Household Goods Logistics

Belgium Customs Information- Hercules Worldwide

NEEDED DOCUMENTS

• Copy of passport
• Work permit
• Original Certificate of Residence. Retrieve from local Belgian town hall.
• Change of Residence Certificate
• Proof you cancelled residence abroad
• Renting voucher or lease contract
• Indemnity/insurance documents
• List of inventory in either English, French German or Dutch
  • Requires an official statement for the Customs Administration
  • Need original as well as five copies; all valued, signed and dated by customer
  • If vehicle imported, needs to be listed on inventory including manufacturer’s name, body, engine number, type, color, and so on
  • Acceptable weapons must be listed on inventory including manufacturer’s name, type of weapon, serial number and caliber
  • Electrical appliances must be noted with serial numbers
• Shipments originating from a non-European country require a certificate stating the customer has lived outside the European country for at least 12 month prior to arriving in Belgium.
• If being relocated by employer, a signed and stamped declaration from employer confirming transfer is required
• Belgians returning to Belgium within two years of leaving must prove that their stay abroad was a result of settlement. Customs documents issued at time of exportation of household and or automobile must be given to the customs authorities at time of re-importation.
• Customs form 136F and diplomatic statement required for diplomatic shipments
• Must list contact address and telephone number on documents
• If you cannot obtain all documents, a Bank Guarantee must be paid. A refund of this guarantee will be issued upon the presentation of all required paperwork within next six months

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

• Non-European residents wanting permanent residence in Belgium are allowed to import household goods along with an automobile, motorcycle, or pets duty and value added tax free if:
  • Customer has lived at least 12 consecutive months out of Europe prior to move
  • Household goods and personal effects have been owned and used for a minimum of six months prior to move
• Those without a Certificate of Residence in Belgium are required to pay a warranty of 10% for customs duties, including 21% VAT and BFRS 500 to cover any possible fines
• Several separate shipments of used household goods are allowable; however declaration of duty-free entry must be completed for all shipments at time of first importation

RESTRICTED ITEMS/DUTIABLE

• Tobacco products, alcohol and foodstuffs
• Items less than six months old (new) subject to duty
• Weapons and firearms require special license
• Electronics, electrical equipment, and/or appliances importing from non-European countries may require some modifications for use in Belgium
• Fax machines and telephones typically need no modifications, but do require approval by Customs
• Vegetables and plants require Phytosanitary Certificate issued by the Ministry of Agriculture in the country of origin
• Souvenirs and presents are subject to duty

PROHIBITED ITEMS

• Ivory and animal products
• Narcotics and drugs

MOTOR VEHICLES

• Duty free under conditions of having possessed vehicle for at least 6 months prior to entry into Belgium, and if sales and value added tax were paid in country of origin
• All imported vehicles must meet Belgium specifications and safety requirements
• Documents needed:
  • Original title or registration
  • Original purchase invoice
  • Original license plate from country of origin
  • Proof of sales tax payment
  • Valid European Green Liability Card
  • Proof of insurance in country of origin, must have been valid at least six month prior to arrival in Belgium
  • Proof of Belgian and/or European insurance
  • Copy of passport including signature page
  • Proof of residence abroad for at least 12 months prior to arrival in Belgium
  • Statement from owner declaring will not sell or trade vehicle for at least six months after final clearance

PETS

• Certificate of vaccination required
• Certificate needs to be dated at least 30 days, but no more than one year prior to entry into Belgium

**NOTE- all customs regulations and procedures are subject to change at any time. The above customs information is provided as a brief summary of Belgium customs regulations and applies only to household goods shipments, and is for your general guidance. Hercules Worldwide is not liable for any damage, delays, duties, costs, taxes or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance, omissions or errors. Always check full requirements and restrictions with the local embassy or consulate. **