Belgium is one of Europe's top economies leading the EU trading partner. Canadian companies are benefiting from the Canadian European Free Trade Agreement (CETA) for shipping Canada origin goods.
Things to consider when shipping to Belgium from Canada include:
- Shipping Terms to consider
- Belgium customs clearance processes
- VAT payment for online consignments shipped to Belgium
- Shipping Canadian Shopify Orders to Belgium and the EU
- Common carrier options for shipping Belgium from Canada
- Shipping personal effects Belgium from Canada
- Canada European Free Trade CETA: Duty free import Canada origin goods
- Shipping FROM Belgium To Canada for duty Free Entry under CETA
Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for general information only. Producers, shippers, exporters, importers should confirm their processes with their customs brokers, carriers and regulating authorities.
Shipping Terms to Consider When Shipping to Belgium
The default option for shipping internationally from Canada is Deliver Duty Unpaid. Common carriers use the term Ex Works (EXW) which essentially assigns all import related costs (duty, taxes, and other fees) to the receiver/ importer. Shippers from Canada can choose to pay the import fees on behalf of the receiver via a Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) options that many carriers offer. See our blog on IncoTerms and shipping terms for packages and online orders.
The disadvantage of paying import fees on behalf of the receiver is that the bulk of the import fees are often from a value added tax that the importing business may otherwise be able to claim back.
SEE OUR BLOG ON CANADA'S MAJOR FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS.
Notes for importing parcels to Belgium from Canada
Even with the free trade agreement, goods from Canada are subject to clearance, duties and taxes. Belgium customs bases the assessment of charges on the "CIF" value. The CIF value is the total of the value of the item (cost), insurance, and shipping fee (freight). Read more about an invoice for customs
Most goods imported to Belgium are subject to a Value added tax (VAT) of 20%. This rate is applied to the CIF value plus applicable duty.
Most goods valued under 150 Euros can be imported duty free but are subject to 20% VAT.
Download accompanying PDF
Delivery of online orders from Canada to Belgium and the EU
Jet Worldwide offers Canadian companies delivery of their online orders direct to Belgium and the EU. Such shipping programs require minimum volumes and them self can help Canadian retailers grow their online sales to Belgium, the EU and UK.
Delivery Duty Paid for shipping to Belgium from Canada
Jet Worldwide offers a Delivery Duty Paid option, which allows shippers in Canada to pay the import fees and taxes on behalf of the receiver in Belgium. This is a common option for sending Canadian warranty replacement parts and gifts. See note above on shipping terms.
Duty Free for low value online orders shipped 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. This includes items sold on eBay, Shopify, bigcommerce, and other e-commerce platforms. Read our blog on payment of VAT for online orders shipped to Europe.
Among the main changes are provisions for online marketplaces to be deemed the "supplier." As a supplier, the online marketplace will be held responsible for collection of VAT for online orders of up to €150. This new process, referred to as the Import One Stop Shop (IOSS), are designed to simplify the importation of online goods valued under €150. Contact Jet's logistics team for updates on new shipping options to Belgium and the European Union.
Shipping Canadian e-commerce orders to Belgium and the EU
Jet Worldwide serves leading e-commerce platform and sellers. Integrated solutions for shipping to Belgium and the entire European Union, allowing businesses to “self-fulfill” their orders.
Shipping: Belgium From Canada
Shipping Belgium from Canada via Canada Post
Canada Post offers the lowest cost for individuals shipping small parcels shipped from Canada to Belgium.
Packages sent via Canada Post are delivered by BPost (also known as the Belgian Post Group).
Belgium shipping from Canada via Canada Post:
Canada Post's International "packet" delivery to Belgium (shipments under 2 kg). Canada Post offers both "surface" and "Air" options.
- Canada Post Packet Belgium: surface and air options
- Canada Post "Tracked Packet" to Belgium delivery within 2 weeks
Shipping parcels to Belgium via Canada post parcel options
- Canada Post parcel surface delivery to Belgium (uncertain delivery time)
- Canada Post Xpresspost to Belgium (delivery in 4 business days)
Shipping Belgium from Canada via FedEx and UPS Canada
FedEx and UPS are North America's largest carriers and, along with DHL, offer delivery to Belgium from Montreal via their American hubs.
FedEx and UPS Canadian shipping Belgium include:
- International Express air to Belgium
- International Economy air to Belgium
- Get a quote for economy shipping Belgium from Canada
FedEx, UPS and DHL (the market leader in Europe) have large hub operations in Belgium for delivery across the European Union.
Shipping to Belgium via Purolator Canada
Purolator Courier is a leading domestic carrier in Canada and provides express delivery to Belgium through partners - including UPS.
Shipping Belgium from Canada via Jet Worldwide
Jet Worldwide provides economy express shipping to Belgium. Our partnership with world's premium carriers and local specialists provides unmatched capabilities.
Shipping Personal effects Belgium from Canada
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 signed statement from consignee attesting “PERSONAL EFFECTS. USED ITEMS NOT FOR RESALE"
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. Goods must be cleared by the importer (consignee).
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.Get a shipping quote Belgium from Canada via Jet.
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.
CETA and duty free parcel clearance
Country origin rules are associated with factors used to determine if the product is eligible for preferential duty free treatment under the CETA.
The good news for shippers is that the 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).
CETA Country of Origin Declaration
As mentioned above, there is no Certificate of Origin/COO required for goods shipped from Canada under the CETA. An origin declaration can be shown on the commercial invoice. If shown on a separate document, the invoice number and other shipping information should be referenced.
When an invoice lists separate items, the declaration of origin must clearly identify the goods for which preferential duty treatment is requested Canada customs/CBSA recommends that the origin declaration states “Canada/EU” as per footnote 3 of the declaration (see below). It is best to check with the Belgium customs to understand their preferences.
Required CETA country of origin declaration can include the following:
The CETA origin declaration when shipping to Belgium from Canada must include the following wording. Footnotes are provided for explanation (but do not meant to be included in the required wording). The origin declaration, the text of which is given below, must be completed in accordance with the footnotes (see below).
(Period: from ___________ to __________
(1)) The exporter of the products covered by this document (customs authorization No ___________ (2)) declares that, except where otherwise clearly indicated, these products are of ___________ (3) preferential origin.
___________ (4) (Place and date)
___________ (5) (Signature and printed name of the exporter)
Footnotes to notations above:
These notes are used to explain the fields required above. They do not have to be included in the actual origin statement.
(1) When the origin declaration is completed for multiple shipments of identical originating products within the meaning of Article 19.5, indicate the period of time for which the origin declaration will apply. The period of time must not exceed 1 months. All importations of the product must occur within the period indicated. Where a period of time is not applicable, the field can be left blank.
(2) For EU exporters: When the origin declaration is completed by an approved or registered exporter the exporter's customs authorization or registration number must be included. A customs authorization number is required only if the exporter is an approved exporter. When the origin declaration is not completed by an approved or registered exporter, the words in brackets must be omitted or the space left blank. For Canadian exporters: The exporter's Business Number assigned by the Government of Canada must be included. Where the exporter has not been assigned a business number, the field may be left blank.
(3) "Canada/EU" means products qualifying as originating under the rules of origin of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. When the origin declaration relates, in whole or in part, to products originating in Ceuta and Melilla, the exporter must clearly indicate the symbol "CM".
(4) These indications may be omitted if the information is contained on the document itself.
(5) Article 19.3 provides an exception to the requirement of the exporter's signature. Where the exporter is not required to sign, the exemption of signature also implies the exemption of the name
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.
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.
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