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Import and Export from Belgium
Nestled between France and the Netherlands, Belgium is a small country with a booming global trade market. With its strategic location, digital society, and innovative government, Belgium has vast opportunities for tech importers and exporters.
Tax
Up to 21%
Duties
Up to 7%
Lead Times
3-4 Weeks
Restricted Items
N/A
Best Carrier Option
Courier or Freight Forwarder
Non-working Days
Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holidays
Prominent Languages
Dutch, French, and German
Exporting from Belgium
According to the Belgian Federal Public Service, Belgium relies heavily on exports, which contribute to over 90% of its GDP. Because 1 in 3 Belgians also depend on exports for their income, the country strives to nurture an open, green, and digitized economy with minimal trade barriers. As a member of the European Union, Belgian importers and exporters can enjoy 30 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). These cover members of the EU, the EEA (Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein), and other countries.
A Belgian Foreign Trade Agency study found that in 2019, Belgian exports under the EU FTAs it benefits from were valued at €22 billion. The report states that South Korea and Turkey offer the most “Potential Duty Savings” for businesses and entities that export from Belgium. With an expert compliance partner like TecEx, we can help you ensure that your exports from Belgium use the relevant FTAs to maximize your profit and minimize the costs you incur.
Population
11.82 M
Biggest Industry By Export
Pharmaceutical products
Capital City
Brussels
Biggest Industry By Import
Chemicals
Belgium Digital Economy
In 2023, Belgium ranked 6th on the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI). Furthermore, it ranked 5th in terms of businesses’ integration of digital technologies and 3rd in connectivity. Belgium strives for a sustainable, human-centric digital society in line with the EU’s 2030 Digital Decade Framework.
While Belgium is more export-focused, there are opportunities for tech importers. Opportunities likely exist for tech that can progress Belgium along the EU’s 2030 Digital Decade Framework, like communications and networking tech, advanced computing, and artificial intelligence. Belgium has a National Convergence Plan for the Development Of AI to foster safe, competitive, and functional AI innovation.
Additionally, Belgium is one of the top importers and exporters of electric vehicles (EVs). According to the European Alternative Fuels Observatory, in 2024, EVs held 28.5% of Belgium’s market share, with 127,750 new EV registrations. This creates opportunities for importers to propel this sustainability trend with advanced goods like battery technologies, charging infrastructure, and electronic components.
Delivery Duty Paid DDP Shipping to Belgium and EOR Belgium
With TecEx DDP shipping to Belgium, we fulfill all your compliance responsibilities, optimize your shipping route, and accurately quote your customs fees so you can seamlessly import or export your tech. Importing and exporting goods from Belgium requires compliance with stringent regulations, various documentation, and the obtaining of complicated licenses, permits, or declarations.
Understanding the EU WEEE Directive and Batteries Directive is vital for seamless tech shipments. A SAD, Mill Test Certificate, CIDU License, and Dual-Use Declaration are critical to prevent stuck shipments or penalties and get import to or export from Belgium. With TecEx as your Importer of Record (IOR) or Exporter of Record (EOR), we take on these responsibilities so you can focus on your global expansion while we navigate trade compliance complexities.
TecEx has a unique relationship with the Netherlands, allowing us to streamline imports into European countries like Belgium through the Netherlands. In addition, we offer a warehousing solution with hubs across the Netherlands, enabling you to deconsolidate your shipment before it reaches Belgium.
Conversely, with our EOR services in Belgium, TecEx can assist by exporting your goods via the Netherlands if they need to be consolidated in a warehouse. We can also help you correctly label, package, and palletize your goods.
Unique Pain Points When Importing and Exporting From Belgium
As a member of the EU, compliance requirements for trade with Belgium are vast. In addition, obtaining the necessary licenses and preparing the correct documents for imports and exports to Belgium can be time-consuming, with licenses sometimes taking months to acquire.
Importing to Belgium ports like Antwerp may require a randomized gas inspection. Around 12% of containers entering the EU through Belgian and Dutch ports contain excessive gases and vapors from improper ventilation. While uncommon, this incurs an additional fee and can cause a slight delay. Proper packaging, which TecEx can assist with, can ensure that your shipment has the permitted amount of gases to avoid any penalties or confiscations if inspected.
Europe
The Netherlands
Europe
France
Specific Compliance Regulations
License from CDIU
If a shipment consists of software that will be distributed electronically, a Belgian import license must be obtained from the CDIU.
Dual-Use Declaration
Belgium follows European Dual-Use Export Controls. Certain items require export licenses from regional governments to exit the EU, and may even need a license to travel within the EU. This prevents dual-use goods like nuclear equipment, electronics, computers, telecommunications devices, sensors, and aviation and aerospace items from being used for malicious intent.
EORI Number Belgium
Non-EU companies need an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number to export and import to the EU. This number can be time-consuming to acquire, but TecEx can streamline the process.
With an EORI number, a company can acquire Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status, simplifying future customs processes. An application and submission can take up to a year, with an additional 120 days for site visits and customs assessments afterward.
EU Import and Export Regulations in Belgium
Single Administrative Document (SAD)
The SAD is vital for customs clearance in Belgium, the EU, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, Serbia, and the Republic of North Macedonia. It minimizes administrative hassle by describing goods and their movement.
It applies to any goods undergoing any customs procedure – export, import, warehousing, temporary import.
EU Batteries Directive
As a member of the EU, Belgium applies the EU Batteries Directive. The regulation stipulates specific labeling and packaging requirements when importing batteries and requirements for facilitating their repair and reuse. You can learn more about shipping batteries here.
Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH)
REACH restricts certain chemicals imported into EEA members in excess of one metric ton.
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requirements under the WEEE Directive stipulate that certain products must be registered before they can clear customs. This is arranged with a national authority or local partner. The products or packaging must also display the universal recycling icon, as consumers must be informed that their purchase should be recycled.
The Restriction on Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS) Directive
Certain chemicals may not be used in electrical and electronic equipment, which must be marked CE to certify compliance before it may be imported to Belgium.
Mill Test Certificate (MTC)
Also known as a Material Test Report (MTR), a MTC is required when importing iron and steel goods to the EU. This prevents goods made from materials originating from Russia from entering the EU. Ideally, this is sourced from a manufacturer, but TecEx can help you navigate this complex requirement.
Your global trade solution for Belgium
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