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🇧🇪 Belgium

All information, articles and links related to this country.

Capital: Brussels

Overview

Belgium (ISO code: BE) is located in Western Europe and borders the Netherlands to the north, Germany and Luxembourg to the east, and France and the North Sea to the south and west. The country is a federal parliamentary monarchy with stable political structures and distinct regional administrative units. The climate is temperate-maritime, characterized by mild winters, cool summers, and moderate rainfall throughout the year. Economically, Belgium is one of Europe's leading industrial locations, with a strong presence in chemicals, mechanical engineering, the automotive industry, services, and logistics. Foreign trade focuses on exports of machinery, chemical products, and food, while imports of raw materials, energy, and consumer goods complement the economy. Belgium plays a central transit role in Europe, particularly through the ports of Antwerp and Zeebrugge and a dense road and rail network. The national currency is the Euro (EUR), which facilitates international trade and payment transactions. Logistic infrastructure and transport connections make Belgium an important hub for goods traffic between Northern and Southern Europe. Its strategic location, modern infrastructure, and economic diversity strengthen Belgium's role as a logistical and economic hub in Europe.

Location
lat 50.8353 • lon 4.3314
ISO code
BE
Area
30,689 km²
Population
11,590,000
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time
Weather
Religions
Katholizismus, Islam, Protestantismus, Judentum

Customs / Import / Export (EU)

Quick operational overview for shipments to the EU. The EU is a customs union; for imports from non‑EU countries, customs clearance and import VAT are typically key topics.

Documents (typical)
  • Commercial invoice (description, value, Incoterms)
  • Packing list (weights, dimensions, packages)
  • HS code / tariff classification (duties/taxes and restrictions)
  • Importer EORI and (where relevant) origin/preference documents
  • Transport documents (AWB / Bill of Lading) depending on mode
Process (simplified)
  • Prepare export (docs, HS code, origin/preference)
  • Import clearance at the EU entry customs office (declaration, possible checks)
  • Release and delivery; import VAT/duties based on classification and value
Common pitfalls
  • Incoterms unclear → who clears customs/pays import VAT?
  • Missing/wrong HS code/classification → delays and cost risk
  • Origin/preference not properly documented → preference may not apply
  • Inconsistent documents (invoice vs packing list vs shipment data)
Important: Requirements depend on goods, origin, Incoterms, value, and consignee. When in doubt, confirm with your broker/forwarder and official sources.
Quick links
Look up key terms in the glossary.
Official links
Note: regional/general sources. Country-specific authority links will be added iteratively.

Trade

Top import partners

  • NL
  • DE
  • FR
  • US
  • CN

Top export partners

  • DE
  • FR
  • NL
  • GB
  • US

Top import goods

  • Fahrzeuge
  • Maschinen
  • Chemikalien
  • Pharmazeutika
  • Erdöl

Top export goods

  • Fahrzeuge
  • Chemikalien
  • Pharmazeutika
  • Diamanten
  • Maschinen
More content for this country
As content becomes available, additional information and articles will automatically appear here.

FAQ

What are the latest news for Belgium?
Which airports are in Belgium?

This page lists selected airports in the country and links to the full list.

Which seaports are in Belgium?

This page lists selected seaports in the country and links to the full list.

Which trade partners are important for Belgium?

This page links to important partner countries (based on import/export partners) for quick context.

Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Belgium?

For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start: