According to the Dutch government, the ban applies to goods linked to Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. Under the measure, importing, purchasing or selling such products in the Netherlands, as well as providing brokerage or intermediary services related to their trade, is prohibited.
Importantly, the ban does not apply to all products coming from Israel. According to Dutch Customs, it only covers goods that are wholly or partly produced or obtained in Israeli settlements. The measure does not change trade relations between the Netherlands and Israel within the internationally recognised 1967 borders.
The new ban also applies to travellers' personal belongings. According to Dutch Customs, items purchased in Israeli settlements cannot be brought into the Netherlands as gifts, souvenirs or for personal use. The restriction also applies to goods purchased before September 22.
Authorities said customs officials may inspect travellers' luggage and request documents proving the origin of products. If prohibited goods are found, travellers may be given the opportunity to voluntarily hand them over to customs. Otherwise, the goods may be seized and an official report may be prepared. Any further penalty or legal action will be decided by the relevant prosecution authorities.
The Dutch government said the import, purchase and sale of goods from Israeli settlements, as well as intermediary or brokerage services facilitating trade in such goods, are prohibited.
Authorities also clarified that attempts to circumvent or bypass the ban are prohibited. However, under specific customs procedures, such goods may be transported through the Netherlands to another European Union member state or placed in a customs warehouse, provided they are not released for sale or free circulation in the Dutch market.
According to the Dutch government, the measure has been introduced in the context of the Netherlands' obligations under international law concerning Israeli settlements in the occupied territories.
The government said the aim of the measure is to prevent products originating from the settlements from entering the Dutch market. The relevant trade restriction was published in the official gazette on July 21, 2026, and came into effect on September 22.
