Car Shipping to Belgium
2026 Guide
Car shipping to Belgium is simple when an agent guides you through the steps, costs, and import requirements. Whether you’re moving to Belgium, selling a vehicle overseas, or importing a classic car, an experienced international auto transport company can help you comply with Belgian and EU regulations and protect your vehicle during the journey overseas.
Why CFR Classic?
Get an Instant Car Shipping Quote
Tell us about your vehicle and we’ll respond within 24 hours with a personalised cost breakdown.
* Please note that your information is saved on our server as you enter it.
How Our Container Loading System Protects Your Car on the Trip to Belgium
R-RakThe R-Rak system replaces traditional wooden ramps with a secure steel racking system, allowing up to five classic vehicles to be safely loaded into a single container while minimizing movement and reducing the risk of damage during transit.
Shipping a Car to Belgium – Key Takeaways
Quick SummaryThe most important facts about shipping a car from the US to Belgium — before you dive into the detail.
Shipping a Car to Belgium – Key Takeaways
Transit time: 4–6 weeks (ocean), 3–10 days (air)
VAT: 21% (plus tax on entry into service and annual road tax)
Cost: $1,000–$4,500+ (ocean), $10,000+ (air)
Main ports: Antwerp-Bruges, Zeebrugge, Ostend
Import duty: 10%
Required inspection: Belgian technical vehicle inspection (autokeuring)
Car Shipping Process Summary
The ProcessFrom your first quote to keys in hand, here’s the full journey.
Request a Free Quote
Submit your vehicle details online. Our team responds within 24 hours with a personalized cost breakdown and recommended shipping method.
24-hour response
Prepare Your Documentation
Gather your title, bill of sale, and other required paperwork.
Schedule Pick-Up or Vehicle Drop-Off
Have your vehicle picked up from your location and trucked to the port or drop it off at the agreed upon US port terminal.
Ocean Transit to Belgium
While your vehicle is in transit, you can track its progress through our customer portal.
Customs Clearance in Belgium
Our local broker handles all Belgian customs paperwork, VAT, duties, and other considerations.
Delivered & Registered in Belgium
Your vehicle undergoes the technical inspection and customs E705 clearance before registration and release.
Belgium Car Shipping Costs, Major Ports & Shipping Methods
PricingShipping a car from the U.S. to Belgium starts around USD $1,000, depending on departure port, method (container vs RoRo), vehicle size and destination port. As Belgium is coastal, vehicles arrive directly at a Belgian seaport such as Antwerp-Bruges and are delivered onward to Brussels or another Belgian city. The estimated transit time is 14–28 days, but this can also vary.
Route | Roll-On/Roll-Off | Shared Container Load | Full Container Load | Air Freight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
US East Coast → Antwerp-Bruges | $995 | $1,025 | $1,825 | |
US West Coast → Antwerp-Bruges | $1,650 | $1,600 | $3,050 |
Get an Instant Car Shipping Quote
Tell us about your vehicle and we’ll respond within 24 hours with a personalised cost breakdown.
* Please note that your information is saved on our server as you enter it.
US Departure Ports
LogisticsWe offer multiple departure locations for car shipping services. In addition, we can arrange for pickup from another location and have your vehicle transported to the departure port.
Ports Served in the USA
Los Angeles
New York
Houston
Miami
Savannah
Baltimore
Belgium Destination Ports
LogisticsBelgium is coastal, so vehicles can be shipped directly to a Belgian seaport for onward delivery. Here are the entry ports we can ship to for delivery into Belgium. Our agents can also arrange for shipment to an inland location in Belgium or Europe, depending on your needs.
Ports Served in Belgium
Antwerp-Bruges
Zeebrugge
Brussels
Charleroi
Ostend
Duties, Taxes & Fees
Taxes & FeesIn addition to the costs associated with shipment, you’ll need to prepare for other costs, such as those levied by the Belgium government. Some of these fees could include:
Belgian Import and Registration Fees
Customs duty
Value Added Tax (VAT / btw / TVA)
Tax on entry into service (belasting op de inverkeerstelling / BIV)
based on the vehicle’s emission standard and age
Annual road tax
based on the type of vehicle
Optional marine insurance/shipping protection
Technical inspection and validation fees
Vehicle modification costs (if non-conforming)
Motor-related insurance (third-party liability)
Registration fee
Your agent can help you navigate these questions. When importing from a non-EU country, you can generally expect to pay a 10% customs duty on the customs value of the vehicle (the value of the car plus all costs incurred up to the EU border, such as transport) and 21% VAT on the sum of the customs value, import duties, and any additional costs incurred up to the place of destination. The tax on entry into service and the annual road tax are assessed when the vehicle is registered and depend on the vehicle’s emission standard, age, and type; current rates are published by the Federal Public Service Finance.
Belgian Import Duty and Tax Exemptions
Duties & ExemptionsMost importers pay 21% VAT plus excise — but several categories are fully or partially exempt.
