VAT and prices in Europe
A garden full of flowers starts with an enjoyable order. Here we explain how VAT is calculated on your purchase, including when you order from another European country.
Your delivery country determines the VAT.
For deliveries to private customers in the EU, we apply the VAT rate that the delivery country sets for each product. You see the total before you pay.
Ordering from another EU country
Bloemoloog uses the European OSS scheme (One Stop Shop) to account for VAT on our EU distance sales in the country where your order is delivered. We handle the reporting; as a private customer, you do not need to arrange this.
Each country has its own rates. Where a reduced rate applies to flower bulbs and plants, we use it. The Dutch rate of 9% therefore does not automatically apply throughout the EU. Different product rates can also apply within a single order.
How do we calculate flower bulb prices?
Our Dutch selling price is the starting point. For delivery to an EU country with a higher VAT rate for flower bulbs, we first remove the Dutch VAT of 9%, then add the local VAT. If the local rate is 9% or lower, the selling price stays the same as the Dutch price, with local VAT included.
For example, flower bulbs priced at €7.95 in the Netherlands also cost €7.95 in Germany with 7% VAT, and €8.02 in France with 10% VAT. We round to cents. When prices are shown in another currency, exchange rates and currency rounding can also affect the amount. For books and other items, we use the applicable product rate, with the Dutch selling price as the minimum too.
How to check your price
- Select your delivery country using the country selector on our website.
- Shop in your preferred language. You can choose it independently of your delivery country.
- Check your delivery address and order summary at checkout. VAT is calculated for your destination, and you see the total, including any shipping costs, before you pay.
If you change the delivery country, the price including VAT may change too.
Which VAT rates apply in the Netherlands?
| Product | VAT |
| Flower bulbs, tubers and garden plants | 9% |
| Printed books, such as our cookbook | 9% |
| Potting soil, garden compost and manure compost | 21% |
| Notebooks and journals | 21% |
These rates apply to the listed products in the Netherlands. For delivery in another EU country, that country's applicable product rates apply.
Frequently asked questions
I am Dutch and live in Spain. Which VAT do I pay?
For delivery in Spain, Spanish product rates apply. You can still use our website in Dutch. Your nationality, the website language and the billing address do not determine the VAT rate for this private purchase; the delivery country does.
Will I pay VAT again when my order arrives within the EU?
For a private purchase delivered from the Netherlands to another EU country within the EU VAT territory, you pay the VAT we calculate at checkout. We do not collect that VAT again upon delivery.
What if I collect my order in Alkmaar?
If you collect your private order yourself from our warehouse, Dutch product rates apply. Our potting soil and compost are available for collection only at Nijenburgerweg 7, 1812 LT Alkmaar, the Netherlands.
I am buying for a business. Do the same rules apply?
This information concerns private purchases. Different rules may apply to business deliveries with a valid VAT number from another EU country. Please contact us before ordering so we can check your situation.
What about delivery outside the EU?
The OSS scheme does not cover deliveries outside the EU VAT territory. Import VAT, customs duties and handling fees may apply there. Please read our shipping policy or ask us for advice before ordering.
Unsure about an amount?
Send us the product and your intended delivery country through our contact page. We will be happy to help.
Further information: EU distance sales explained by the Dutch Tax Administration (in Dutch). Dutch product rates checked on 24 October 2026.
Skal no: 109459
Our philosophy is that what you put in the ground should contribute to a better planet; Besides the fact that flowers are a beauty to the eye, they contribute to a habitat for insects such as butterflies and bees. In this way we can contribute to a healthy eco-system on our planet with sufficient bio-diversity.