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
7
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
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.
Dutch AP Cookie Warnings: What They Mean for Your Website
The Dutch Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens is warning websites about cookie issues. Here is what they check and how to fix your cookie setup.
GDPR Compliance Checklist for Your Website (2026)
A practical GDPR checklist for small business websites. Check cookies, privacy policy, consent forms, and tracking scripts.
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.
Does the European Accessibility Act Apply to Your Business?
The EAA became enforceable in June 2025. Find out if it applies to your business, what it requires and what happens if you don't comply.
Do I Need a Cookie Banner? A Simple Decision Guide
Not sure if your website needs a cookie banner? This simple guide helps you decide based on what your website actually does.
ODR Platform Abolished: Remove the Link From Your Website
The EU Online Dispute Resolution platform was abolished in July 2025. If your website still links to it, here is what to do.
Check your website for Netherlands requirements
Our scanner checks for Netherlands-specific requirements automatically.