What can the result of a customs check be?

Customs can perform a security check on all goods coming from outside the European Union to verify whether the import into Belgium is allowed. This check is done after payment of the import fees and can have one of the following results:

• The import of the shipment is approved by Belgian customs the day after arrival in Belgium. The shipment is then given to bpost for processing and delivery.
• The shipment is subject to inspection. Please allow an additional 3 to 7 days for delivery. (Depends on whether other government agencies need to check the goods.)
• A fine must be paid (e.g. if the goods do not match the description) or additional documentation required (e.g. the import licence is missing). This will be communicated to you by letter or by email, together with further instructions.
• The goods are subject to import restrictions, so their importation is prohibited. In the worst case, your shipment may be returned to the sender or destroyed. This will be communicated to you by letter or by email, together with further instructions.

Important: If you have paid the import costs and customs seizes your shipment, you will not be able to get a refund of the import costs.