Belgium stands as one of the premier economies in Europe and a leading trading partner within the European Union. Because of its central location, it has historically been viewed as the logistics heart of Europe. Canadian companies are increasingly benefiting from the Canadian European Free Trade Agreement (CETA) to streamline shipping for goods of Canadian origin.
In this guide, we explore the logistics of using Belgium as a gateway to the EU and how Jet Worldwide leverages alternative hubs like France for optimized distribution.
Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for general information only. Producers, shippers, exporters, and importers should confirm their processes with their customs brokers, carriers, and regulating authorities.
Understanding Incoterms is vital for international logistics. The default option for shipping internationally from Canada is Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU). Common carriers often use the term Ex Works (EXW), which essentially assigns all import-related costs (duty, taxes, and brokerage fees) to the receiver or importer.
Shippers from Canada can choose to pay import fees on behalf of the receiver via Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) options offered by Jet Worldwide. This is particularly useful for e-commerce, ensuring your Belgian customer is not hit with unexpected fees upon delivery.
Read our full guide on Incoterms and DDP shipping.
Note: The disadvantage of paying import fees on behalf of the receiver is that the bulk of these fees are often Value Added Tax (VAT). If you pay this as the shipper, the importing business in Belgium may be unable to claim it back.
SEE OUR BLOG ON CANADA'S MAJOR FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS
Even with free trade agreements like CETA, goods from Canada are subject to customs clearance processes. Belgian customs bases the assessment of charges on the CIF value (Cost, Insurance, and Freight). Learn more about CIF Value.
Most goods imported into Belgium are subject to a Value Added Tax (VAT) of 21% (standard rate). This rate is applied to the CIF value plus any applicable duty.
Belgium has long been marketed as the distribution hub of Europe. However, modern logistics require flexibility.
While we offer comprehensive shipping to Belgium, Jet Worldwide utilizes France as a key point of entry for European distribution. By injecting shipments directly into the Eurozone via France, we provide Canadian companies with robust alternatives to the traditional Belgian routing, often resulting in faster ground connectivity to Southern and Western Europe.
Download accompanying PDF: Shipping to CETA Europe
Jet Worldwide offers Canadian retailers a direct-to-Europe shipping program. This "high volume" solution allows brands to ship bulk orders to our European hubs (in Belgium or France), where they are cleared and injected into the local domestic delivery networks.
When shipping from Canada, you have several primary options depending on the size and urgency of your shipment.
Canada Post is generally the lowest-cost option for individuals shipping small parcels and personal items.
Note: Packages sent via Canada Post are delivered in Belgium by BPost (Belgian Post Group).
These large carriers offer reliable express delivery to Belgium, often routing through their major hubs in the USA or Europe.
Jet Worldwide provides a unique hybrid solution. We partner with the world's premium carriers and local European specialists to provide economy express shipping. We provide low cost spot quotes for shipments over 10 kg and regular commercial volumes.
Get a quote for shipping to Belgium.
Shipping personal items to friends or for a move? Personal effects are eligible for duty-free clearance if specific requirements are met:
Restrictions: Items less than one year old, gifts, and clothing with tags are not considered personal effects and will be subject to VAT and duty. Jet Worldwide does not accept personal effects and provides this information as a courtesy to the many requests we receive on this subject.
The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) allows for duty-free entry of most Canadian goods into Belgium and the EU. The good news is that CETA does not require a formal Certificate of Origin.
To benefit from preferential tariff treatment, a declaration must be added to your commercial invoice. It implies that the goods were produced or manufactured in Canada.
The exporter of the products covered by this document (customs authorization No ___________) declares that, except where otherwise clearly indicated, these products are of Canada/EU preferential origin.
___________ (Place and date)
___________ (Signature and printed name of the exporter)
When importing goods back into Canada from Belgium, the process is streamlined. Canada Customs (CBSA) has harmonized the value for which formal proof of origin is waived at CAD $3,300.
For shippers managing returns or importing supplies, this low-value threshold significantly reduces paperwork.
Ready to optimize your European logistics? Contact Jet's logistics team for updates on new shipping options to Belgium, France, and the entire European Union.