SGS eCustoms
★★★★★
4.0
/ 5
•
18 reviews
SGS eCustoms offers comprehensive VAT services and fiscal representation for businesses importing into the EU. Improve cash flow and navigate customs complexities with their expert solutions.
SGS eCustoms provides specialized VAT services and fiscal representation to help businesses manage import VAT and improve cash flow, especially post-Brexit. They assist companies in making import declarations within the EU even if not registered for VAT in the country of import, with over 90% of their German clients using this service for imports through Rotterdam and Antwerp. Leveraging their extensive network and expertise, SGS eCustoms offers a full-service solution to simplify and enhance customs processes. Their services include customs transit and guarantee, import and export declarations, automation, origin services, consultancy, and excise handling. They cater to a diverse client base including importers, exporters, carriers, logistics service providers, and forwarders, aiming to transform customs challenges into competitive advantages.
About
**Who they are**
SGS eCustoms is a specialized service within SGS, a global leader in testing, inspection, and certification with over 145 years of experience. They focus on simplifying customs processes and VAT services for businesses operating within the EU.
**Expertise & scope**
* Offers comprehensive VAT services and fiscal representation for businesses importing into the EU.
* Aims to improve cash flow and help navigate customs complexities.
* Provides fiscal representation services to avoid immediate payment of import VAT, particularly noted for clients importing through Rotterdam and Antwerp.
* Facilitates VAT registration in the Netherlands for foreign entrepreneurs, enabling participation in trade and providing a Dutch VAT number.
* Services include customs transit & guarantee, import & export declarations, automation, VAT services/fiscal representation, origin services, and consultancy.
**Reputation / proof points**
* SGS operates a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries.
* Supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals.
* Leverages over 145 years of service excellence.
SGS eCustoms is a specialized service within SGS, a global leader in testing, inspection, and certification with over 145 years of experience. They focus on simplifying customs processes and VAT services for businesses operating within the EU.
**Expertise & scope**
* Offers comprehensive VAT services and fiscal representation for businesses importing into the EU.
* Aims to improve cash flow and help navigate customs complexities.
* Provides fiscal representation services to avoid immediate payment of import VAT, particularly noted for clients importing through Rotterdam and Antwerp.
* Facilitates VAT registration in the Netherlands for foreign entrepreneurs, enabling participation in trade and providing a Dutch VAT number.
* Services include customs transit & guarantee, import & export declarations, automation, VAT services/fiscal representation, origin services, and consultancy.
**Reputation / proof points**
* SGS operates a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries.
* Supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals.
* Leverages over 145 years of service excellence.
Additional information
For businesses importing into the Netherlands, SGS eCustoms offers two primary VAT-related solutions. General Fiscal Representation (GFR) allows foreign entrepreneurs to conduct economic activities without needing to provide bank guarantees, though VAT must be pre-financed and reclaimed later. Alternatively, a direct VAT registration in the Netherlands grants a Dutch VAT number, which is faster and avoids bank guarantees, but also requires pre-financing VAT at import. This direct registration is more accessible than GFR. Both options require adherence to VAT obligations and proper administration, with the Dutch Tax authorities conducting checks.
Key Highlights
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SGS eCustoms offers fiscal representation to help businesses avoid paying import VAT, a service utilized by over 90% of their German clients importing through Rotterdam and Antwerp.
Source
“Over 90% of our German clients importing through the ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp use our fiscal representation service to avoid paying import VAT.”
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Provides VAT registration services in the Netherlands, enabling foreign entrepreneurs to obtain a Dutch VAT number for trade.
Source
“In order to meet the VAT obligations in such a case, the foreign entrepreneur may choose to register only for VAT purposes in the Netherlands.”
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Part of SGS, a global leader with over 145 years of experience in testing, inspection, and certification.
Source
“SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. With over 145 years of service excellence...”
Certifications & Trust Signals
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SGS operates a global network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities.
Source
“We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries”
-
Supported by a global team of 99,500 dedicated professionals.
Source
“supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals.”
Buyer Snapshot
Best for
- Businesses importing into the EU seeking to manage VAT obligations.
- Companies looking to improve cash flow by avoiding upfront import VAT payments.
- Foreign entrepreneurs needing a Dutch VAT number for trade in the Netherlands.
How engagement typically works
- Consultative approach to VAT and customs complexities.
- Solution-oriented to improve financial and operational efficiency.
Typical deliverables
- Fiscal Representation services.
- VAT Registration in the Netherlands.
- Guidance on customs transit and import/export declarations.
- VAT refund support.
Good to know
- Best when businesses need to navigate EU import VAT and customs regulations.
- Suitable for companies prioritizing cash flow management.
HQ:
Baar, CH
Languages:
English, Dutch
Timezones:
Europe/Amsterdam
Status:
listed
Services & Capabilities
Best VAT Fiscal Representative | Compare & Get Quotes
Jurisdictions:
EU
Countries:
NL, BE
Industries:
E-commerce, Retail, Manufacturers
Portfolio:
6-25, 26-100
Onboarding time:
3–14 days
Pricing model:
Retainer
Starting from:
EUR 1,200
Included services:
VAT registrations, VAT returns filing, Authority correspondence handling, Compliance calendar management
Supports Vatregistration:
Yes
Supports Filings:
Yes
VAT Refund Support:
Yes
Additional vat_fiscal_rep Details
VAT Countries
EU
Supports Oss Ioss
Implied through VAT services, but not explicitly stated.
Supports Einvoicing
Not explicitly stated.
Supports Intrastat
Not explicitly stated.
Importer Of Record Support
Implied through customs brokerage and import services, but not explicitly stated as 'Importer of Record'.
VAT Refund Support
Yes
Onboarding Steps
Requires official documents from the applicant's country of residence for Dutch VAT number application. Registration can be completed within a few weeks.
