Michael Turner
Security rules: liquids, gels and pastes in cabin baggage are allowed only in containers of 100 ml (3.4 oz) or less and all containers must fit comfortably in a single transparent resealable bag with a capacity up to 1 litre. Larger containers and liquid items that exceed that limit should be placed in checked baggage. Baby formula, breast milk and essential medicines are permitted in quantities over 100 ml but must be presented separately for inspection at security.
Customs and animal/plant regulations: products containing meat, dairy, eggs or fresh plants brought from countries outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland are generally prohibited on entry to Dutch territory under NVWA rules; personal imports from other EU states are normally permitted. Alcoholic beverages and tobacco arriving from non‑EU countries have duty‑free ceilings: 1 litre spirits over 22% ABV (or 2 litres fortified wine/liqueurs, 4 litres still wine, 16 litres beer) and tobacco limits of 200 cigarettes (or equivalents). Declare items that exceed these amounts at customs to avoid fines.
Packing recommendations: pack perishables in leak‑proof containers, freeze gel packs solid before the security checkpoint if you need cooling, label any medically necessary edibles and keep receipts for store‑bought products. Check your carrier’s policy for strong‑smelling or messy provisions and verify current NVWA and Dutch Customs (Belastingdienst Douane) guidance before travel to avoid refusals or confiscation.
Edible items policy for cabin carriage to and from Dutch airports
Solid snacks and commercially sealed meals are permitted in cabin baggage for journeys to and from Dutch airports, but strict security and agricultural rules apply.
Security limits: liquids, gels and pastes must be in containers no larger than 100 ml each and all must fit inside a single transparent resealable 1-litre bag per passenger. Any container exceeding 100 ml, even if partly full, will be refused at security unless purchased after screening. Frozen items are allowed only if completely solid at screening; thawed contents that behave like liquids may be treated as gels.
Agricultural controls: arrivals from non-EU countries must not bring most uncooked animal products (meat, fresh milk, soft cheeses) and many unprocessed plant items (fresh fruit, vegetables, soil-containing plants). Such items are generally prohibited and must be declared to Dutch customs (Belastingdienst Douane) and the NVWA; undeclared goods can be seized and fines imposed. Personal portions of commercially packaged, shelf-stable products from EU member states are normally acceptable when moving within the EU.
Infant formula, sterilized baby meals and medically prescribed nutritional liquids are allowed in reasonable quantities beyond the 100 ml rule but will require separate screening and may be opened. Always keep such items accessible in cabin baggage and notify security staff before screening.
Practical checklist
Pack: solid items (sandwiches, biscuits, packed fruit) in clear resealable bags; keep receipts for pre-security purchases (duty-free drinks are allowed if given in sealed tamper-evident bags with receipt).
Avoid: fresh uncooked meats, soft continental cheeses, unprocessed dairy from non-EU origins, and uninspected fresh produce when arriving from outside the EU.
Before travel: check the destination country’s import rules if leaving Holland, consult the NVWA or Dutch customs for up-to-date prohibitions, and verify airline policy on perishables and carry-on space.
If travelling with toddlers, consider lightweight gear and accessories such as a best all terrain umbrella stroller to free up cabin space and simplify transfers between security and the gate.
Permitted solid items in cabin baggage for flights to/from Dutch airports
Carry commercially sealed, shelf-stable solid items; fresh meat and most dairy products originating outside the EU are generally prohibited on arrival at Dutch airports.
Commonly allowed solid items
Commercially packaged snacks (biscuits, crackers, crisps), chocolate and confectionery, whole fruit from EU sources (apples, bananas, oranges), dried fruit, nuts, hard candy, unopened vacuum-packed cured meats or jerky bought inside the EU, bakery goods (bread, cakes, pastries) and sealed protein bars. Powders (e.g., powdered baby formula, protein powder) are permitted but may require extra screening.
What requires attention or declaration
Items to watch: any fresh produce, raw seeds, soil, live plants and unprocessed animal products from outside the EU – these often need phytosanitary certificates or are banned. Soft cheeses, yogurts, spreads and sauces are treated as liquids/gels for security and quantity limits. Always keep commercial packaging and receipts visible for screening; declare agricultural or animal-origin items at border control. When flying between EU member states, personal amounts of most packaged and fresh goods are normally acceptable, but imports from non-EU countries follow stricter veterinary and plant-health rules enforced at Dutch entry points.
Liquid edibles and sauces: the 100 ml rule at Schiphol and regional airports
Place sauces, yogurts, soups and spreads in containers no larger than 100 ml, fit all such containers into a single transparent, resealable 1-litre plastic bag, and present that bag separately during security screening.
What counts as a liquid or gel
Any item that flows, pours, spreads or would be squeezed through a nozzle is treated as a liquid/gel: soups, dressings, gravies, syrups, sauces, creams, yogurts, custards, honey, syrups, mayonnaise, hummus, nut butters and soft cheeses. Solid items such as hard cheese, whole fruit, cooked cold meats and dry snacks are usually treated as solids and not subject to the 100 ml limit.
Exceptions and practical recommendations
Medicinal liquids and baby milk/formula are allowed in greater quantities but must be declared and screened; carry prescriptions or a supporting note for prescription meds. Duty-free purchases provided in a sealed tamper-evident bag (STEB) with the receipt are generally permitted through security – keep the seal intact until any onward transfer security checks are complete. For larger volumes of sauces or preserves, place them in checked baggage. If a homemade or jarred sauce exceeds 100 ml, transfer a small portion into labeled travel bottles of 100 ml or less. Fully frozen items that remain solid during screening are less likely to be treated as liquids; partially thawed items will usually be treated as liquids and may be removed. Items exceeding allowed amounts will be confiscated at security, so when unsure, pack extras in checked baggage or purchase small travel-sized containers before departure.
