Freight shipping from the UK to Belgium | Tariffs - Transit times - Duties and taxes

Q: How can DocShipper help you throughout the shipping process?

With 15 years of experience, DocShipper is a leading international logistics company with services and experts in the field. Our sourcing experts will guide you through the entire production process, and our logistics team will handle international delivery to any destination in the world. Finally, 3PL (third party) service is the distribution service.

Q: What does DocShipper do for quality control?

DocShipper solves all your quality control problems . As soon as you confirm your order, DocShipper's experts will take care of all the processes up to quality control .

Q: How do I get a transportation quote quickly?

In order to receive a quick transportation quote, it is essential to gather all the information necessary to fulfill your request. This includes the details of your shipment such as dimensions, weight, volume, expected delivery date, services required, pick-up and delivery location, and the nature of the products. By providing this information, you will be able to quickly obtain the best price quote for your shipment .

Q: What is the best transport means between the UK and Belgium?

It depends on your budget and the urgency of your shipment. Sea freight is less expensive than air freight. The journey time for sea freight varies depending on the route, the port of departure and arrival, and the shipping company, but it typically takes around 1-3 days. Air freight is the fastest means of transporting freight between the UK and Belgium. The journey time for air freight varies depending on the flight schedule and the shipping company, but it typically takes around 1-2 days.

Do you want to import products into the UK from Belgium? Trade between the UK and Belgium is large and growing, which means that freight between the two countries is a crucial part of the supply chain for many businesses. Importers and exporters need to understand the customs formalities, transportation regulations, and shipping options available to ensure the smooth and timely delivery of their goods. Ports and airports in both countries offer a variety of cargo options, including rail, sea, and air.

However, with Brexit (Referendum on the UK's membership in the European Union), there have been significant changes in customs and security procedures, which can make freight between the UK and Belgium more complex than before.

Whether you are a large company, a small business, a start-up, or an individual, DocShipper can organize your shipment from start to finish without your intervention. Tell us about your project so that our experts can find the best solution for your shipment and advise you on how to save on shipping costs. Don't hesitate to ask your questions.

Sea freight from the UK to Belgium

Shipping from the UK to Belgium

To import goods to the UK via sea, it's essential to identify the UK port where your products will be delivered. When exploring the shipping industry, the initial inquiry is often, "Which port is nearest to my location?" Shipping by sea is a prevalent choice for transporting freight from the UK to Belgium. The primary UK ports used for transporting goods to Belgium are Southampton, Felixstowe, Tilbury, and London Gateway. These ports provide frequent container and bulk cargo services to Belgian ports, including Zeebrugge, Antwerp, and Ghent.

Main ports of the UK

Port of Felixstowe: The Port of Felixstowe is a major container port located on the east coast of England, near Felixstowe in Suffolk. It is the largest container port in the UK and one of the busiest in Europe, handling over 4 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of cargo each year. The port has excellent road and rail connections to the rest of the UK and direct shipping routes to major ports worldwide. The Port of Felixstowe plays a vital role in supporting UK trade and the global supply chain and has a reputation for efficiency, reliability, and innovation in the container shipping industry.
Port of London Gateway: is a modern deep-sea container port located on the Thames Estuary in Essex, England. It was opened in 2013 and is one of the newest and most technologically advanced ports in the UK. The port has state-of-the-art facilities, including a large container terminal, automated cranes, and a rail terminal. It is designed to handle the largest container ships in the world and has the capacity to handle over 3.5 million TEUs of cargo per year. The Port of London Gateway plays a key role in supporting international trade and is well-connected to major transport links.
Port of Southampton: is a major container and cruise port located on the south coast of England. It is the busiest cruise port in the UK and handles over 1.8 million TEUs of containerized cargo each year. The port has excellent road and rail links to the rest of the UK and direct shipping routes to major ports worldwide. The Port of Southampton has a long history and has played a significant role in the development of the UK's maritime industry. Today, it is a vital hub for international trade and a popular destination for cruise ships and their passengers.
Port of Tilbury: is a major port located on the River Thames in the southeast of England, about 25 miles east of central London. It has been an important port for over 100 years and is now one of the UK's largest ports. The port handles a range of cargo including containers, ro-ro (roll-on, roll-off) freight, bulk commodities, and forest products. It is also a key hub for the UK's construction industry, with a significant amount of building materials passing through the port. The port's strategic location and excellent transport links make it an important gateway to the UK and Europe, and it plays a vital role in supporting the country's economy.

