Truck toll road tax in the Netherlands from July 2026

Starting 1 July 2026, the Netherlands will implement a truck toll system ("vrachtwagenheffing") that will significantly affect road transport prices within the country and beyond its borders. This development is particularly relevant for non-EU companies that distribute goods from the Netherlands to other European markets.

What is the Dutch truck toll or road tax in the Netherlands?

The truck toll will apply to heavy goods vehicles over 3,500 kg using Dutch public roads. It will be distance-and pollution based , meaning carrier and haulage companies will pay per kilometer driven. This policy aligns the Netherlands with existing toll systems in neighboring countries such as Germany, Austria, France, Switzerland, and others. More information and details can be found on https://www.vrachtwagenheffing.nl/en

While the exact rates will depend on CO₂ emissions, vehicle weight, and road type, early estimates suggest a cost increase of several eurocents per kilometer, which can lead to noticeable price hikes in domestic and European transport.

Impact for non-EU businesses with an European Distribution Center in the Netherlands

If you are currently using the Netherlands as a hub for your European logistics, for example, by operating through a Dutch 3PL warehouse or distribution center, the new toll could raise your outbound transport costs to European markets/countries like Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Austria, Switzerland and Eastern Europe (e.g., Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania)

These are all key consumption markets where small changes in transport costs can have a major impact on margin and competitiveness, especially for e-commerce, FMCG, and just-in-time supply chains.

A good time to reevaluate your European logistics footprint

With these changes, it becomes increasingly important to reassess your European logistics strategy. That includes:

• Evaluating if your current European distribution center (EDC) or 3PL location remains cost-effective under the new toll regime.

 

• Recalculating transport cost scenarios based on your main customer locations and delivery frequency.

 

• Considering alternative locations, other 3PL's and transport methods (rail, road, intermodal, barge) within the Netherlands to optimize for total European logistics cost.

 

A well-placed European Distribution Center (EDC) or 3PL warehouse, closer to your primary markets and/or with more favorable toll structures, can help you minimize cost increases and improve service levels and delivery times.

Get independent support from Warehouse Netherlands

Making these decisions requires independent market knowledge and benchmarking expertise. That’s where www.warehousenetherlands.com can help as an independent Dutch warehousing intermediary specializing in:

• 3PL (bonded) warehousing in the Netherlands
• Dutch warehouse rental advisory
• European 3PL and Dutch warehouse rental benchmarking
• European logistic business support services (import EU, EU import duties, EU VAT, fiscal representation, EU customs)

 

We help non-EU companies like yours identify the most competitive logistics partners and warehouse locations, tailored to your European business needs and sales strategies.

The upcoming Dutch truck toll is more than a local tax, it will affect international European transport pricing and the competitiveness of your European supply chain. Now is the time to act.



To make sure your logistics setup remains future-proof, reach out to www.warehousenetherlands.com for a tailored consultation. We help you to grow your European business!