Belgium presents a great opportunity for companies seeking access to central Europe. Belgium boasts a strongly globalized economy with an infrastructure that serves as the crossroads to central Europe. Virtually all trans-European carriers have a significant presence in and around Belgium.
Belgium major imports include machinery, pharmaceuticals, and transport equipment. Belgium is the political centre of the European Union and strongly supportive of expanded power of EU institutions.
Expand your cross border transportation and logistics options.
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Shipping Guide for shipping from Canada to Belgium
- Delivery carrier options shipping Belgium from Canada
- Belgium customs clearance for imports to Belgium from Canada
- Shipping to Belgium via air versus ocean
- Shipping Shopify and other Online orders from Canada to Belgium
- EORI Number Belgium
- HS code tariff classification to Belgium
- IOSS and payment of VAT for e-commerce imports to Belgium and EU
- Shipping Personal Effects to Belgium from Canada
- Importing Canada origin goods to Belgium duty free under CETA rules
- Certificate of origin when shipping to Belgium
- Importing TO Canada for Belgium origin goods valued under CA$3,300
- International shipping rate request form between Canada and Belgium
Disclaimer: The information in Jet Worldwide online content, including this post, is for general information only.
How much does it cost to send to Belgium?
The cost to send to Belgium depends on the package dimensions, weight and shipping service.
What is the cheapest way to send to Belgium from Canada?
Canada Post surface is the cheapest option for shipping to Belgium. For individuals shipping small parcels and personal items, Canada Post is usually the best option. For heavier weights and when a higher level of service is needed, FedEx, UPS and DHL (and their partner carriers) are usually the best options.
Get an international shipping rate from Canada.
Can goods from Canada be imported duty free to Belgium?
Most shipments valued under €150 can be imported duty free to Belgium. Goods that qualify as Canadian origin under the Canadian European Free Trade Agreement (CETA) can be imported duty fr regardless of value.
Shipping Air versus Ocean Belgium from Canada
We get many inquiries requesting the lowest cost for shipping between Canada and Belgium. The best shipping option to Canada depends on several factors. In general, the lowest cost for small personal packages via the local post office. For heavier shipments, economy air freight is often the preferred option. And less than container load is best with shipping palletized freight and large commercial orders. Useful information: Things to know about Ocean Shipping To and From Canada.
Jet Worldwide provides parcel shipping solutions from anywhere in Canada to everywhere in Belgium, the EU and beyond
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Import and Final Mile Delivery for Canadian Online Orders
Jet Worldwide offers Belgium and EU distribution options for higher volumes from Canadian retailers and online sellers. The processes them self enable Canadian retailers to grow their online orders to Belgium and European customers. Contact Jet's team for details.
There are several shipping options available for sending goods from Canada to Belgium. The best option for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences, such as the type and size of the goods you are shipping, the speed of delivery you require, and your budget. Here are some common shipping options that you might consider:
- Air freight: This is the fastest shipping option with door to door integrated solutions.
- Ocean freight: This is a slower but more economical option for shipping full container load (FCL) and less than container load (LCL).
- Commercial carriers such as FedEx, DHL, UPS and their partners.
- Canada Post is generally the best option for individuals shipping small shipments and personal items to Belgium
Canadian Parcel Post Delivery Services to Belgium:
Canada Post offers the lowest cost option for individuals shipping small parcels to Belgium
Shipments to Belgium small parcels from Canada under 2 kg/ 4 pounds
- Small Packet Service to Belgium: Air, Express packet and Surface options
Shipments larger parcels Belgium from Canada
- International Parcel Service to Belgium
- Canada Post Xpresspost service to Belgium: Delivery within 1 week
FedEx and UPS delivery shipping Belgium from Canada
FedEx, UPS -along with DHL -offer quality delivery services to Belgium but they can be very expensive for individuals and medium sized businesses.
FedEx and UPS shipping options to Belgium include:
- Priority Air Express to Belgium
- International Economy Air shipping
Shipping Belgium from Canada via Jet Worldwide
Jet Worldwide has been providing international delivery from Canada for over 40 years. Contact our team for logistics support and a rate quote.
Customs clearance for Imports to Belgium from Canada
Customs clearance requires the consignee to have a Belgian VAT number. This requires residency or representation within the country.
Common missing information we see on commercial invoice include:
For Audio/video cassettes and tapes: Information required includes the length and width of the tape, a brief explanations of the content and the reason for exportation
Software on CD's and floppy disks: Information required includes the value of software and value of the software support (the two cost of the two categories must be clearly delineated).
For information on how to value your shipment, check our our blog on valuing your shipments that you send to Belgium.
