Wire Transfer Services For Expats to RotterdamWe manage legal paymentslinked to EU freight

International Payments & Logistics in Rotterdam

Managing Legal Transfers and Global Trade via Europe’s Largest Seaport

Rotterdam is not only the largest seaport in Europe but also one of the most advanced logistics hubs in the world. Situated at the heart of the Netherlands’ trade infrastructure, it processes over 14 million containers annually and serves as a primary gateway for goods entering and leaving the European Union. Its relevance goes beyond maritime activity—Rotterdam is a strategic center for financial settlements linked to trade, industrial imports and exports, and cross-border logistics contracts.

However, the same infrastructure that powers Rotterdam’s global reputation also comes with complex legal, tax, and banking controls. International payments to and from Rotterdam—especially those related to shipping, supply chain finance, and logistics contracts—must align with Dutch financial regulations, VAT and customs codes, and strict compliance rules set by both banks and the national tax authority. We help businesses and individuals execute cross-border payments and manage global freight through Rotterdam safely, legally, and efficiently.

Why Rotterdam Demands Full Financial and Customs Alignment

The Port of Rotterdam operates under a heavily regulated framework combining Dutch law, European Union customs policies, and global maritime protocols. Every shipment entering or exiting the port must be declared through the Union Customs Code (UCC) system, with detailed information on contents, value, origin, and destination. Banks based in Rotterdam and throughout the Netherlands will also flag large or foreign-linked payments unless they are supported by verifiable documentation, contracts, and declared commercial activity.

Rotterdam’s integrated logistics ecosystem—rail terminals, inland shipping, bonded warehouses, customs brokers—requires absolute clarity between financial flows and physical cargo. Whether you’re sending a payment for machinery from China, receiving income from EU exports, or wiring funds to a logistics contractor, all steps must be documented and traceable. We provide the structure and support to ensure that your money and goods move together — transparently and legally.

Receiving International Payments in Rotterdam

Businesses in Rotterdam often receive cross-border payments for exported goods, logistics services, or commercial contracts. These payments must be justified with contracts, invoices, and sometimes customs documents to satisfy Dutch banking regulations. Banks such as ING, Rabobank, ABN AMRO, and others are obligated to report unusual transactions and request further information when needed.

We assist:

• Exporters shipping goods from the port
• Logistics firms paid by international clients
• Importers receiving funding from global partners
• Tech or maritime service companies working across borders

Our services include:

• Drafting bilingual contracts with clearly defined payment terms
• Preparing declarations and justifications for incoming transfers
• Coordinating with Rotterdam-based banks to satisfy compliance checks
• Ensuring payments align with VAT, trade licenses, and tax filings

Sending International Payments from Rotterdam

Outbound payments from Rotterdam are often linked to logistics, procurement, insurance, and trade-related services. These payments are closely scrutinized by Dutch banks, especially when sent outside the EU. Each transfer must have a documented commercial purpose and must match the sender’s registered business activity.

We support:

• Shipping companies paying overseas suppliers
• Freight forwarders settling cross-border contracts
• Exporters funding warehousing, insurance, or brokerage abroad
• Manufacturers purchasing raw materials internationally

We manage:

• Preparation of invoices, contracts, and shipping-related documents
• Declaration of transfer purpose for bank compliance
• Filing outbound forms and coordinating with foreign recipients
• Ensuring payments do not violate currency control or AML rules

Importing Goods Through the Port of Rotterdam

As the main maritime entry point into Europe, Rotterdam requires strict customs documentation for all imports. From HS codes and Incoterms to safety declarations and value assessments, every detail must match what is declared in the Union Customs Code system.

We help importers:

• Obtain and validate EORI numbers for customs registration
• Classify goods correctly under the Combined Nomenclature system
• Calculate and declare VAT, customs duties, and excise (if applicable)
• Prepare documentation such as packing lists, commercial invoices, and bills of lading

We also coordinate with:

• Customs brokers for clearance optimization
• Bonded warehouses for deferred VAT arrangements
• Trucking and rail partners for inland delivery

From medical equipment and automotive parts to bulk commodities and perishables, we ensure your cargo moves through Rotterdam without delay or penalty.

Exporting Goods from Rotterdam

Rotterdam is Europe’s primary export gateway. Companies exporting goods must follow EU customs rules and report all shipments to ensure VAT compliance, origin verification, and legal export controls. Incorrect or missing documentation can lead to fines or shipment seizures.

We assist exporters by:

• Preparing export declarations and licenses where required
• Issuing compliant invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin
• Coordinating with carriers and shipping agents
• Ensuring alignment between bank receipts and customs filings

Whether you ship to Asia, Africa, North America, or within the EU, we make sure your documents and payments are aligned end-to-end.

Currency Exchange and Foreign Banking in Rotterdam

Rotterdam’s economy is deeply international, with businesses routinely managing USD, EUR, GBP, and CNY flows. However, all currency exchanges and international bank transfers are subject to Dutch and EU financial rules. Banks may delay or block conversions or wires without clear justification.

We support clients by:

• Structuring multi-currency contracts with FX considerations
• Linking exchange operations to invoices or payment requests
• Ensuring your bank statements and accounting records match FX activity
• Helping you report foreign assets or operations under tax rules (CRS/BEPS)

Institutions and Infrastructure in Rotterdam

• Banks: ING, Rabobank, ABN AMRO, Deutsche Bank (Rotterdam branches)
• Port Authority: Port of Rotterdam customs and logistics coordination
• Customs: Dutch Douane for import/export declarations and UCC compliance
• Tax Authority: Belastingdienst for VAT and income tax reporting
• Freight Forwarders: Kuehne+Nagel, DSV, DB Schenker, and others

Who We Help in Rotterdam

• Exporters and importers moving cargo via Rotterdam port
• Shipping and logistics companies handling cross-border operations
• Multinational manufacturers with procurement and distribution hubs
• Customs brokers and agents needing financial coordination
• Service providers with international clients and payments

Our Process

1. Review: We assess the transaction, shipping plan, and compliance risk
2. Prepare: We draft contracts, payment justifications, and customs paperwork
3. Coordinate: We liaise with banks, customs, and freight operators
4. Execute: We oversee the transfer or shipment until cleared
5. Report: We ensure audit-ready documentation for banks and tax filings

Challenges We Help Prevent

• Blocked or delayed international payments from Rotterdam banks
• Cargo holds due to incorrect HS codes or mismatched invoices
• Tax penalties from undeclared income or mismatched VAT flows
• Transfer reviews caused by incomplete or unclear contracts

Move Goods and Capital Through Rotterdam Without Risk

Rotterdam is a gateway to the world — but only if your payments and logistics are managed properly. We provide businesses and individuals with full-service support to navigate Dutch banking procedures, customs clearance, VAT filings, and global trade documentation. From freight forwarders to international exporters, we help clients move their goods and capital with confidence.

Let us manage your international payments and logistics in Rotterdam — with clarity, legality, and speed.