Exemption Type | How to Qualify & Exemption Details |
|---|---|
US Citizen or Resident Relocating to Belgium | If you are transferring your residence to Belgium and you have already paid sales tax on the vehicle in the USA, owned it for over six months before the import, and resided outside the EU for twelve months prior to shipping, you may be eligible for a VAT exemption. Vehicles owned for less than six months are not eligible and will have to pay import duties and VAT. Note that a vehicle brought into Belgium as part of a move does not follow the standard import declaration process — confirm the relocation procedure with customs before shipping. |
Returning EU Citizen | An EU citizen returning to Belgium after a period of residence in the USA may, in similar circumstances, qualify for relief from VAT on the imported vehicle. Eligibility depends on prior ownership and use of the vehicle and length of residence abroad, and should be confirmed with the customs office before shipping. |
Classic / Vintage Vehicles | Older vehicles may follow a simplified inspection route on import — cars first taken into use before 15 June 1968 (and certain other categories before 22 May 1947) can be presented to any inspection centre for the import procedure. Any reduced taxes or relief for classic or vintage status should be confirmed with the customs office before shipping. |
Shipping Methods
Choose your shipping methodYour vehicle can be shipped via container, via air freight, or on a roll-on/roll-off ship (think of it like a parking lot on a shipping vessel).
The method you choose will impact the cost and timing of your shipment. A quick summary of the benefits of each:
- Cheapest → Ro-Ro
- Balanced → Shared Container Load
- Maximum protection → Full Container Load
- Fastest → Air Freight
Ro-Ro (Roll-On/Roll-Off) Shipping
Ro-Ro shipping is typically the most affordable option, with the additional benefit that these ships have more frequent departures, meaning your shipment will have a shorter lead time before arrival.
Ro-Ro’s main drawback is that your vehicle will be in the open on the Ro-Ro deck with hundreds of other vehicles, and you will not be able to transport personal items inside the vehicle.
Shared Container Load (SCL)
With shared container load, we’ll use our R-Rak method to safely load your vehicle into a container, along with a few other customers’ vehicles. This allows you to share the cost of a container while benefiting from added security compared to Ro-Ro shipping.
However, it’s generally more expensive than Ro-Ro and takes longer as the container won’t ship until it’s been filled.
Full Container Load (FCL)
Full container load offers the benefits of shared container load shipping; however, the container is reserved exclusively for your vehicle or vehicles. This offers the highest level of protection and security, allows you to ship your vehicle with personal goods inside, and departs as soon as it can be loaded onto a vessel – no waiting to fill the container. The primary drawback is that FCL is more expensive than SCL and Ro-Ro.
Air Freight
Air freight is the fastest method. It’s exactly what it sounds like – we load your vehicle into a plane and then it is transported by air to its destination in Belgium.
While significantly more expensive than other options, it’s ideal for time-sensitive shipments, reducing the process to days rather than weeks or months.
Import Eligibility & Documentation Required
ComplianceTo ship a car to Belgium, you’ll need to confirm a few details. Your agent can assist you in the process of determining your vehicle’s eligibility for shipment to Belgium.
- Your vehicle will need to comply with Belgian and EU emissions and safety standards.
- Before importing a used vehicle, check whether a European type approval exists (the WVTA number stated in section K and/or K1 of the registration certificate) or whether a validation procedure or individual approval is required.
- If your vehicle does not conform to safety or emissions standards, it will need to undergo a homologation or validation process, which will be an additional expense.
- Belgium distinguishes between new and used vehicles for tax purposes: a vehicle is treated as new if it has driven less than 6,000 km or the delivery takes place within six months of the vehicle’s first use.
- Before beginning the import and registration process, you must be registered in the national Belgian register and have received your Belgian identity card.
You’ll also want to ensure you have all proper documentation for import. You’ll need the following documentation to ship a car to Belgium:
Documents for Shipping
Bill of Sale or Purchase Invoice
showing ownership, date, and vehicle value
US Title or Registration Certificate
confirming ownership transfer
Vehicle Photos
(VIN plate/chassis number, exterior, interior, engine bay) if required by the carrier or Belgium authorities
Shipping Contract/Booking Confirmation and Marine Insurance Certificate
Marine insurance recommended but not required
US Export Clearance Documents
and proof of vehicle condition
Upon arrival in Belgium, you’ll need the following to complete your import and register your vehicle:
Documents for Import
Single Administrative Document (IM or EU import declaration)
provided by your customs representative
Purchase invoice (seller is a company) or receipt (seller is a private individual)
and any other commercial documents
Original foreign certificate of registration, for previously registered vehicles
(all parts, if it consists of several)
Proof that duties and VAT have been paid
Customs E705 (the electronic signal that lets the DIV confirm the vehicle is allowed on Belgian territory) and the green "705 label" registration application form
Certificate of Conformity (COC) for vehicle approval
Belgian technical inspection certificate required for registration
Proof of valid insurance coverage by a Belgian insurance company
Passport or other identification, and proof of registered address in Belgium
Vehicle Registration in Belgium (DIV)
RegistrationAll vehicles shipped to Belgium must be registered with the Vehicle Registration Service (DIV, the Dienst voor Inschrijvingen van Voertuigen / FPS Mobility and Transport) before they can be legally driven on public roads. As part of this process, the vehicle must be declared to customs to obtain the E705 signal and must pass the Belgian technical vehicle inspection, which ensures it meets local safety and environmental standards.