Main ports of Belgium

The Port of Antwerp: is a large seaport located in the city of Antwerp, Belgium. It is one of the largest ports in Europe and the second-largest in the world by total freight volume after Shanghai. The port is situated on the Scheldt River and has a strategic location in the heart of Europe, making it an important gateway for international trade. It handles a wide range of cargo including containers, break bulk, dry bulk, liquid bulk, and project cargo. The port is also a major hub for the petrochemical industry and is home to numerous refineries and chemical plants. The Port of Antwerp is a vital component of the Belgian economy and plays a key role in supporting international trade and commerce.
The Port of Zeebrugge: is a seaport located in the town of Bruges, Belgium, on the North Sea coast. It is one of the most important ports in Europe for the handling of roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) cargo, especially for cars and other vehicles. The port also serves as a hub for container shipping, with several weekly sailings to major ports in Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The port is also a key center for the transportation of natural gas, with several pipelines connecting it to gas fields in the North Sea.
The Port of Ghent: is located on the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal, which connects the city to the Scheldt River and the North Sea. It is primarily a bulk port, handling commodities such as coal, iron ore, grains, and fertilizers. The port also has a significant presence in the steel industry, with several steel companies having production facilities nearby. Additionally, the port has a container terminal and handles some general cargo. The Port of Ghent plays a key role in the economy of the region and is an important hub for trade and commerce.
The Port of Ostend: It is a relatively small port that primarily handles passenger traffic, including ferries to the United Kingdom and cargo ships carrying general cargo, containers, and project cargo. The port also serves as a hub for the offshore wind industry, with several wind farms located in the North Sea. It has a specialized terminal for the assembly and transport of wind turbines, as well as facilities for the maintenance and repair of offshore wind turbines. The Port of Ostend is an important economic asset for the city and the region, supporting local industries and contributing to the growth of the Belgian economy.

Here, we compared the 2 transportation services available for this kind of container:

Groupage by sea or LCL (Less than Container Load)

The grouping entails the sharing of a container, which is ideal for small shipments of less than 15 CMB. As a result, the price is determined by the square meter. When your merchandise does not fill the entire container, this method allows you to split the costs of the container with the other occupants. Make an appointment with our services to find the best deals. We will handle your request in the most efficient way possible.

DocShipper Info: Sea freight is an essential mode of transportation for global trade, accounting for around 80% of the world's trade by both volume and value. It is capable of carrying an extensive range of products, including raw materials, manufactured goods, petroleum products, vehicles, and chemicals. However, it can be challenging to determine the appropriate container type and port selection to suit your shipping requirements. With DocShipper's shipping service, this process is simplified, as we provide guidance on selecting the appropriate container and port. Don't hesitate to contact our experts for further assistance

Specialized maritime transport between UK and Belgium

Refrigerated container (Reefer container)

A reefer container, short for the refrigerated container, is a specialized shipping container that is designed to transport perishable goods and products that require temperature-controlled environments. They play a critical role in global trade by enabling the safe and efficient transport of perishable goods around the world.

Roro

RO-RO, or Roll-On/Roll-Off, refers to a method of shipping cargo where wheeled vehicles such as cars, trucks, and trailers are driven onto a ship and secured in place for transport. This method is commonly used for transporting vehicles, heavy machinery, and other large cargo items. The popularity of RO-RO shipping has grown in recent years due to its speed, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility.

Vrac (Bulk)

Transport of non-embedded, solid or liquid goods in vraquier ships

OOG

refer to cargo that exceeds the standard size and dimensions for regular container shipping. This type of cargo may be too heavy, too tall, too wide, or too long to fit into a standard shipping container. As a result, special arrangements are required to transport it safely and securely. Typically, this involves using specialized equipment such as flat racks or open-top containers, or even breakbulk vessels to transport the OOG cargo.

How much does sea freight cost between the UK and Belgium?

