Belgium is a strategic entry point to the European Union, offering efficient access to Central Europe through a highly developed transportation network. Many trans-European carriers operate in and around Belgium, making it an effective hub for parcel, freight, and specialized logistics—especially for time-sensitive and high-compliance shipments.
Belgium’s major import categories include machinery, pharmaceuticals, and transport equipment. For Canadian exporters, that mix often translates into shipments requiring tighter handling controls, predictable transit times, and, in many cases, validated temperature-management practices across the shipping lane.
Grow your understanding of cross-border shipping with a company providing logistics solutions for over 40 years. Whether you ship occasionally or manage recurring commercial lanes, our team can help you select the right service level, documentation approach, and packaging strategy. Contact our team for an initial consultation.
Some shipments cannot tolerate temperature excursions. In practice, that often means designing transport around a specific thermal profile—ambient, chilled, frozen, or deep-frozen. Dry ice (solid CO₂) is frequently used for frozen and deep-frozen profiles because it maintains very low temperatures and sublimates (transitions from solid to gas) without liquid residue.
Disclaimer: Information in Jet Worldwide online content, including this post, is for general information only and may not reflect the most current carrier, customs, or regulatory requirements. Always verify requirements for your specific commodity and route.
The cost to ship to Belgium depends on package dimensions, weight, commodity type, service level, and handling requirements (including temperature control). Cold-chain and dry ice shipments typically require additional packaging controls and carrier approvals, which can influence pricing.
Canada Post surface is often the lowest-cost option for small, non-urgent parcels. For heavier weights or when higher service levels, tighter delivery windows, or special handling (such as temperature control) is needed, integrated carriers such as FedEx, UPS, and DHL (and their partner networks) are frequently used.
If you are considering a package forwarding service to shop from North America and want an alternative to US-based options, a Canadian address can be a strong solution. This can be especially useful when sourcing Canadian-exclusive products or optimizing origin and documentation under trade agreements.
Choosing Canada can provide access to Canadian suppliers and North American inventory while helping some shippers avoid US-specific trade limitations. For qualifying goods, documentation aligned to CETA can support preferential duty treatment into Belgium and the EU.
Many low-value shipments may be eligible for duty-free import depending on commodity type and applicable thresholds; however, VAT assessment is common for most imports. Goods that qualify as Canadian-origin under CETA may be eligible for preferential duty treatment regardless of value, provided origin rules and documentation are satisfied.
Many shippers request the lowest-cost option for shipping between Canada and Belgium. The best option depends on shipment size, urgency, commodity, and service requirements. In general, small personal packages can be economical via postal networks. For heavier shipments, economy air freight is often preferred when speed matters. For palletized freight and large commercial orders, less-than- container-load (LCL) or full-container-load (FCL) ocean freight may provide better unit economics. Useful reference: Things to know about Ocean Shipping to and from Canada.
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Import and final-mile delivery for Canadian online orders
Jet Worldwide offers Belgium and EU distribution options for higher volumes from Canadian retailers and online sellers. These processes can help Canadian brands scale orders to Belgium and EU customers with predictable delivery and compliant import processing. Contact our team for details.
There are several shipping options available for sending goods from Canada to Belgium. The best option depends on shipment size, delivery expectations, budget, and any special handling requirements (including temperature control). Common approaches include:
Canada Post can be a cost-effective option for individuals shipping small parcels to Belgium, particularly when the shipment does not require expedited service or specialized handling (for example, temperature control).
Small parcels to Belgium from Canada (under 2 kg / 4 lb)
Larger parcels to Belgium from Canada
FedEx and UPS—along with DHL—offer reliable delivery services to Belgium with strong tracking and time-definite options. For many small and medium-sized businesses, these integrated carriers are preferred when speed, service predictability, and customs brokerage support are priorities. Pricing may be higher than postal services, particularly for time-definite express.
Common service tiers include:
Jet Worldwide has provided international delivery from Canada for over 40 years. We can help you select the appropriate carrier and service level, align documentation to customs requirements, and design solutions for complex moves—including temperature-controlled and dry ice shipments.
If your shipment requires frozen or deep-frozen transport, dry ice is a common approach—particularly for air movement—provided the packaging, labeling, and documentation meet carrier and air-transport rules.
Note: Requirements vary by carrier, service, and shipment configuration. Confirm Jet's acceptance rules for your commodity before tendering a dry ice shipment for shipping from Canada.
Customs clearance commonly requires importer identification and tax registration in Belgium/EU (often involving VAT registration and/or representation within the country). Missing invoice details are a frequent cause of delay—especially for regulated or technical goods.
