Belgium remains one of the UK's key trading partners, with a diverse range of goods including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food products, machinery, and automotive components regularly moving between the two nations. As a manufacturing center and home to the port of Antwerp (Europe's second-largest port), Belgium serves as both a direct exporter to the UK and a vital consolidation point for goods from across Europe.
At Tankel Logistics, we provide comprehensive road freight services from Belgium to the UK, offering both groupage (LTL) and full truckload (FTL) options. Our Benelux operations and strategic warehouse locations facilitate efficient handling of Belgium-UK shipments, while our customs expertise helps navigate post-Brexit requirements. With our own fleet of 60+ vehicles and real-time tracking through our client portal, we ensure your cargo moves smoothly and transparently from collection to delivery throughout the UK.
Benefits of importing from Belgium
- Central European location: Belgium's strategic position at the heart of Western Europe makes it an ideal sourcing location with efficient connections to the UK.
- Manufacturing excellence: Belgium is known for high-quality production across multiple sectors, including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food processing, and automotive components.
- Well-connected transport network: With excellent road, rail, and port infrastructure, Belgium is a key logistics hub for UK trade.
- Established UK trade relationship: Long-standing commercial ties between Belgium and the UK mean there are well-developed systems for facilitating trade even post-Brexit.
Import service options
At Tankel Logistics, we offer a full range of road freight solutions tailored to your needs:
- Groupage freight (LTL): A cost-efficient solution for smaller shipments, combining multiple loads into one truck to reduce costs.
- Full truckload (FTL) transport: Dedicated transport for large shipments, ensuring direct and secure delivery without unnecessary stops.
- Warehousing and storage: Secure storage, cross-docking, and distribution in our UK and Dutch warehouses.
- Customs clearance assistance: Full import declarations, VAT processing, and compliance support to avoid delays.
Taxes and duties on importing from Belgium to the UK
Since Brexit, goods moving from Belgium to the UK are subject to customs procedures. Key considerations include:
- VAT and duties: The UK applies 20% VAT on most imported goods, with some exemptions for essential products.
- HS code classification: Goods must be correctly classified using the Harmonized System (HS) codes to determine applicable tariffs and VAT rates.
- EORI number: UK importers must have an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number for customs clearance.
- Postponed VAT accounting (PVA): UK businesses can use PVA to defer VAT payments, improving cash flow.
Our customs team provides guidance on product classification and required documentation to ensure smooth clearance and avoid unexpected charges.
Step-by-step import guide
- Prepare your goods: Ensure proper packaging and labeling according to UK standards.
- Classify goods correctly: Use the correct HS code to determine duties and VAT.
- Obtain an EORI number: Required for customs processing in the UK.
- Prepare import documents: Submit an invoice, packing list, and any required certifications. This can be done by Tankel Logistics team if you don’t have the knowledge in-house.
- Transport: Your goods are loaded onto our vehicles for direct transport or consolidated with other shipments.
- UK entry: Goods clear UK customs with our support.
- Final delivery: We deliver to your specified UK location through our distribution network.
Why choose Tankel Logistics?
- Benelux expertise: Specialized knowledge of Belgium-UK trade routes and requirements.
- Own fleet: We operate 60+ specialized vehicles ensuring reliable service and direct control.
- Customs expertise: Comprehensive support with both Belgian export and UK import formalities.
- Real-time tracking: Monitor your shipment throughout its journey via our client portal.
- Flexible service options: Both groupage and full truckload services available to suit different needs.
- Experienced drivers: All our drivers have 8+ years of experience for professional handling.
- End-to-end solution: Complete service from collection in Belgium to final delivery in the UK.