The weight and volume of your freight are the most important considerations when calculating cargo. Indeed, the weight and volume proportion are always used to evaluate transport.

According to the ocean freight equality rule, “1-ton Equals 1 CBM”, the weight and volume proportions are as follows.

If you're using the combination/LCL technique, the basic rate will be decided by the weight and volume proportion formula, as well as the 1,000 kg = 1 CBM guideline. The responsibility is defined in terms of the payload unit (PU), which is equivalent to either mass in tons or volume in cubic meters, and is always “to the transporter's upside.” As a result, a higher number will be used.

If you choose the FCL shipping method, the charge is a flat rate for each holder, and it is determined by the type of compartment and the delivery companies that provide it.

Port and Shipping Surcharges

Transportation companies and ports impose surcharges that are not based on the basic tariff and are based on a specific configuration. The following is a list of them:

Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF) is a term used to describe the factor used to adjust bunkers.

This cost of overcharging is a fee based on fluctuations in the price of crude petroleum applied to a cargo premise. Following the 1973 oil shock, delivery organizations began to use it. It's remained payable since then.

Currency Adjustment Factor (CAF) is a term that refers to the factor that determines how much money

This duty overcharge is also based on cargo + BAF and is linked to dollar rate fluctuations. Because the vast majority of marine cargo prices are calculated in dollars, this additional charge protects businesses from conversion scale risks.

THC stands for Terminal Handling Charge.

THC deals with the charges associated with stacking and dumping at ports. The cost of an FCL delivery is set by each holder, but the cost of LCL shipping is calculated by each ton or CBM.

Congestion in the Ports

When a boat arrives in a blocked port, it must wait, in some circumstances, for a long period, before it can empty its cargo. As a result, delivering organizations levy an additional fee to compensate for this “revenue shortfall.”

Demurrage

Demurrage is a price that must be paid when the period for stacking and dumping exceeds the time indicated in the transportation agreement, whether it is due to a shipowner issue, such as a strike or a port blockade. The cost of leasing the compartment while it is in port is referred to as "demurrage" by transportation companies.

Conventional or express air freight?

Ocean freight is the primary mode of transportation between the two countries, air freight serves as an essential supplement for businesses that require speedy shipment of goods. Air freight offers numerous benefits over other modes of transportation, including fast delivery times. Cargo planes can efficiently transport products of various sizes, ranging from small packages to entire pallets. Additionally, airlines provide real-time tracking services that enable shippers to monitor the location of their goods throughout the shipping process.

There are two types of air freight options available, namely conventional air freight and express air freight, each with unique features:

Conventional Air Freight: This option is ideal for shipments that are not urgent and can be transported within a reasonable time frame. Airlines such as British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Ryanair, EasyJet, etc. offer regular flights between UK and Belgian airports. Standard air freight rates depend on the size, weight, and nature of the cargo.
Express Air Freight: This option is recommended for urgent shipments that require fast delivery. Express carriers such as DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, and others offer express air freight services between the UK and Belgium. They can transport packages and documents of all sizes and weights, with guaranteed delivery times, for an additional fee.

Among the advantages of shipping companies, you can deliver your goods to any destination in the world within a week. Thus, you can save on transportation costs for small quantities of less than 1 CBM. This makes this service more attractive than the maritime service.

What are the advantages of airfreight ?

The quickest method of delivery

In comparison to ocean freight, airship cargo is without a doubt the finest option when your products need to be moved quickly. Accepting your products on time might be a huge benefit in certain types of industries these days.

Flight and arrival times that can be relied on

Flight arrival and departure timings are consistent, and carriers will arrive on time the majority of the time. In any case, missing a flight would not be a major inconvenience because flights depart every hour or so.

Send your cargo anywhere

Several carriers have a large database of objections that covers almost the entire globe. This means you can transport your shipment to almost any destination.

Spend less on insurance premiums

Due to the relatively short journey period of airship cargo, the protection inclusion rate is reduced. Despite the fact that airship freight is expensive, it saves money in terms of reduced protection expenditures.

A high level of security and a reduced risk of burglary and harm

Air transportation provides a high level of security, with strict controls at the doors of air terminal areas, reducing the risk of robbery and injury to freight.

