# Import Ceylon Tea from Sri Lanka to The Netherlands

Source: https://srilankaexport.com/ko/import-ceylon-tea-to-netherlands/

Sri Lanka Sourcing Guide

## Import Ceylon Tea from Sri Lanka to The Netherlands

What it takes to source Ceylon Tea from Sri Lanka and bring it into the Netherlands: tariff treatment, import requirements, shipping times and indicative pricing, with a free route to quotes from verified exporters.

[Import from Sri Lanka to the Netherlands: every product, one page →](https://srilankaexport.com/ko/import-from-sri-lanka-to-netherlands/)

ProductCeylon TeaHS 0902

Indicative FOB$3.50–6.50 / kggrade-dependent

Tariff routeEU GSP+see below

Sea transit~3.5–4.5 wksfrom Colombo

The Netherlands is one of Sri Lanka’s largest export markets, taking US$389 million of goods in 2024 (UN Comtrade). Fresh Ceylon Tea crop typically lands year-round, with quality peaks Jan–Mar and Jul–Sep, [see the harvest calendar](/sri-lanka-harvest-calendar/).

### Why source Ceylon Tea from Sri Lanka

“Ceylon” is a globally protected mark of origin for Sri Lankan tea, sold through the transparent Colombo Tea Auction. Buyers can source by elevation (high / medium / low grown) and grade (BOP, BOPF, OP, FBOP, dust) with consistent quality and a clean, well-documented supply chain.

Forms & grades: Black, green and specialty teas by elevation and leaf grade; bulk or private-label. Browse current listings on our [Ceylon Tea category page](/tea-beverages/).

### Duty & tariff treatment for The Netherlands

As an EU member state, the Netherlands applies the EU’s GSP+ scheme for Sri Lanka: duty-free or sharply reduced tariffs on roughly two-thirds of EU tariff lines, covering most teas, spices and coconut products, when origin is proven. Rotterdam is Europe’s largest port and a major re-export gateway into the rest of the EU.

GSP+ benefit requires a statement on origin from a Sri Lankan exporter registered in the EU REX system.

Always confirm the current rate. Tariffs and preference schemes change. Check your exact HS line in the [EU TARIC tariff lookup](https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds2/taric/), and estimate duty + freight + insurance together with our [landed-cost calculator](/freight-calculator/). We don’t publish line-item tariff figures because they move and depend on your precise product and origin proof.

### Import requirements for The Netherlands

Typical requirements for bringing Ceylon Tea into the Netherlands include:

- EU food-safety compliance: max residue limits (MRLs), contaminant and aflatoxin limits, and EU labeling.
- A health / phytosanitary certificate as applicable, with CHED pre-notification via the EU TRACES system for products under official control.
- For organic goods: an EU organic certificate (COI) from an EU-recognized control body.

Your exporter prepares the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and certificate of origin; see our [export documents checklist](/sri-lanka-export-documents-checklist/) for the full set.

### Certificates this market asks for

Lists of Sri Lankan suppliers holding each one, taken from the scheme’s own public register. A certificate covers named products, so our Trade Desk confirms it covers your order.

- [EU organic certified suppliers](https://srilankaexport.com/ko/sri-lanka-eu-organic-suppliers/)the EU organic rule plus a TRACES certificate per shipment
- [Organic Ceylon tea suppliers](https://srilankaexport.com/ko/organic-ceylon-tea-suppliers/)USDA organic tea companies
- [FSSC 22000 certified suppliers](https://srilankaexport.com/ko/sri-lanka-fssc-22000-certified-suppliers/)GFSI food safety, asked for by most importers and retailers
- [BRCGS, ISO 22000 and HACCP suppliers](https://srilankaexport.com/ko/sri-lanka-food-safety-certified-suppliers/)food safety schemes on certifier registers
- [Fairtrade certified suppliers](https://srilankaexport.com/ko/sri-lanka-fairtrade-certified-suppliers/)FLOCERT
- [All certifications](https://srilankaexport.com/ko/sri-lanka-certified-suppliers/)every scheme we track, with live counts

### Shipping & lead time from Colombo

Roughly 3.5–4.5 weeks by sea from Colombo to Rotterdam; air freight a few days for samples and high-value lots. Most Ceylon Tea moves FOB Colombo or CIF The Netherlands. Agree the Incoterm up front so responsibilities are clear. Estimate ocean freight and your landed cost with the [freight & landed-cost calculator](/freight-calculator/).

