Are you enthusiastic to open a Dutch business for the selling of food, beverages, and tobacco?
The Dutch economy is flourishing, and as a result, the Dutch have more disposable income to spend more on food, beverages, and tobacco, especially from specialty stores. What’s more, the Netherlands is an important transportation hub for all types of goods from all over the world, its state-of-the-art logistics infrastructure making for quick and easy distribution and imports. It also means that many international food, beverage, and tobacco companies have settled in the Netherlands to make it their worldwide headquarters. It is no wonder then that the Netherlands has become a strong market for especially food, beverages, and tobacco, and thus the perfect environment to invest in the fast-growing economy and open a Dutch business for the selling of food, beverages, and tobacco.
However, as with the majority of the world, when it comes to the sale of tobacco, certain restrictions apply.
Tobacco retail restrictions in the Netherlands
Shops in the Netherlands may sell tobacco on condition that they comply with certain requirements. Some of the most prominent of these include:
No advertising of tobacco products unless the retailer is located in a designated place.
Employees selling tobacco must be at least 16 years of age.
Restrictions applying to the sale of tobacco to minors must be clearly displayed.
Other regulations include:
Regulations for Tobacco Shops and Tobacco Sales Outlets
Regulations on the Supervision of Compliance with the Tobacco Law
Decree on the Labelling of Tobacco Products.
We are experts in Dutch company formation in the food, beverages, and tobacco sector, and we can offer you great advice about setting up a business for selling food, beverages, and tobacco in the Netherlands. Call us now!
How do I set up a company for selling food, beverages, and tobacco in the Netherlands
The first thing you have to do when starting a Dutch business is to register a Dutch company with the Dutch Trade Register, which must include the mandatory NACE (Nomenclature of Economic Activities) number. For businesses selling food, beverages, and tobacco, the numbers are as follows (depending on the type of operation): Section G; Division 46, 47; Group 46.3, 47.2; Class 46.31 - 46.49, 47.21 - 47.29.
Businesses selling any form of commodity have to abide by rules and regulations of the Dutch Commodities Act.
Selling food products, in particular, requires you to comply with Dutch food safety regulations as set forth by the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP).
For selling tobacco products, you will need to comply with the above-mentioned regulations, including the following:
Regulations for Tobacco Shops and Tobacco Sales Outlets
Regulations on the Supervision of Compliance with the Tobacco Law
Decree on the Labelling of Tobacco Products.
House of Companies has experts that can tell you whether you about all the licenses and permits that you might need to start a business for selling food, beverages, and tobacco in the Netherlands. Call us now to discuss how we can help you to make the process quickly and easily.
Frequently asked questions:
Do I require a license to operate a business for selling food, beverages, and tobacco in the Netherlands?
Yes.
Why is The Netherlands such a good place to start a business for selling food, beverages, and tobacco?
A moderately competitive market that allows small to medium businesses to thrive.
The Dutch Food, beverages, and tobacco sector is logistically favorably positioned to service the entire EU.
Growing foodie culture in the Netherlands has increased demand for food and beverages.
Despite the tight restrictions, the Dutch tobacco market remains very lucrative, with more than 6,000 tons of tobacco consumed in 2018.
Closely monitored by the Dutch government to ensure the food, beverages, and tobacco market stays fair and stable.
Attractive tax rates that draw a lot of investors to the Dutch food, beverages, and tobacco markets
The Netherlands has a very stable and resilient business environment
How long does it take to start a company for selling food, beverages, and tobacco in the Netherlands?
Starting a Dutch company usually takes between 2-5 days, but since you require licenses to run a company for selling food, beverages, and tobacco in the Netherlands, it may take a bit longer. Call us today to find out more.
Can I start a business for selling food, beverages, and tobacco in the Netherlands as a non-Dutch or EU citizen?
Yes. The Dutch government allows foreigners to start a Dutch company or bring their existing business from abroad. However, certain legal conditions apply.