Fresh produce, meat and dairy: Dutch customs restrictions and declaration requirements
Declare any animal-derived products and fresh fruit or vegetables brought in from outside the EU immediately; keep them in original packaging with receipts and present them at the red channel on arrival.
If arriving from another EU member state, small quantities of meat, milk-based items and fresh produce for personal consumption are generally permitted, provided they comply with EU hygiene and labelling rules. For arrivals from non-EU countries, most meat and dairy products are prohibited and fresh plant produce faces strict phytosanitary controls; undeclared items will be seized and usually destroyed or returned.
Commercial quantities trigger import controls: consignments above personal-use levels require veterinary or phytosanitary certificates, import licences and often pre-approval by Dutch authorities. No documentation = refusal of entry for those goods. Sellers and travellers should request official health certificates from exporters before travel when intent is commercial.
Declaration procedure: on arrival into Dutch territory from non-EU countries, use the red channel or the digital customs declaration procedure where available, state all animal and plant products, and follow instructions from Belastingdienst/Douane officers. Failure to declare can lead to confiscation, fines and potential legal action.
Packing and paperwork tips: keep perishables sealed, label contents clearly, keep purchase invoices and certificates accessible, and separate suspect items in a marked bag for inspection. For robust transit options consider a sturdy carry item such as the best duffel bag for safari travel to protect sealed packages and documentation during transport.
Packing, labelling and declaring edible items at Dutch airport security
Pack perishables in transparent, sealable containers and keep them in an outer pocket of your cabin bag for immediate access during screening.
- Packing materials
- Use clear plastic tubs or vacuum-sealed packs for solids and rigid jars for preserves; avoid soft, opaque packaging.
- Insulated bags are allowed; use frozen gel packs (completely solid) rather than loose ice or partially thawed gels to reduce screening delays.
- Wrap fragile jars in bubble wrap and place them upright in a separate compartment to prevent breakage and spillage that slows inspection.
- Label content and format
- Attach a printed label (not handwritten) with: item name in English (and Dutch if possible), net weight, date prepared or packed, and purpose: “for personal consumption” or “commercial sample”.
- For commercial samples add: company name, contact details, batch/lot number and declared value.
- Keep labels waterproof and affix them to the container exterior; use a second removable copy inside the outer transparent bag in case outer label is removed during inspection.
- Documentation to carry
- Purchase receipts, invoices or supplier certificates for bought or commercial items – keep originals in an easily reachable pocket.
- Veterinary certificates or phytosanitary certificates for animal- or plant-derived products when coming from outside the EU; carry electronic copies as backup.
- If applicable, a declaration letter stating “not for resale / personal use” or “commercial sample – no commercial value” signed by sender.
- How to present at security and customs
- Place all edible items and their documentation in a single clear tray or transparent bag for X‑ray screening; do not hide items inside other bags.
- If asked, open containers and allow officers to inspect samples; present labels and receipts without prompting.
- On arrival from non-EU countries or when unsure about an item’s admissibility, present at the customs desk immediately and hand over documentation; voluntary disclosure reduces risk of fines.
- Label examples (ready to print)
- Solid snack: “Homemade granola – 150 g – Packed 2025-08-20 – For personal consumption.”
- Commercial sample: “Olive oil sample – 50 ml – Company: Example BV – Batch #12345 – Not for resale – Value €0.00.”
- Perishable: “Fresh cheese – 200 g – Ingredients: milk, salt, cultures – See veterinary cert (electronic).”
- Consequences and best practice
- Non-declared restricted animal or plant items may be seized and disposal, return or fines may follow; cooperate and follow officer instructions to minimise delay.
- Keep items accessible until you have cleared security and customs; reseal containers only after inspection is complete.
- If uncertain about a product’s admissibility, declare it at the earliest checkpoint rather than risk penalty later.
Eating onboard and buying meals after security: airline and Dutch airport policies
Check your carrier’s onboard-consumption rules before departure: many carriers permit sealed snacks and sandwiches but prohibit consumption of passenger-supplied alcoholic drinks unless served by crew.
Purchases made airside at Dutch terminals are normally sold in tamper-evident bags with a receipt; retain both if you have a connecting itinerary, because opened or unsealed items may be confiscated at transfer security checkpoints.
Self-heating meals that use chemical warmers are classified as hazardous and are frequently banned from cabin and checked baggage; avoid those and choose ready-to-eat, non-pressurized options that require no reheating. Airlines will not provide microwaves for passenger use, and crew will refuse use of personal heating devices.
Strong odors, messy sauces and crumb-heavy items increase the chance crew will ask you to stop eating or to stow leftovers; select low-odor, compact packaging and bring napkins and resealable containers to contain spills. Use single-use cutlery or compact reusable sets that fit under the seat.
If you have medical dietary needs or severe allergies, request special meals via the carrier at booking or through the airline’s medical forms, and carry supporting documentation; inform cabin crew on boarding so they can advise about cross-contact risks and galley service limitations.
Hot beverages may be served only when crew judge conditions safe; personal hot drinks purchased airside are often allowed but must be stored during taxi, takeoff and landing. During periods of turbulence crew may instruct suspension of consumption for safety reasons.
Cold-chain management is not provided in the cabin; for perishables that must remain chilled use insulated coolers and cold packs for short transfers and avoid perishable items on long-haul sectors. For information about keeping items cold before travel consult are there freezers in aldi warehouse.
At arrival, follow crew and airport waste-disposal instructions; some airports and carriers restrict disposal of liquids and perishables in cabin and require removal at gate or use of on-board collection. For final confirmation, check both the departing airport’s airside retail policy and your carrier’s official rules within 24–48 hours of departure.