There is less capacity, and there are fewer items in stock

Because airship cargo transit seasons are shorter, you can transport smaller amounts more frequently, therefore having a lot of excess space may not be necessary. Customs freedom, freight investigation, and handling are also more efficient because most products are delivered within a few hours.

There's less stuff to pack

Air cargo, on average, require less packing than those sent by sea. This means you save time and money by avoiding urgent help.

Following

The majority of businesses, notably delivery companies, allow you to track your shipments using an app that allows you to track their progress from takeoff to arrival.

Don’t forget, airship cargo is just a single piece of the “inventory network”. For sure, notwithstanding the fundamental vehicle, you will likewise require the regulatory administrations identified with product and import, considering air terminal charges, and conveyance to the last objective.

Exactly what DocShipper is an expert of!

How much does air freight between the UK and Belgium cost?

The cost of airship freight is also determined by the weight and volume ratio, which is referred to as the chargeable weight, which is then multiplied by the cost per kilo.

The IATA charge, which is mandatory on a basic level, may be subject to volume restrictions. It's a rapidly diminishing weight territory tax that's not precisely the same from one country to the next. For small shipments, there is a base fee.
Despite the higher fixed rates, the fee per kg of example airship freight is generally less expensive than that of messenger organizations.

Finally, the airship freight will be determined by the greatest gross weight (on the scale) and the volumetric weight (in light of factors).

How to calculate the volumetric weight of your shipment?

For airfreight, the air equality rule permits a weight/volume proportion of 1:6 (1 ton for every 6 CBM) and a duty to net weight proportion of 1:6 or less. The real volume is thus partitioned by 6 to acquire the volumetric weight utilized as the reason for charging.

For express cargo, the standard is 1:5.

Here is the model if the total volume of your merchandise is 1 CBM:

With the classic airfreight: it equals 1 CBM = 167 Kgs (1:6)
With the express airfreight: it equals 1 CBM = 200 kgs (1:5)

Door-to-door service between the UK and Belgium

We will organize all the steps that must be completed in the course of an international trip for you :

packaging
administrative documents (invoice, cargo list, import/export licenses, etc.)
loading/unloading – final delivery

DocShipper is committed to providing services that are tailored to the specific needs of its customers. We follow all international standards when we work. We can provide a logistical solution for any destination in the world, at competitive prices and with high-quality services.

From departure until arrival, a representative from our company will be in charge of all logistical measures.
If your shipment weighs less than 100 kilograms, we also offer an express shipping option. For fast delivery of your shipments, we have partners in the DHL, FedEx, and TNT branches.

What are the benefits of using a door-to-door service?

Door-to-door services allows you to cut your shipping costs and transit time in half.

If your shipments are less than 150 kg, the expedited service will be more cost-effective.

We work with companies like FedEx, DHL, TNT, and UPS to ensure that your shipment arrives safely.

Effects of Brexit on customs clearance

First and foremost, "Brexit" will impact the UK's relationship with Belgium.

Before items can be put into service or resold, they must first go through customs. Duties, taxes, and fees are assessed by customs based on the commodity code, origin, and customs value of the items. Intangible goods and services do not require customs clearance. Examples include software and e-books.

With the UK's exit from the European Union, British businesses will have to prepare for the UK to become a "third nation" within the EU. A country that is not a member of the European Union is referred to as a "third country". The United Kingdom left the European Union at the end of January 2020.

Importers are now required to file customs declarations for all imported goods and pay the applicable customs duties and VAT. Customs duties may vary depending on the type of product imported and its origin. The UK has introduced a customs tariff regime to replace the EU's common customs tariff. Importers should therefore check the applicable rates for each product.

Business Entity

If you propose to import a commercial volume of goods into the UK and then trade them, you must register as a business substance. This doesn't have to be a certain type of company; it can be a sole proprietorship, a partnership, a limited liability company, and so on. Enlistment is important since it allows you to essentially create a self-appraisal explanation to inform HMRC of what you bought/sold.

You are not enrolled as a business if you are bringing in things for personal use.

If you want to sell your goods in the UK, you should register as a business so that HMRC can make sure you pay the proper amount of duty on your imports.

