Transport & logistics - Mazars - Netherlands

Knowing what is going on within the sector

The prominent position of the Netherlands in the transport and logistics business can never be taken for granted. Foreign competition is fierce, margins are often minimal, and economic fluctuations directly affect the results.

Fast, reliable and flexible logistics are becoming an increasingly important competition factor. Foreign companies will want to centre their logistic activities in a country with an optimal tax climate: fast, flexible and secure. The Netherlands has a reputation to uphold when it comes to VAT schemes, tax rulings, tonnage tax schemes, tax structures and the decisiveness and flexibility of the tax and customs authorities.

Pooling top-quality knowledge

In order to support clients in this sector with high-quality advice, specialist knowledge of the sector is essential. This is why Mazars has pooled the practical knowledge of the various disciplines – accountants, tax advisers and lawyers – into the Transport & logistics sector. In this way, our clients can rely on up-to-date information and concrete advice. Our professionals continuously keep their specific knowledge up-to-date for a proactive contribution. Furthermore, they have gained extensive practical experience with a wide variety of national and international clients, ranging from shipowners (inland and ocean shipping), ship brokers, forwarding agents, storage and transhipment companies and carriers, to shipping financiers and shipbuilding companies. In addition, Mazars is involved in national and international harbour projects and has established strong networks in this industry.

International

We are part of the Mazars group, an international organisation of accountants, tax advisers, lawyers and management consultants. During recent years in particular, the Mazars group has developed into a major player in the European market, with offices all over the world. With around 8,000 staff and offices in over 50 countries (including correspondents and joint ventures), Mazars ranks among the European top 10 in the industry.

Furthermore, the Mazars group takes part as a member firm in Praxity, a newly established international alliance of independent accountancy firms. This alliance of international, national and regional accountancy firms offers new perspectives for accountancy services worldwide. Praxity connects 23,000 professionals in 65 countries.
The manner in which we have organised ourselves at international level (partnership) also enables us to offer the same kind of proactive and dedicated services in all countries.

Sector-specific issues and expertise

• The shipping industry can profit from the favourable rules of the tonnage tax regime. Our corporate income tax specialists can advise not only on the national and international tonnage tax facilities, but also on various other current tax facilities in the transport and logistics sector.
  
• The ever-increasing rate of globalisation in recent years has created a need for thorough expertise in the area of international reporting (IFRS) and international audit and assurance services.
  
• The import, export and customs transit of goods may entail significant risks. Our customs specialists can advise you from the risk-identification stage up to and including the settlement and assistence with grievance and appeal procedures concerning possible customs claims.
  
• The industry increasingly depends on IT systems. Issues in areas such as IT governance, IT audit and privacy protection receive full attention of our management consultants.
  
• Staff and the developments in the labour market take centre stage within the industry. Our wage tax specialists can advise you on subjects such as expat schemes, cross-border taxation and social security issues, and the risks associated with the use of hired personnel and seafarers.
  
• Historically speaking, the industry is characterised by cross-border activities. Our VAT specialists will support you in complying with the complex national and international VAT regulations and inform you about recent developments like BTW 2010 and other issues, for example fiscal representation.
  
• Disputes regarding transport documents and contracts are an everyday occurrence in the transport sector. In order to assist you in such processes and other legal matters, Mazars has a strategic alliance with Pellicaan Advocaten.
  
• Does the size of your organisation not economically justify a completely separate accounting system, or do you lack the time or expertise to prepare annual accounts and tax returns? The Mazars compliance practice possesses the expertise to assist you.
  
• In recent years, the industry is characterised by mergers, acquisitions and business transfer issues. Our specialists of the Transaction Services department and Mazars Berenschot Corporate Finance can provide you with expert and proactive advice during these processes.
  
• The sector is characterised by many – complex – financing issues. Mazars has a wide range of expertise in respect of financing issues such as limited partnerships (CVs) and preferred equity constructions. In addition, we have a thorough knowledge of the Basel II principles.