Website Rules in the Netherlands
Dutch websites must comply with the AVG (GDPR), Telecommunicatiewet, the European Accessibility Act, and display KVK registration details. The Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens actively enforces cookie and privacy rules.
Data protection authority:
Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens
(AP)
Requirements
6
country-specific rules
Guides
12
guides available
Specific requirements for Netherlands
KVK number display
Every Dutch business must display their KVK (Kamer van Koophandel) registration number on their website, emails and invoices. Required by the Handelsregisterwet 2007.
BTW-ID (not BTW-nummer) for ZZP'ers
Since 2020, sole proprietors (eenmanszaak/ZZP) must use their BTW-identificatienummer on their website, not the old BTW-nummer which contained their BSN.
Cookie consent (Telecommunicatiewet)
The Dutch Telecommunicatiewet requires informed consent for non-essential cookies. The AP has issued warnings and fines to websites that set tracking cookies before consent.
Privacy policy (AVG)
Every website processing personal data needs an accessible privacy policy covering data collection, legal basis, data processors, retention periods and visitor rights.
EAA / Digital Accessibility (ACM)
The European Accessibility Act is enforced in the Netherlands by the ACM (Autoriteit Consument & Markt). Websites must meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards.
E-commerce: Koop op Afstand
Online sellers must comply with "Koop op Afstand" (distance selling) rules: 14-day withdrawal right, clear pricing including BTW, delivery terms before checkout.
Enforcement in Netherlands
In 2024, the Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens fined Clearview AI €30.5 million for building an illegal facial recognition database. For smaller businesses, the AP issued a €525,000 fine to a company for fingerprinting website visitors without consent, and warned hundreds of websites about cookie banners that don't meet requirements.
Official resources
Guides for Netherlands
Dutch AP Cookie Warnings: What They Mean for Your Website
AP cookie warnings explained: what the Dutch Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens checks on your cookie banner and how to fix it before a fine.
KVK Number on Your Website: Is It Required?
Dutch businesses must display their KVK number on their website. Here is where to put it and what else is required.
GDPR Fines for Small Businesses: Real Cases and Amounts
Real GDPR fines for small businesses run from about 1,000 to 50,000 EUR. See published regulator decisions, what triggers enforcement and how to avoid it.
ACM Enforcement: Digital Accessibility Is Now Mandatory
The ACM can now enforce digital accessibility requirements in the Netherlands. Here is what they check and what non-compliance means for your business.
GDPR Compliance Checklist for Dutch Businesses (2026)
GDPR compliance checklist for Dutch businesses: 35 points covering privacy policy, cookie consent, data processors, retention and breach reporting.
EAA for Dutch SMBs: What ACM Now Enforces
European Accessibility Act (Richtlijn 2019/882) in force since 28 June 2025. What it requires, who is exempt and what ACM enforces in NL.
Do I Need a Cookie Banner? A Simple Decision Guide
Not every website needs a cookie banner. Use this decision guide to find out if yours does, and what to do if it doesn't need one.
Ecommerce Checkout Compliance: Netherlands Webshop Rules
Ecommerce checkout compliance for Dutch webshops: order button text under BW 6:230v, VAT price display, withdrawal rights and consent rules enforced by the ACM.
Email Marketing Consent Rules in the Netherlands
Email marketing consent rules for Dutch senders: AVG, Telecommunicatiewet Art. 11.7, ACM vs AP enforcement, plus a country-by-country comparison table.
EU Consumer Rights in the Netherlands: Online Sellers Guide
EU consumer rights for Dutch online sellers: the 14-day herroepingsrecht, ACM enforcement, pre-contractual information and BW 6:230g obligations.
Is Double Opt-in Required in the Netherlands?
Is double opt-in required in the Netherlands? No, but German subscribers change the rules. Learn what AVG and Telecommunicatiewet Art. 11.7 actually demand.
Order Button Requirements for Dutch Webshops
Dutch law requires your order button to show a clear payment obligation. Wrong text means no binding contract. Learn the exact wording required under BW 6:230v.
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