How to calculate customs duties and taxes

The customs duties are calculated ad valorem based on the CAF value of the goods. We advise you to keep an eye on the government's website dedicated to calculating tariffs and customs duties on a regular basis.

How to find the HS code?

You can visit this site to search for information about the type of product you are sending.

When you're shipping internationally, each item in your shipment must have an HS code, or a product code, which must be included in your commercial invoice. It's crucial that you enter the correct code because it determines how many import duties or other taxes you will have to pay.

The British HS tariff code assists in the identification of product names as well as codes for export and import. All code-related information, such as whether you need a permit to move your goods or if there is a tariff quota.

How to calculate customs duties and taxes?

Knowing the speed of customs obligations and expenses for the product(s) you need to bring into the UK is important and critical in determining the amount you should spend.

The HS code (Commodity Code) of a product is one of the three primary considerations in determining the duty that will be saved for it, along with the product's origin and tradition's worth.

Over 95 percent of global trade is covered by the Harmonized System (HS Code), which is used by 207 countries. For the nations who use it, the framework assures a determined and unique grouping. Each type of good or ware exchanged globally is assigned a number, which also allows for the linkage of exchange streams and the acquisition of information.

Here is the total composition of a called HS Code

How to check the customs duties rate with the HS Code?

Since you have the HS code, it will be fascinating to know the pace of customs obligations and expenses applied to your item when bringing it into the UK.

If it's not too much trouble, return to the page as displayed in the past advance:

Snap on "pineapple" to show the rundown and rate generally applied to this item.

To ensure that this rate is something very similar for pineapples from China if it's not too much trouble, click on the full HS code shown on the right half of the screen.

This will take you to the accompanying page:

Enter the country of origin here to see the customs duties rate.

Does Docshipper charge duty?

We won't charge you a commission if you stick to your customs. We will return the archives that European traditions have given us in order to display them to you. The tradition's leeway costs will only apply to the creation of a regulation revelation document. These traditions' leeway costs will, of course, be collected by DocShipper because we will be assembling the document for you, whilst the public authority will be collecting the tradition's obligations and expenditures.

Documents required

Documents required by Belgium customs include :

customs registration form
bill of lading/air waybill
commercial invoice or pro forma invoice
packing list
and any necessary permits, licenses, or certificates

Documents required by UK customs include: the simplified customs freight procedures are electronic declaration methods designed to improve and simplify customs procedures for the customs clearance of imported goods, whether at the border, at the arrivals of a free zone, or at customs entry points. Importation licenses are required for a limited number of goods.

It includes, for example, fire and explosive weapons, nuclear materials, controlled drugs, and military equipment. Temporary imports (for reexport, inspection and testing, repair, professional demonstration, and so on) may be allowed without payment of duties and taxes.

Management of suppliers

In order to provide you with a more comprehensive service, we can also get in touch with your supplier beforehand. We will precisely determine your product's characteristics. In order to ensure that your products arrive in the best circumstances possible, we confirm that the supplier has all necessary documentation (such as a certificate of compliance) and we will verify every aspect, including the product's condition and packaging. We will also determine the measurements and the HS code.

We promise to provide you with exceptional service! Our staff members are bilingual in English and French.

For further information, please visit our website: sourcing services

Packaging and wrapping

Your products' packaging is a crucial component since it ensures the charge's ideal stability during transportation, provides exceptional protection during storage, and makes maintenance easier. Our industry specialists partners are capable of offering high-quality refurbishment services anywhere in the world. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with our team if you require services like cardboard, pallets, box, bubble paper, adhesive rubber, etc.

More information can be found on our special packaging services website.

Possession and storage

Our storage facilities are well situated close to Italy's northern border. Therefore, we are able to store your items for as long as you need them before shipping them to the United Kingdom (or elsewhere). If you want to combine orders from many suppliers to fill a full container, or if you already have a full container and want to divide it up at the port of arrival and distribute it to other locations. We are able to provide this service for you.