VAT ASSESSMENT FOR ALL PARCELS IMPORTED TO BELGIUM:
While orders online orders shipped to Belgium (and all Europe Union countries) valued under €150 (around CA$220) can be imported duty free, VAT will be assessed. Read our blog on payment of VAT for online orders shipped to Europe.
Shipping Canadian On-Line D2C Orders to Belgium EU
Jet Worldwide has best in class international shipping solutions for Canada's leading e-commerce platforms and sellers.
VAT Rules for Imports to Belgium and the European Union
All goods imported to the EU are subject to VAT. E-commerce shipments valued under EUR 150 can be imported via One-Stop Shop (IOSS) processes that allow sellers and online marketplaces to charge VAT at the point of sale and remit it directly to the authorities.
For details on IOSS and the otherEU’s VAT rules, visit: Publications Office of the European Union.
Duty Free Import to Belgium from Canada
European Union countries and Canada benefit from a free trade agreement giving companies the possibility of duty free clearance.
CETA Rules of Origin when shipping between Belgium and Canada
In order to qualify for reduced tariffs under CETA, a product must be deemed "originating" from either Canada Belgium or other EU country. This means that the product must have undergone sufficient production or transformation in Canada or the EU to qualify as a domestic product of that country.
Just being purchased and shipped between Canada and Belgium does not grant country of origin status for preferential duty free import.
There are two main methods for determining origin under CETA: The change of tariff classification method and the regional value content method.
- The change of tariff classification method is based on the concept that a product must undergo a sufficient change in tariff classification as a result of production or transformation in Canada or the EU in order to qualify as an originating product.
- The regional value content method is based on the concept that a product must have a certain percentage of its value added in Canada or the EU in order to qualify as an originating product.
There are also specific rules of origin for certain sectors, such as textiles and apparel, automotive, and chemicals, which may have different requirements for determining origin. It is important to verify compliance with the consignee/ importer and regulatory authorities prior to shipping.
Benefit form having a certificate of origin
The country of origin used by customs authorities to determine if preferential duty free import can be applied. The country of origin is also a data point used to support regulatory actions such as quarantine, import quotas, to ensure that the goods being imported comply with relevant regulations.
Read more: Understanding a certificate of origin.
Import Clearance of Parcels to the Belgium
Virtually all carriers submit their information to customs electronically (EDI). Required fields necessary for EDI include:
1. The consignee’s VAT/ IBLC number (the lack of this information is a common cause of customs delay)
2. EORI number
An EORI number is assigned to importers and exporters by most European countries and is used in the process of customs entry declarations and customs clearance for both import and export. An EORI is number is stored both nationally and on a central EU EORI database primarily for statistical and security purposes.
3. AEO number (if applicable)
AEO is a privileged status granted to qualified entities. European countries grant Authorized Economic Operator/ AEO status to qualified companies who meet common criteria that includes customs compliance, appropriate record-keeping, financial solvency and, where relevant, appropriate security and safety standards.
4. Terms of sale of the shipment/ Incoterms.
Unless stated otherwise on the customs invoice, the default option for carriers is to assume the duty/ VAT fees will be paid by the consignee (Delivery Duty Unpaid).
HS Codes and the The EU classification system to Belgium
Finding the tariff classification for Belgium imports
The tariff classification for imports to Belgium is via the European Commission’s Combined Nomenclature (CN). The CN determines which rate of customs duty applies and how the goods are treated.
The EU classification system consists of three integrated components.
- The first component is the Harmonized System: chapters (2 digits), headings (4 digits), and subheadings (6 digits).Read about HS Codes.
- The second component is the Combined Nomenclature: EU specific codes via an eight-digit coding system.
- The third component is the Integrated Tariff (Tarif Intégré de la Communauté or TARIC) which provides information on specific tariff measures such as the temporary suspension of duties and antidumping duties.
Shipping Personal Effects to Belgium
Personal effects to Belgium are eligible for clearance free of duty and taxes. The requirements of personal effects include:
- A detailed commercial invoice with a detailed listing of each item.
- A statement “PERSONAL EFFECTS. USED ITEMS NOT FOR RESALE”
Notes on Sending Personal Effects to Belgium
Shipment cannot include restricted items
Articles less than one year old and new items (such as gifts, souvenirs and clothing are not considered personal effects by customs and not exempt from duty/ VAT).
Personal effects are often subjected to inspection by Belgium customs to ensure compliance.
- Shipping of excess baggage to Belgium: Generally, it is simpler and easier to ship your personal effects as excess baggage when you travel. Carrier excess baggage fees for a couple of bags is most often less expensive than shipping separately without having to manage the entry requirements (discussed above).
- Shipping a box or several boxes: Jet Worldwide provides solutions shipping of international personal effects Spain from Canada via economy air.
- Shipping a household/ container level: For shipping a full household, it is best to contact a moving specialists to arrange for packing and ocean transport.