For guidance on valuation practices, see: Declared value for international courier shipments .
While some low-value shipments may be eligible for duty relief depending on the commodity and threshold rules, VAT is commonly assessed. For background on VAT collection models used for EU e-commerce (including IOSS concepts), see: VAT for online orders shipped to Europe.
Jet Worldwide supports cross-border e-commerce shipping for Canadian retailers, including solutions that prioritize predictable delivery, compliant documentation, and scalable EU distribution. For temperature-sensitive products, we can help evaluate whether a controlled ambient, chilled, or frozen approach is needed—and whether dry ice is appropriate for your lane and service model.
A €3 duty for parcel imports applies to each distinct item category (based on tariff sub-headings) contained within the parcel. An additional €2 handling fee will apply in November.
For official background on VAT and EU import models, consult the Publications Office of the European Union: EU VAT rules and IOSS reference publication .
Canada and the European Union benefit from CETA, which may enable preferential duty treatment for qualifying goods. Eligibility depends on whether the product meets the applicable rules of origin and whether the shipment is supported by proper origin statements or documentation.
To qualify as “originating” under CETA, a product must meet origin criteria (for example, sufficient production or transformation in Canada or the EU). Simply purchasing a product in Canada and shipping it to Belgium does not automatically make it “Canadian origin.”
Learn more about origin rules here: Understanding country of origin rules for preferential duty treatment.
Two common origin methodologies referenced in trade rules include: (1) change in tariff classification, and (2) regional value content. Sector-specific rules may apply (e.g., textiles, automotive, chemicals). Always confirm requirements with the importer/consignee and applicable authorities before shipping.
Country of origin information supports preferential duty assessments and may also support regulatory actions (e.g., quotas, quarantine, or product compliance measures). In many cases, CETA does not require a standalone certificate; an origin declaration on a commercial document may be sufficient—provided it follows the required format. Always verify current wording requirements prior to shipping.
Read more: Understanding a certificate of origin.
Most carriers submit customs information electronically (EDI). Missing identifiers are common causes of delay. Ensure the following fields are complete and accurate:
Unless explicitly stated on the invoice and shipment data, carriers often assume duties/taxes will be paid by the consignee (Delivery Duty Unpaid). If you intend to ship Delivery Duty Paid (DDP), align the service selection and paperwork accordingly.
Belgium (as an EU Member State) applies the European Commission’s Combined Nomenclature (CN), which helps determine customs duty treatment and statistical reporting. The EU classification structure is often described in three integrated layers:
Personal effects may be eligible for duty/tax relief under specific conditions. Requirements vary by case and are subject to customs review. Ensure your documentation is explicit and complete.
Some samples may qualify for duty/VAT relief depending on how they are prepared and declared. Confirm expectations with the consignee before shipping.
Temporary imports for demonstration may require special entry processes, deposits, and export timelines (often within one year). Do not assume sample status—confirm the exact customs approach for your scenario.
As an EU hub, Belgium is a frequent destination for trade shows. Many events have a designated customs broker to facilitate efficient clearance for booths, displays, and promotional materials. We recommend confirming instructions with the trade show organizer and forwarding those requirements to your logistics provider in advance. Jet Worldwide can coordinate with local affiliates in Belgium to support trade show logistics end-to-end.
“Unsolicited gifts” sent to individuals may qualify for relief under certain value thresholds and conditions. Customs authorities can be strict, and eligibility depends on correct packaging, labeling, and documentation.
For individuals shipping small gifts, postal services can be a practical option. Gifts sent to companies typically do not qualify for gift exemptions; for business recipients, consider a Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) model to improve delivery experience.
Before shipping, confirm any applicable product standards with the importer. As an EU Member State, Belgium enforces EU directives and regulatory requirements that may apply to your products, including (as applicable):
For non-originating goods that do not meet CETA rules of origin, MFN tariff rates can apply. For qualifying goods, CETA may enable preferential duty treatment supported by proper origin declarations.
Canada’s CBSA has harmonized a low-value threshold for waiving formal proof of origin for many free trade agreements (including CETA) at CAD $3,300 (verify current policy prior to shipping). For commercial importations at or below the threshold, customs may accept a certifying statement on the commercial invoice referencing preferential treatment under CETA.
Sample certifying statement wording (illustrative only):
“I hereby certify that the goods covered by this shipment qualify as an originating good for the purposes of preferential treatment under Canada-European Union CETA.”
Important: Claims above the low-value threshold typically require the applicable proof of origin and supporting documentation. Refer to CBSA guidance to confirm current requirements: CBSA ‘Origin of goods’.