You absolutely must not take this back in your suitcase as a souvenir

Maybe you've already been or are about to get in the car or plane on your way to your vacation destination. I always look forward to the fun-at-home groceries. Things that remind me of a nice holiday for a long time, or something delicious that I would also like to use in my kitchen in Haarlem. But there are souvenirs that you really cannot bring back to the Netherlands, because you risk a (huge) fine or even imprisonment in some countries.

Look, everyone knows that you can't bring back drugs like hash, cocaine, and heroin or weapons and ammunition. But there are many more customs rules that you need to follow when you return to the Netherlands after your holiday, and these apply not only if you fly but also if you take the boat or drive back home.

There you were on a tropical beach among the special shells and coral. Forget about putting them in your suitcase because you could get a hefty fine for it. Beautiful ivory earrings or a belt made of snake leather are also not allowed because they are made from protected species.

I really love treats for home, and fortunately, it's not a problem to buy meat and dairy in a supermarket within the EU to take back home. But from outside the EU, it's not allowed. This also applies to fresh herbs, vegetables, fruits, and flowers. You can bring them dried, roasted, ground, or in oil. Still in doubt? Then read the rules on the website of the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) what the rules are.

For the smokers among us, the following rules apply. From an EU country, you can bring 800 cigarettes, which is four cartons, tax-free. From a country outside the EU, it's a lot less. You can only bring 1 carton with 200 cigarettes. In both cases, you must be 17 years or older, so you can't secretly put an extra carton in your 16-year-old teenager's suitcase.

Are you fond of shopping? Then keep in mind that you can import a maximum of €430 worth of goods from outside the EU, even if you are traveling from Great Britain to the Netherlands. You have to pay tax on everything that exceeds that amount. And don't think you can get away with it, because the Dutch customs know exactly what the latest American sneakers are and what they cost. Moreover, they have a nose for counterfeit items like fake designer bags from Louis Vuitton.

So I've warned you, okay? Don't call me if you get caught anyway.

Beeld: @carodaur