Shipping product samples to Belgium from Canada:
Some product samples to Belgium can be considered exempt from duty and VAT. However, it is important to check with the consignee to ensure the necessary criteria is met.
Requirements for duty free importing of sample to Belgium include:
- Only a single item of each sample can be sent (for example, a pair of shoes is considered two items).
- “Mutilated” Items accepted as samples: Mutilation criteria include such things as having a prominent hole on the article, cutting a sleeve off a shirt, a hole in a single shoe
- “Marked” items accepted as samples: The item must be marked with word "SAMPLE" must be indelible contrasting ink and in such a manner that it can be easily seen upon inspection.
- Invoice Requirements: Parcels to Belgium containing samples must be noted on the invoice for customs. Wording that can be used include:
- Mutilated Samples, Not for Resale
- Marked Sample, Not for Resale
Note: Imported samples owned by individuals abroad also may be granted exemption from customs charges but require a special entry. If you wish to temporarily import a sample item of commercial value to Belgium, the requirements include:
Security deposit in amount of duty and tax, plus 10%.
Sample items must be exported from Belgium within one year
The items cannot be sold and used only for demonstration purposes
Sending Goods for Trade Shows in Belgium
Being the centre of the EU, Trade Shows in Belgium are common. At Jet Worldwide, we get many inquiries for sending trade show items to Belgium. Most trade shows have arrangements with a dedicated customs broker to facilitate the efficient clearance of trade show items - such as booths and promotional material. We advise our customers to check with the Trade Show organizer and send Jet the instructions. We have local Belgium affiliates that can assist with a full range of support for managing your trade show logistics in Belgium.
Sending Parcels to Belgium containing Gifts
"Unsolicited gifts" sent to individuals in Belgium valued less €45 can be cleared free of duty/ VAT. Multiple gifts can be consigned in one shipment so long as the individual parcels enclosed are individually marked with the recipients name, are individually wrapped and the value does not exceed the per person limit of 45 EURO.
For individuals shipping small gifts to Belgium the best option is often Canada Post's small packet service.
Gifts sent to companies are not eligible for duty/VAT free status. We recommend to our customers who wish to send a gift to a company that they select our Delivery Duty Paid / DDP Service.
Items otherwise restricted do not qualify for the gift exemption. Belgium customs can be strict on allowing a gift exemption and want to make sure only “bona fide” gifts to individuals are exempt from duty/ VAT.
When sending a gift, be sure to clearly describe the item being sent and value. Also, include the notation that the items are “unsolicited gifts that have no commercial value and not for resale.”
General Standards for shipping to Belgium from Canada
Before sending your international parcel, it is best to check with the importer to ensure specific standards are met. As a member of the EU, Belgium enforces all EU directives such as :
- EU safety directives
- “CE” markings
- Electrotechnical Standardization
- Regulated batteries and accumulators (mercury content)
- Eco-label for personal computer
- Telecommunications standards
Most Favoured Nation (MFN) tariff rates are generally applicable for good traded between Belgium and Canada. Goods that meet The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) rules of origin can benefit from preferential duty free import. The MFN tariff rates of Canada, Belgium and the E.U. apply to goods that do not meet the rules of origin (non-originating goods) under CETA.
Country origin rules are associated with factors used to determine if the product is eligible for preferential duty free treatment under CETA.
The good news for shippers is that CETA rules don’t require a formal certificate in order to obtain tariff benefits. A declaration on the invoice or any other commercial document accompanying the shipment is enough.
The CETA country of origin declaration has a specific wording, which is fairly straight forward (check with up to date regulations before shipping).
Duty Free Shipping FROM Belgium TO Canada: Low Value Duty Free
Canadian Customs (CBSA) has harmonized the value for which formal proof of origin is waived at CAD$3300, for all of Canada’s current Free Trade Agreements (including CETA)
This means that, proof of origin documentation (i.e., Certification of Origin, Certificate of Origin, origin declaration), is not required in order to apply preferential tariff treatment for shipments valued at CAD$3,300 or less.
Proof of Origin for Shipments Valued at CAD$3,300 and Less
For commercial importations valued at CAD$3300 or less, customs will accept a certifying statement on the Commercial Invoice stating that the goods originate in Belgium and qualify for preferential treatment under CETA.
The statement must include either the country of origin for the imported goods, reference that the request is being made under CETA provisions. Here is a sample statement:
“I hereby certify that the goods covered by this shipment qualifies as an originating good for the purposes of preferential treatment under Canada European Free Trade Agreement CETA”
Important Note: Claims for preferential tariff treatment over the CAD$3300 low-value threshold must be supported by the applicable proof of origin required by CETA . Refer to the Canadian Customs CBSA ‘Origin of Goods' webpage to confirm the requirements for your shipment.
