Belgium represents an important market for UK businesses, serving both as a direct consumer of British goods and as a strategic gateway to mainland Europe. UK exports to Belgium include chemicals, machinery, vehicles, pharmaceuticals, and consumer products. With its well-developed transport infrastructure and major trade hubs such as Ghent, Antwerp, Brussels, and Bruges, Belgium offers strategic access to the rest of the EU.
At Tankel Logistics, we provide specialized road freight services from the UK to Belgium, offering both groupage (LTL) and full truckload (FTL) solutions. Our strategic position in the Benelux region enables efficient handling of shipments from the UK, while our customs expertise helps navigate post-Brexit requirements.
Benefits of exporting to Belgium
- Strategic European gateway: Belgium's central location and world-class logistics infrastructure make it an ideal entry point to the European market, with excellent connections to France, Germany, and the Netherlands.
- Advanced transport infrastructure: Belgium boasts one of Europe's densest road and rail networks, complemented by major shipping ports like Antwerp, facilitating smooth onward distribution.
- Sophisticated consumer market: With high purchasing power and a preference for quality goods, Belgium's 11.7 million consumers represent a valuable market for UK products.
- Established trade relationship: Belgium has long been one of the UK's top trading partners, with established commercial networks and understanding of British products.
Export service options
At Tankel Logistics, we provide flexible road freight transport solutions tailored to your business needs:
- Groupage freight (LTL): A cost-effective option 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 with no unnecessary stops.
- Warehousing and storage: Secure storage, cross-docking, and distribution in our UK and Dutch warehouses.
- Customs clearance assistance: We manage export declarations, VAT processing, and compliance support to prevent border delays.
Taxes and duties on exports from the UK to Belgium
Exporting goods from the UK to Belgium requires compliance with EU customs regulations:
- VAT and duties: Most imports into Belgium are subject to 21% VAT, but reduced rates apply to some essential goods such as pharmaceuticals and food products. British businesses can typically zero-rate their exports to Belgium, provided they meet specific conditions, such as ensuring the Belgian recipient is VAT registered and provides a valid VAT number.
- HS code classification: Proper Harmonized System (HS) codes must be used to determine applicable tariffs and tax rates.
- EORI number: UK exporters must have an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number to clear customs in Belgium.
Our customs team provides guidance on product classification and required documentation to ensure smooth clearance and avoid unexpected charges.
Step-by-step export guide
- Prepare your goods: Ensure proper packaging and labeling according to EU standards.
- Classify goods correctly: Use the correct HS code to ensure proper taxation.
- Obtain an EORI number: Required for all UK exporters shipping goods to the EU.
- Prepare export 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.
- EU entry: Goods clear Belgian customs with our support.
- Final delivery: We deliver to your specified location in Belgium through our distribution network.
Why Choose Tankel Logistics?
- Benelux expertise: Specialized knowledge of UK-Belgium trade routes and requirements.
- Own fleet: We operate 60+ specialized vehicles ensuring reliable service and direct control.
- Customs expertise: Comprehensive support with both UK export and Belgian 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 the UK to final delivery in Belgium.
