Belgium, one of Europe's top economies, is Canada's fifth-largest trading partner in the EU. Canadian companies are seeking the best economical shipping options to Belgium, and trade between the two countries, worth CAD 13.9 billion in goods and services in 2024, benefits from the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
Canadian companies rely on low-cost delivery to Belgium and the EU from Canada. Canadian online sellers are searching for parcel forwarding solutions for online orders to Belgium and the European Union.
Quick answer
For sending small personal packages, Canada Post is usually the best option. Specificially the small packet options; Surface, air, trackable. For commercial parcels, express couriers deliver in about 2 business days, from around CAD $200 for 5 kg. Get a shipping quote.
In this guide
Download the accompanying PDF.
5th
Belgium's rank among Canada's trading partners in the EU (2024)
CAD 13.9 billion
Bilateral trade in goods and services in 2024
21 percent
Belgium's standard VAT rate, charged on imports along with any duty
Belgium has been called "the gate of Europe" for Canadian companies. Belgian ports are major points of entry for Canadian goods into the EU. That matters for shippers in two ways: freight landing in Belgium is often bound for other EU countries, and a parcel cleared in Belgium is cleared for the whole single market.
Jet Worldwide offers higher-volume shippers direct access to Belgium and the EU. The processes require minimum volumes and can help Canadian retailers grow their online orders to European customers.
The best economical shipping to Belgium depends on whether you can accept a long transit, and on the size and weight of your package. The best option for you will depend on the type and size of the goods, the speed of delivery you require and your budget.
| Option | Best for |
|---|---|
| Air freight | The fastest option, with door-to-door integrated solutions |
| Ocean freight | Large commercial orders with several weeks of lead time |
| Commercial carriers (FedEx, DHL, UPS and partners) | Business parcels that need speed and tracking |
| Canada Post | Individuals shipping small shipments and personal items |
Canada Post is among the best economical shipping options to Belgium for individuals shipping personal items. Packages sent to Belgium via Canada Post are imported and delivered by bpost (the Belgian Post Group), which provides a range of postal, courier and banking services.
| Weight | Surface (a couple of months) | Air (2 to 3 weeks) | Air with tracking (2 to 3 weeks) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 lb (about 1 kg) | ~$30 | ~$55 | ~$80 |
| 4 lb (about 2 kg) | ~$40 | ~$80 | ~$100 |
| 10 lb (4.5 kg) | ~$130 | ~$200 |
Canada Post offers discounts that apply if you process the shipment online. If you ship regularly, you can get additional discounts with Canada Post.
FedEx and UPS are North America's largest carriers and, along with DHL, offer delivery to Belgium from Canada via their American hubs. Their main Canadian services to Belgium are express priority and economy air.
For many, the best economical shipping to Belgium is via FedEx, UPS and DHL (the market leader in Europe).
Secure our lowest spot quote to Belgium.
How does it work? Jet Worldwide brings together our longstanding international and local carrier partners to build unique logistics solutions to Belgium.
Purolator is a leading domestic carrier in Canada and provides express delivery to Belgium through international partners. Purolator is majority-owned by Canada Post.
Economy air delivers in as fast as 3 business days, and our economy courier service usually needs an average within 5 business days. For most commercial shipments, economy express is the best value. Get the best spot quote to Belgium from Canada.
Shipping via commercial carrier to Belgium is more cost-effective for heavier weights. Your actual cost will vary based on the fuel surcharge, level of discount and consignee address.
| Weight | Sample cost | Spot quote avaiable? |
|---|---|---|
| 10 lb (4.5 kg) | Appox. $200 | - |
| 22 lb (10 kg) | Approx. $250 | Yes |
| 44 lb (20 kg) | Approx. $350 | Yes |
| 88 lb (40 kg) | Approx. $590 | yes |
Note: Recent increase in fuel has drastically affected pricing
The default method for shipping internationally from Canada is delivered duty unpaid. Shippers from Canada can choose to pay the import fees on behalf of the receiver with a Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) option that Jet Worldwide offers. This is a benefit for sending Canadian warranty replacement parts and gifts.
The disadvantage of paying import fees on behalf of the receiver is that the receiver cannot claim back the tax. A VAT-registered importing business may otherwise be able to recover the VAT.
Jet Worldwide data
Most parcels we ship Canada-to-Belgium are sent delivered duty unpaid. However, delivery duty paid is an indispensible option for warranty replacement parts and product samples to prospective customers.
The minimum documents for import to Belgium are the carrier label and the invoice.
Consignments between Canada and Belgium are generally subject to the most favoured nation (MFN) rate of duty. Goods that qualify under CETA rules of origin can benefit from preferential duty-free import; MFN rates apply to non-originating items. It is important to confirm that your consignment is not prohibited in Belgium.
Even with the free trade agreement, exports from Canada are subject to clearance, duties and taxes. Belgian customs bases the assessment of charges on the CIF value: the total of the value of the item (cost), insurance and shipping fee (freight). A description and value must be clearly outlined on the invoice for customs and other supporting paperwork. Read more about CIF value.
