Are you expecting a parcel from outside the EU? Then your parcel must pass through customs first and you may have to pay extra fees like import duties, VAT or excise duties.
Discover how this process works.
1. Request to pay import costs
If the VAT was not paid to the webshop (How can I recognise an IOSS registered webshop?) in advance, bpost must collect the import costs for the shipment before your shipment can be presented to Belgian customs. These costs consist of:
- VAT
- customs duties
- costs for customs formalities
The tables below show how much the customs formalities cost.
As the recipient, you must pay these costs in advance and preferably via the My bpost app or via Track & Trace. You will receive an email, text message or letter with a payment invitation. bpost will transfer the customs duties and VAT to the Belgian government.
If you are unable to pay online, you can, exceptionally, make your payment at a Post Office. Your shipment will be released and sent afterwards by the customs clearance service.
2. Security check
Customs performs a security check on all goods entering Belgium from outside the European Union. For all these goods, customs checks whether its introduction into Belgium is permitted. If not, (for example, in case of suspected counterfeit goods, weapons or medicines) customs will confiscate your parcel.
3. Delivery of your parcel
As soon as customs releases the goods, bpost takes care of the delivery.
Take into account that the entire process can take a few days. You can follow the status of your shipment via the My bpost app or via Track & Trace. You will be notified if you must fulfil more formalities or must pay import costs.
More info about the new customs rules.
| Type of shipment | Value of the shipment | Customs formalities | VAT * | Customs duties ** |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial | Up to € 150.00 | € 19.50 *** | Yes | No |
| Commercial | Above € 150.00 | € 40.00 | Yes | Yes |
| Gift | Up to {{PriceTB.bpack-douane-limites.r4c3}} | No | No | No |
| Gift | Above € 45.00 up to € 150.00 | € 19.50 | Yes | No |
| Gift | Above € 150.00 | € 40.00 | Yes | Yes |
** VAT and import duties differ depending on the type of goods.
*** The customs formalities are € 0 when the VAT has been paid in advance to the webshop.
