States, there will be no VAT (0%) applied to the displayed shipping rates.
However, there might be import duties levied by customs in the destination country if you send a shipment to/from a country outside the European Union. Typically, customs costs are charged to the recipient. This is known as Delivered At Place (DAP) in logistics terminology.
Customs is a government agency that levies import duties in certain cases to protect the local market. As a company, you can also ship using Delivered Duty Paid (DDP), which means any customs costs will be charged to you as the sender.
If you have any questions about this topic, feel free to contact us. Additionally, you can read everything about import duties, VAT, and the customs clearance process in this blog.
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A customs invoice is a form where all the goods you want to ship are specified. This invoice includes an English description of the goods, along with their corresponding value and weight.
The contents of your shipment must be specified per type of product you're sending to avoid delays at customs. A customs invoice is always prepared in quadruplicate in accordance with customs guidelines.
When is a customs invoice required?
A customs invoice is only required for shipments to/from countries outside the European Union (e.g., Netherlands - United States). If your shipment stays within the European Union (e.g., Netherlands - Italy), your shipment will not go through customs, and therefore, a customs invoice is not required.
Additionally, document shipments are not subject to customs, so if you're sending a document to a country within/outside the European Union, no customs invoice is needed.
Please note that not all goods can be shipped to every country. You can find a list of goods that cannot be sent via ParcelParcel on this page.
Do I need to create a customs invoice myself?
If you're sending a shipment to/from a country outside the European Union, it's mandatory to include a customs invoice with the shipment. We provide free support in creating a customs invoice.
You can easily generate a customs invoice through our shipping platform. The customs invoice will be automatically generated based on the content you specified during your booking.
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You can import just as easily as export via ParcelParcel.
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You can find a list of goods that cannot be shipped via ParcelParcel on this page.
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