When shipping to Belgium, it is important to verify the EORI number of the consignee. An EORI number is not needed if the receiver is a private individual.
An Economic Operators Registration and Identification number (EORI number) is an EU identification number for businesses, referred to as economic operators. It is required for importing or exporting goods and is part of the data set required for customs entries in all EU countries. The EORI number consists of two parts:
All packages imported to the EU are subject to VAT. E-commerce shipments valued up to €150 can be imported via the Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS), which allows sellers and online marketplaces to charge VAT at the point of sale and remit it to the authorities across Europe. IOSS is not mandatory: if you export only occasionally or to one country, you may choose to have the VAT paid at the time of import instead. Canadian sellers who register need an EU-established IOSS intermediary.
For details on IOSS and the EU's VAT rules, visit the Publications Office of the European Union.
All shipment to a consumer in the European Union (a business-to-consumer, or B2C, sale) must include product identifier (PID) information for each item, whatever the shipment's value.
PIDs do not apply to business-to-business (B2B) shipments sent to a VAT-registered business.
[Contact our team] for help preparing your EU shipments.
Personal effects can clear Belgian customs free of duty and taxes when you are moving your normal residence to Belgium. The EU conditions are:
New items (such as gifts, souvenirs and new clothing) are not personal effects and are not exempt from duty and VAT. Personal effects are often inspected by Belgian customs and must be cleared by the importer (consignee).
To take full advantage of the tariff rates provided under CETA, you must follow the rules of origin for your cargo. Country-of-origin rules determine whether a product is eligible for preferential duty-free treatment. Benefit from Canada's free trade agreements.
The good news for shippers is that CETA does not require a formal certificate of origin. A declaration on the invoice or any other commercial document accompanying the package is enough. If it is shown on a separate document, reference the invoice number and other shipping details.
The declaration has prescribed wording and must include your Canada Revenue Agency business number, the place and date, and the name of the person signing:
"The exporter of the products covered by this document (customs or competent public authority authorisation No. [your CRA business number]) declares that, except where otherwise clearly indicated, these products are of Canadian preferential origin."
When an invoice lists separate items, the declaration must clearly identify the items for which preferential treatment is requested. Read more about certificates of origin.
The options for sending from Belgium to Canada include bpost, DHL and North America's largest carriers, FedEx and UPS. bpost is the preferred way for individuals sending personal items to Canada. FedEx and UPS options to Canada from Belgium include air express and economy air. Jet offers competitive rates for heavier boxes between Belgium and Canada.
Parcels imported from Belgium to Canada are subject to duty and taxes. Most imports valued under CAD 20 can be cleared free of duty and tax. Imports under CAD 3,300 can be imported under courier low-value shipment (LVS) processes. Read more about Canadian import fees. Items that qualify as Belgian origin under CETA may be eligible for preferential duty-free entry.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) portal streamlines commercial importing to Canada. Read more about CARM.
For commercial importations valued at CAD 3,300 or less, the CBSA accepts a certifying statement on the commercial invoice in place of formal proof of origin, including for CETA claims. The statement must name the country of origin and reference the CETA provisions, for example:
"I hereby certify that the goods covered by this shipment qualify as originating goods for the purposes of preferential tariff treatment under the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)."
Claims for preferential tariff treatment above CAD 3,300 must be supported by the proof of origin required by CETA. Refer to the CBSA Origin of goods portal to confirm the requirements for your shipment. Read more about CETA.
Building on Jet Worldwide's decades of Canadian cross-border parcel logistics experience, our team is developing Shopify-integrated forwarding solutions for Canada's leading e-commerce platform. Expand your delivery options to Belgium and the entire European Union. See the VAT section above on prepaying VAT for online orders.
For updates on the latest international logistics solutions for Canadian online orders, connect with Jet Worldwide's e-commerce team.
Jet Worldwide gives all companies access to quotes between Canada and Belgium for parcels, pallets and online orders. We use our years of experience to help you navigate the nuances of international shipping without the hassle.
For personal items, Canada Post surface is usually the best option. For commercial shipments, global couriers (direct or via their partners) are great options. Air freight is best for shipments over 50 kilograms (get a rate from out team). The cost benefits of ocean freight start to accrue for shipments over around 200 kilograms.
What VAT rate applies to imports into Belgium?The standard rate is 21 percent, with reduced rates of 12 and 6 percent for some goods. VAT is applied to the CIF value plus any duty.
How much duty does a parcel to Belgium under €150 pay?A flat €3 customs duty for each distinct tariff category in the parcel. Belgian VAT of 21 percent applies on top.
Do I need a certificate of origin to ship Canadian goods to Belgium duty-free?No. CETA does not require a formal certificate of origin. An origin declaration on the invoice, with the prescribed wording and your Canada Revenue Agency business number, is enough for goods that originate in Canada.
Can I ship personal effects to Belgium duty-free?Yes, when you move your normal residence to Belgium, if you lived outside the EU for at least 12 months, owned and used the goods for at least 6 months, and import them within 12 months with a detailed inventory. New items are not exempt.
Reminder: the information in this post is for general information only. The content is provided "as is"; no representations are made that the content is error-free.