Netherlands: Resources
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This document describes how distribution, agency, and sales relationships are treated in Dutch law. It also details the Netherlands' terms regarding the freedom of contract, competition law issues, taxing considerations, and international conventions. A list of helpful Dutch trade law websites is also included for reference. Prepared by: Höcker Advocaten.
Government Resources
Company Directories
Evofenedex is a Dutch entrepreneur's association that helps internationally active Dutch companies with logistical and international operations. The site provides knowledge and educational services to Dutch companies about transportation, export management, supply chain management, international business, warehouses, and optimization. This website is only available in Dutch.
Regulatory Agency Sites
The Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) is responsible for the oversight and regulation of the financial services industry within the Netherlands. The site contains plenty of resources sorted by relevant users (consumer or professional) to provide a better understanding of how the finance industry works for the public, businesses, and government.
The Dutch Media Authority (CvdM) grants licenses to broadcasters of audiovisual content in the Netherlands. CvdM monitors compliance with this legislation and serves to protect consumers' interests by ensuring appropriate and accurate information in the broadcasts. CvdM also promotes the advancement of technology within the media sector and promotes regulations on online advertising to provide monitored media content. The CvdM site contains news, regulations, and information about the organization and their responsibilities. The majority of the site is only available in Dutch, however, limited English features are available.
The Medicines Evaluation Board (MEB) assesses and guards the efficacy, safety, and quality of both human and veterinary medicinal products. The MEB is the primary source of information on new medicinal products, new applications, and current risk information in the Netherlands.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs is in charge of policy development to create a sustainable, competitive business environment in the Netherlands. Specific focus is placed on agriculture and energy and a balance between ecology and economy. This site contains relevant information for the agriculture, biotechnology, and energy industries.
Other Resources
The Authority for Consumer and Markets (ACM) follows the latest market trends and developments for consumers and businesses. Specifically, ACM looks at the energy, telecommunication, transport, and postal industries. Along with tracking markets and industries, the ACM holds dialogues with businesses and consumers, advises consumers, and enforces numerous acts and pieces of legislation to make it easier for new startups to enter markets.
The Netherlands Chamber of Commerce provides Dutch entrepreneurs with information regarding financing and innovating a business in order to stimulate regional trade. The site includes information on starting a business, international trade, the associated paperwork, and registering or modifying a business in the trade industry. A limited English version of the site is available, however, some content is only available in Dutch.
The Energy Research Centre of the Netherlands (ECN) carries out energy research and provides live-feed news and publication information. The researchers move between fundamental research at universities and the appliance of knowledge and technologies in practice.