Disclaimer: I’m not a lawyer.
In The Netherlands, you can virtually always object (‘in beroep gaan’ / ‘bezwaar aantekenen’) against decisions made by government agencies. You need to make sure of the following
For objecting to fees, see here. Basically, write a letter that says that you are objecting to the fees (don’t forget that bit!), and then explain the full situation. Add as much proof as possible supporting your case. Argue that, similar to returning your online shopping, you are returning the dress and thus want the import fees waived. There is no point in arguing that you did not know the law; only argue why the fees are unjust in this particular case. Send the letter per registered to Douane \ Postbus 3070 \ 6401 DN Heerlen \ The Netherlands. Make sure you send only copies of proof, not originals. Make sure you have a copy of your letter.
Notes:
Regulation in this area can be rigid or feel unfair but neither the fact that the dress is used nor the fact you paid GST are relevant as such. As a resident of the Netherlands, you are definitely importing this dress.
Consider what would happen if it was an expensive piece of jewellery or a camera you have used for a month: The EU doesn’t want this to be an easy way to circumvent VAT (shop while on a vacation, open the package, import without paying any taxes). For a wedding dress there is the additional emotional context and you could also ask how much it is still worth but the analysis is still the same: It’s an expensive item bought abroad and brought back by a resident.
On the other hand, the fact that you intend to reexport it could be relevant. For professional equipment, there are (rather cumbersome) procedures like an ATA carnet but I am not sure it would apply to you as a resident. Without that, customs is entitled to treat it as an import and I don’t think you can get out of this easily.
Credit:stackoverflow.com‘
5 Mar, 2024
4 Mar, 2024