VAT return banner - hand holding smartphone with NL Customs VAT app

VAT Refund at Kamera Express

Do you live outside the European Union and, as a private customer, buy products from a Kamera Express store? Are you taking your purchases home within 3 months? If so, you may be able to claim a VAT refund.

Kamera Express uses the digital VAT refund process via the NL Customs VAT app from Dutch Customs.

Important to know

  • Purchases are always VAT-inclusive
  • The minimum purchase value for a VAT refund is €150
  • The invoice must be issued in the name and address of a person outside the EU (details must match your passport)
  • Products must be new and unused when leaving the EU
  • In store, we need a copy of your passport* and your debit card

VAT refund via the NL Customs VAT app

When leaving the EU, you register your purchases digitally via the NL Customs VAT app. After approval by Dutch Customs, Kamera Express can process the VAT refund.

Step-by-step VAT refund

In store

  1. Ask the Kamera Express store to issue the invoice in your name and register it digitally (this must be done immediately at purchase).
  2. Download the NL Customs VAT app.
  3. Register yourself in the app using your passport.
  4. Your purchases will appear automatically in the app.

When leaving the EU (via a Dutch airport or seaport)

  1. Open the NL Customs VAT app.
  2. Go to the area near the customs desk.
  3. Switch on Bluetooth and Location Services.
  4. Request validation in the app for your VAT refund.
  5. The app will show whether you need to go to customs first with your purchases.
  6. After approval, you will receive a digital confirmation.

Kamera Express can then process the VAT refund. Within a few days, you will receive the VAT amount minus the €25 administration fee in your bank account.

Good to know

  • Register your purchases no later than 24 hours before departure
  • Refunds via Visa or Mastercard are not possible
  • We charge a €25 administration fee per request
  • Without customs validation, a VAT refund is not possible
  • The digital process only applies when leaving the EU via the Netherlands

Download the app

NL Customs VAT app — available on the App Store and Google Play.

* You can safely provide a passport copy via the KopieID app. These copies are used only for the customs registration and are not stored. KopieID is available on the App Store and Google Play.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. If you live outside the EU, are a private customer, and your purchase is at least €150, you may be able to claim a VAT refund. The products must be new and unused, and you must leave the EU via a Dutch seaport or airport.

After your purchase, Kamera Express registers the invoice digitally. You download the NL Customs VAT app and register with your passport. Your purchase will appear automatically in the app. When leaving the EU, you have the export digitally validated by customs.

Once Dutch Customs has digitally validated your purchase, Kamera Express can process the VAT refund. The VAT amount will be refunded to your bank account within a few days, minus the €25 administration fee. Refunds via Visa or Mastercard are not possible.