You are requested to visit the following link to view our dedicated page: Service of Deposit

3PL services

Buy orders/bundling/naming: Purchase requests and dissemination are additionally important for the production network. To save you time, we have a distribution center situated in Camporosso in northern Italy, where we can store your stock and set up the entirety of your orders. We can get every one of your shipments, and deal with every one of the administrations you will require (capacity, pressing, stock, naming, request readiness, conveyance).

Conveyance to the last mile: All your B2C orders for E-Commerce will be conveyed anyplace from our site. With an essential area in the focal point of Europe and not a long way from France, we will convey every one of your clients within 48 hours, most extreme!

For more information: 3PL services

FAQ - Freight between UK and Belgium | Rates – Transit times – Duties & Taxes – Advices

How can DocShipper help you throughout the shipping process?

With 15 years of experience, DocShipper is a leading international logistics company with services and experts in the field. Our sourcing experts will guide you through the entire production process, and our logistics team will handle international delivery to any destination in the world. Finally, 3PL (third party) service is the distribution service.

What does DocShipper do for quality control?

DocShipper solves all your quality control problems. As soon as you confirm your order, DocShipper's experts will take care of all the processes up to quality control.

How do I get a transportation quote quickly?

In order to receive a quick transportation quote, it is essential to gather all the information necessary to fulfill your request. This includes the details of your shipment such as dimensions, weight, volume, expected delivery date, services required, pick-up and delivery location, and the nature of the products. By providing this information, you will be able to quickly obtain the best price quote for your shipment.

What is the best transport means between the UK and Belgium?

It depends on your budget and the urgency of your shipment. Sea freight is less expensive than air freight. The journey time for sea freight varies depending on the route, the port of departure and arrival, and the shipping company, but it typically takes around 1-3 days. Air freight is the fastest means of transporting freight between the UK and Belgium. The journey time for air freight varies depending on the flight schedule and the shipping company, but it typically takes around 1-2 days.

DocShipper Advise : We help you with the entire sourcing process so don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!

Having trouble finding the appropriate product? Enjoy our sourcing services, we directly find the right suppliers for you!
You don't trust your supplier? Ask our experts to do quality control to guarantee the condition of your goods!
Do you need help with the logistics? Our international freight department supports you with door to door services!
You don't want to handle distribution? Our 3PL department will handle the storage, order fulfillment, and last-mile delivery!

	Antwerp	Zeebrugge	Ghent	Ostend
Felixstowe	3	1	2	2
London Gateway	2	1	2	2
Southampton	1	1	1	2
Tilbury	1	1	2	1

Freight shipping from the UK to Belgium | Tariffs – Transit times – Duties and taxes

The different methods of transportation between the UK and Belgium

Sea freight from the UK to Belgium

Sea freight from the UK to Belgium

Shipping from the UK to Belgium

Main ports of the UK

Main ports of Belgium

Transit time between UK and Belgium ports

Groupage by sea or LCL (Less than Container Load)

Full container or FCL (Full Container Load)

Advantages of FCL shipping

Inconvenient of FCL shipping

Advantages of LCL shipping

Inconvenient of LCL shipping

Specialized maritime transport between UK and Belgium

How much does sea freight cost between the UK and Belgium?

Port and Shipping Surcharges

Airfreight from the UK to Belgium

Conventional or express air freight?

Major UK airports

Major Belgium airports

What are the advantages of airfreight ?

How much does air freight between the UK and Belgium cost?

How to calculate the volumetric weight of your shipment?

Door-to-door service between the UK and Belgium

What are the benefits of using a door-to-door service?

Customs clearance in the UK for goods imported from Belgium

Effects of Brexit on customs clearance

Business Entity

How to calculate customs duties and taxes

How to find the HS code?

How to calculate customs duties and taxes?

How to check the customs duties rate with the HS Code?

Customs procedures and contact

Does Docshipper charge duty?

Documents required

Other DocShipper logistics services

Transport insurance

Management of suppliers

Packaging and wrapping

Possession and storage

Personal effects shipping and relocation

3PL services

FAQ - Freight between UK and Belgium | Rates – Transit times – Duties & Taxes – Advices

How can DocShipper help you throughout the shipping process?

What does DocShipper do for quality control?

How do I get a transportation quote quickly?

What is the best transport means between the UK and Belgium?

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