If your vehicle requires any modifications, validation, or homologation to meet Belgian requirements, such as lighting adjustments or emissions compliance, these will need to be handled before registration. Our agent can assist you with finding a homologation specialist mechanic.
For a new vehicle you’ll need customs clearance forms, a certificate of conformity, and proof of valid insurance from a Belgian insurer. For a used vehicle you’ll also need the previous registration, a certificate of conformity for a vehicle without EU approval, and a vehicle roadworthiness (technical inspection) certificate. Once registered with the DIV, you’ll receive a license plate and certificate of registration. Belgian law does not set a fixed deadline, but anyone registered in the population or aliens’ register who uses a vehicle on public roads must register it with the DIV — so it is best to do so as quickly as possible.
If all of this sounds like a lot to process, don’t worry! With agents in Belgium, the US, and abroad, the team at CFR Classic can assist with inspections, compliance requirements, and the full registration process.
Start the Process of Shipping Your
Car Overseas Now!
Our agents are ready to answer any questions you have! Pop in your vehicle’s details below and we’ll get you a free quick quote for your car shipment within 24 hours.
Belgium Car Shipping FAQ
Common QuestionsEverything commonly asked about shipping a car from the US to Belgium.
Should I use escrow or a secure payment service when buying a car overseas?
Using a secure payment service is highly recommended. Services like CFR SafePay act as a trusted intermediary—verifying the seller, confirming the vehicle details, and holding funds until everything checks out—helping protect you from fraud.
Are there special considerations for shipping electric vehicles?
Yes. Electric vehicles are classified as hazardous cargo due to their batteries, which means:
- Additional documentation is required
- Shipping costs may be higher
- Some carriers have restrictions or require special containers
- Working with an experienced shipper is essential for EV transport.
Can I ship a new car overseas?
Yes, but you’ll need proper ownership documents, such as:
- Vehicle title or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MSO)
- Notarized bill of sale
- Proof of full payment
- In many cases, it’s easier to ship once the official title is issued.
Is air freight available for car shipping?
Yes. Air freight is the fastest option, delivering vehicles in days instead of weeks. However, it is significantly more expensive than ocean shipping and is typically used for high-value or time-sensitive vehicles.
Do departure and arrival ports affect shipping cost?
Yes. Popular shipping routes are usually more affordable due to higher volume and efficiency. Less common routes can cost more due to limited availability.
Is it cheaper to import a car or buy one locally in Belgium?
It depends. Importing can make sense for:
- Classic or specialty vehicles
- Personal vehicles during relocation (often tax-exempt)
However, for standard vehicles, taxes, duties, and modification costs can make local purchasing more economical.
Do I need marine insurance?
Yes, it’s strongly recommended. Carrier liability is limited (often around $500), which may not cover your vehicle’s value. Marine insurance typically costs about 1–2% of the car’s value and provides full protection during transit.
What is the tax on entry into service (BIV)?
The tax on entry into service (belasting op de inverkeerstelling, or BIV) is a Belgian registration tax payable when a vehicle is first put on the road in Belgium. It is calculated based on the vehicle’s environmental characteristics (such as the Euro emission standard) and the age of the vehicle. An annual road tax is also obligatory and depends on the type of vehicle; current rates are published by the regional tax service and the Federal Public Service Finance.
Can I drive my car in Belgium on foreign plates while registration is pending?
Generally, anyone registered in the Belgian population or aliens’ register who uses a vehicle on public roads is required to register it with the DIV. Foreign or transit plates may only be used for a limited period during the import journey. You should complete Belgian registration as quickly as possible to avoid penalties — your agent can help you stay compliant.
Addtional Resources
Explore moreWe’ve rounded up some extra guides, handy tools, and useful links to help you keep rolling. Check them out below.
Joey has spent his entire teen and adult life in cars. Joey’s father owned a Jeep store, and Joey had his own used car lot that he ran himself from age 22 until I was 30. At 30 years old, Joey got “out of” the car business and joined CFR Rinkens. Joey started when there were only 9 people at CFR, but the company grew to over 150 employees during his time there.
When Joey started, CFR Rinkens was shipping about 40 vehicles per week from Los Angeles. Joey established locations in Houston, Miami, and New York and within the first year, CFR went to shipping 150 cars per week. Joey started as a customer service rep and later moved up to sales manager, operations manager, and marketing manager.
Joey then moved to Europe for two years and spent the entire time traveling through Europe meeting with clients. In 2022, Joey and his partners purchased CFR Classic from CFR Rinkens and he returned to California to watch over the operation more closely.