Shipping cars in Belgium is usually a simple and easy process, especially when you’re importing from any country that is part of the European Union (EU). For US cars Belgium shipments, however, it is a more regulated and expensive process, compared to the EU countries.
Importing US cars in Belgium requires diligent planning and choosing an auto shipping company with extensive experience. There are specific requirements regarding the type of vehicle you want to import, the age of the vehicle, and its running condition, etc., and our representatives will be available to guide you every step of the way.
Auto Belgium imports for most personal vehicles are usually transported via containerized cargo or roll-on/roll-off shipments. For containerized shipments, your car can either be shipped alone in a 20ft container or along with other vehicles in a 40ft container, depending on your choice. For RO-RO shipments, your car will be driven into a parking lot within the vessel. Though this option may be cost-effective, it is however not as protected and your car is more susceptible to danger from environmental elements.
You can find either of these services on most major ports in the US depending on the auto shipping company you use. Also, if you’re importing cars in Belgium from the US for personal reasons or as part of a household item, you stand a better chance at bypassing certain customs duties and the VAT.
To qualify for these exemptions, you will need to fulfill certain conditions, these include:
- The vehicle owner must have lived no less than twelve consecutive months outside the EU before the importation of the vehicle
- The vehicle must have been purchased outside the EU and must have been driven for a minimum of six months before its arrival in Belgium
- Payment of the VAT or its equivalent must have already been made by the owner before the vehicle is imported
- The owner must retain ownership of the vehicle for at least twelve months after its importation
Required documents for shipping cars in Belgium
- Vehicle title
- Bill of sale
- Letter requesting exemption from duties and taxes
- Receipt or proof of payment for VAT or its equivalent
- Receipt of insurance for six months prior to import
- Proof of residency outside the EU for at least twelve months prior to import
- Shipping documents for personal items
Note: In a situation where the vehicle fails to meet the requirements for import duty exemption, the owner will be liable for any duties and VATs synonymous with the market value of the vehicle.
Most common ports in Belgium
- Antwerp
- Wavre
- Zeebrugge
Registration
Upon arrival of your cars in Belgium, you will need to get legal registration before you will be allowed to drive on the roads. You will first need to acquire a certificate stating all required modifications that have been made on the vehicle and a recurring mechanical inspection which must be completed every six months.
We would be preparing the transportation paperwork for shipping the vehicle so you do not have to worry about all of that. You may, however, look up AngloInfo.com to learn more about the entire process.
Important items you must always have in your car
- Sealed fire extinguisher (must be no older than 5 years and with a capacity corresponding to the vehicle size)
- Triangular danger signal
- First Aid kit
- Grey card (registration) and insurance certificate