### Indicative pricing

Ceylon Tea is indicatively $3.50–6.50 / kg FOB, varying by grade, order volume, packaging and certification. Track current reference ranges on our [Ceylon commodity prices](/ceylon-commodity-prices/) page, then get a firm, current quote for your exact specification below.

### Get quotes to import Ceylon Tea into The Netherlands

Tell us your grade, volume and destination. We’ll match you with verified Sri Lankan Ceylon Tea exporters and get you firm FOB/CIF quotes, free, no obligation.

[Request quotes →](/post-a-requirement/)
Want to check quality first? [Order a sample](/samples/). Or, for a Sri Lankan grocery store, see [grocery wholesale](/grocery-wholesale/).

### Frequently asked questions

Is Ceylon Tea from Sri Lanka duty-free into the Netherlands?As an EU member state, the Netherlands applies the EU’s GSP+ scheme for Sri Lanka: duty-free or sharply reduced tariffs on roughly two-thirds of EU tariff lines, covering most teas, spices and coconut products, when origin is proven. Rotterdam is Europe’s largest port and a major re-export gateway into the rest of the EU. Confirm the exact rate for your HS line via the [EU TARIC tariff lookup](https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds2/taric/), or estimate your full landed cost with our [landed-cost calculator](/freight-calculator/).

What does Ceylon Tea from Sri Lanka cost?Indicatively $3.50–6.50 / kg FOB, depending on grade, volume and certification. See live ranges on our [Ceylon commodity prices](/ceylon-commodity-prices/) page, then [request a firm quote](/post-a-requirement/).

How long does shipping from Colombo take?Roughly 3.5–4.5 weeks by sea from Colombo to Rotterdam; air freight a few days for samples and high-value lots.

### Related sourcing guides & tools

#### Import Ceylon Tea to other markets

[Germany](/import-ceylon-tea-to-germany/) · [UK](/import-ceylon-tea-to-uk/) · [USA](/import-ceylon-tea-to-usa/) · [The UAE](/import-ceylon-tea-to-uae/) · [India](/import-ceylon-tea-to-india/) · [China](/import-ceylon-tea-to-china/) · [Australia](/import-ceylon-tea-to-australia/) · [Canada](/import-ceylon-tea-to-canada/)

#### Other Sri Lankan products to The Netherlands

[Ceylon Cinnamon](/import-ceylon-cinnamon-to-netherlands/) · [Coconut Oil](/import-coconut-oil-to-netherlands/) · [Black Pepper](/import-black-pepper-to-netherlands/) · [Desiccated Coconut](/import-desiccated-coconut-to-netherlands/) · [Cloves](/import-cloves-to-netherlands/) · [Virgin Coconut Oil](/import-virgin-coconut-oil-to-netherlands/) · [Cardamom](/import-cardamom-to-netherlands/) · [Nutmeg & Mace](/import-nutmeg-to-netherlands/) · [Coir & Coco Peat](/import-coir-coco-peat-to-netherlands/) · [Coconut-Shell Activated Carbon](/import-activated-carbon-to-netherlands/) · [Essential Oils](/import-essential-oils-to-netherlands/)

#### Sourcing tools

[Commodity prices](/ceylon-commodity-prices/) · [HS code finder](/sri-lanka-hs-codes/) · [Harvest calendar](/sri-lanka-harvest-calendar/) · [Container calculator](/container-load-calculator/) · [Freight calculator](/freight-calculator/) · [Incoterms explained](/incoterms-explained/) · [GSP+ / DCTS duty guide](/duty-free-sourcing-sri-lanka/) · [Export documents](/sri-lanka-export-documents-checklist/)