Law changes for 2018 so far: Consumers

With the new year starting, the Dutch government is implementing a number of new laws and changing some existing ones. Below is an explanation of changes to the law applying to consumers.

The tax on electricity and natural gas will rise in 2018. Low electricity users will see a tax increase of 3.2 percent, while anyone using more than 10,000 kWh per year will see a 7.6 percent tax rise compared to 2017. On natural gas, the tax increases by either three or four percent, depending on the amount of gas used. An estimate produced by Pricewise in October suggests that the average family could pay an additional 150 euros in energy costs in 2018.

Packs of 20 cigarettes will become more expensive in April, rising by 18 cents. Also, 40-gram packets of shag tobacco will jump by 36 cents.

In 2018 municipalities can charge an additional 54 cents for a passport and an additional 42 cents for an identity card. Next year passports will cost a maximum of 65.30 euros for people 18 years old or older, and 52 euros for people 17 years old or younger. Identity cards will cost a maximum of 51.08 euros for over 18 year olds, and 29.05 euros for everyone 17 or younger. Municipalities can also charge less for passports and IDs if they choose.

Owners of so-called “high-risk dogs” will be required to complete a course in canine behavior. The government recognizes the following list of breeds (in Dutch) as being “high risk”:
Akita
American Bulldog
American Pitbull Terriër
American Staffordshire Terrier
Boerboel
Bull Mastiff
Bull Terrier
Cane Corso
Dogo Argentino
Dogo Canario
Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Rottweiler
Tosa
Fila Brasileiro
Anatolische herder,
Zuid-Russische Owcharka
Kaukasische Owcharka
Pitbull achtigen: all pitbull crosses: pocket bully, micro bully, pocket pitbull, extreme pocket bully, Regular bully, Regular Pitbull, xl en xxl pitbull, xl en xxl bully, rednose pitbull, rednose bully
Bully Kuta
Alano
Bandog