International · BE

How to Ship to Belgium from the US

Belgium is a strategically central EU country and major logistics hub, home to NATO headquarters and many multinational companies. US goods — especially tech accessories, books, specialty food, and apparel — are commonly ordered by Belgian consumers who are comfortable shopping in English, French, or Dutch (Flemish). As an EU member, Belgium applies EU import rules.

Belgian VAT is 21% (standard rate) and applies to all commercial imports from outside the EU with no minimum threshold since July 2021. Packages over €150 (~$165 USD) also face EU import duties. The recipient pays these at delivery unless the seller has registered for the EU IOSS scheme.

Typical 1 lb cost

$22-$38 USD

Typical transit

4-10 business days

Carrier Options to Belgium

USPS Priority Mail International

7-10 business days. Final delivery by bpost (Belgian Post). Good for packages under 2 lbs.

DHL Express Worldwide

2-3 business days. Belgium is a DHL hub — excellent coverage and fast customs clearance.

UPS Worldwide Expedited

3-5 business days. UPS has strong Belgian infrastructure. Good for business shipments.

FedEx International Priority

2-4 business days. Reliable for time-sensitive packages. Strong EU network.

Customs Forms Required

CN22 for items under $400 USD. CN23 + commercial invoice for items over $400. Commercial invoice required for all EU commercial shipments.

Commonly Prohibited Items

  • ✕Firearms and weapons without Belgian government permits
  • ✕Narcotics and controlled substances
  • ✕Counterfeit and trademark-infringing goods
  • ✕Certain food products without EU health certifications
  • ✕Live animals without proper CITES documentation
  • ✕Radioactive materials without authorization

Belgium-Specific Shipping Tips

  • 💡 EU VAT (21%) applies to all imports — no minimum threshold since July 2021
  • 💡 Belgium has three official languages: French, Dutch (Flemish), and German — English is widely understood but address labels should use local city names (e.g., Brugge not Bruges, Liège not Liege)
  • 💡 Belgian postal codes are 4 digits (e.g., 1000 for Brussels)
  • 💡 DHL has a major European hub in Belgium — often the fastest and most reliable option
  • 💡 Packages over €150 face EU import duties in addition to 21% VAT

Frequently asked questions

How long does shipping to Belgium take?
USPS Priority Mail International: 7-10 business days. DHL/UPS/FedEx Express: 2-4 business days. Belgium's central location in Europe means efficient customs clearance.
Does the recipient pay VAT on imports from the US?
Yes. Belgian VAT (21%) applies to all commercial imports. Above €150 value, import duties also apply. Recipients pay at delivery unless the seller collects VAT via EU IOSS registration.
What language should I use on shipping labels to Belgium?
English is fine for carrier labels and customs forms. For the recipient address, use local language spellings — especially for city names. Brussels in French is Bruxelles, in Dutch it's Brussel.
Is DHL a good option for Belgium?
Yes — DHL has a major European logistics hub in Belgium (Liège Airport), making it one of the fastest and most reliable carriers for Belgian deliveries. Transit is often 2-3 business days from the US.
Can I send personal gifts to Belgium?
Personal gifts are still subject to VAT (21%) under EU rules since 2021. However, non-commercial gifts between private individuals may have some limited exemptions. Commercial shipments always face VAT.

Other International Destinations

KE
Kenya
EG
Egypt
MA
Morocco
JM
Jamaica
DO
Dominican Republic
CR
Costa Rica

Create Your International Shipping Label

Free for USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL international formats.

Create Label Free →