Import
Streamlining Your Imports to the USA and Europe with Expertise You Can Trust
Our Expertise in Imports
- • Customs Clearance: Simplifying the complexities of customs procedures to ensure compliance with regulations in the USA and Europe.
- • Air Freight: Expedited air transport for time-critical shipments, ensuring swift delivery to your destination.
- • Sea Freight: Reliable and cost-efficient shipping solutions for bulk imports or oversized cargo.
- • End-to-End Logistics: From port to final delivery, we provide seamless logistics solutions to make your import process stress-free.
- • Expertise in USA and European Imports: With years of experience, we are well-versed in the trade policies, regulations, and customs requirements of both regions.
- • Tailored Solutions: We adapt our services to match your unique business needs, whether you’re importing goods for retail, manufacturing, or personal use.
- • Global Network: Strong partnerships with carriers, agents, and ports worldwide enable us to deliver efficient and cost-effective services.
- • Commitment to Excellence: From tracking your shipment to offering transparent communication, we prioritize your peace of mind.
Get in Touch
Contact us today to discuss your import needs. Phoenix Forwarding and Handling is here to turn your logistics challenges into opportunities.
We specialize in a comprehensive range of services tailored to different types of vehicle imports, ensuring a smooth and efficient process for our clients:
- • ITAC Import Permits – Required for used vehicles.
- • LOA (Letter ofAuthority) – Required for vehicle registrations and customs duties.
- • Temporary Import Permits – For various temporary import reasons. Speak to us for expert guidance.
- • Carnet de Passage – Typically used by overlanders traveling in or out of the country; acts as the vehicle’s passport.
- • ATA Carnet – Used for the temporary importation of goods and equipment.
- • Returning Resident or Immigrant – This complex process has a long list of requirements. It’s best to consult us directly before making commitments.
- • Inheritance – Special permits can be issued in these cases.
- • Importer & Exporter Code – Depending on what you import or export, you may need a personal code. We can assist you in obtaining this..
For specific details on each of these points, please contact us directly, as regulations change frequently, and it’s important to keep you personally updated. Permits issued under Rebate Item 460.17/87.03/04.04 are available for vintage and/or internationally collectible motor vehicles that are not imported for conventional domestic daily transportation, classified under tariff heading 87.03.
Rebate item 460.17/87.03/04.04 of Schedule No. 4, Part 2 of the Customs and Excise Act No. 91 of 1964 (Customs and Excise Act) makes provision for a rebate of the full duty on the:
“Importation of motor cars and other motor vehicles principally designed for the transport of persons (excluding commercial vehicles or buses), including station wagons and racing cars classifiable under tariff subheading 87.03, which were manufactured 40 years or more prior to the date of importation, or such motor cars of any age deemed international collector’s vehicles, subject to the issuing of an ITAC import permit (and subject to import control conditions) authorizing the importation of the particular vehicle under such conditions as ITAC may allow by specific rebate permit.”
Handy Info for Importing Vintage and Collectible Vehicles to Belgium:
Vintage Passenger Vehicles: Motor vehicles over 20 years old are subject to a 20% customs duty and can only be imported by Belgian citizens. Vehicles over 40 years old are considered vintage, requiring application form IE463, full vehicle details, and a copy of the applicant’s Belgian ID or passport, along with an affidavit.
International Collector’s Vehicles: Defined through consultation with industry experts, including the Belgian Veteran and Vintage Association. The vehicle must be internationally recognized as a collector’s item. Applicants must submit form IE463, full vehicle details, their Belgian ID/passport, and an affidavit confirming they will not sell or dispose of the vehicle for two years after import.
Specially Designed Motor Vehicles for Disabled Persons:
Belgian citizens/nationals may import a specially designed motor vehicle tailored to meet a disabled person’s personal requirements. Application form IE463 and a medical certificate proving disability are required, along with a copy of the applicant’s Belgian passport or ID and the relevant rebate permit. The imported vehicle may not be disposed of within two years of importation.
Racing Car Imports:
Racing Cars: To import racing cars, Belgian citizens or nationals who are licensed racing drivers must provide a copy of their competition license from the Belgian Motorsport Authority. The application must include an affidavit with the applicant’s details, vehicle information, and confirmation that the vehicle will not be sold or disposed of for two years after importation. The affidavit must confirm the vehicle’s origin and that it is not sourced from a bonded warehouse. Import permit notifications may be shared with the Belgian Motorsport Authority.
Specially Designed Vehicles: Permits are issued for the importation of specially designed vehicles, such as mobile cranes, if a similar vehicle is not available locally. Technical specifications may be required. Completed application forms IE230 (for first-time importers) and IE461 must be submitted for companies intending to import these vehicles. A Belgian tax clearance certificate is required with form IE230.
Buses, Trucks, Taxis, and Coaches:
Import permits for used or second-hand taxis, trucks, buses, and coaches are not issued in Belgium to protect local manufacturers and ensure safety. Stringent import control measures are in place, with exceptions as mentioned earlier. However, new vehicles (passenger vehicles, trucks, taxis, buses, and coaches) are not restricted by import control.
Motorcycles:
Since motorcycles are not manufactured locally, import permits for used or second-hand motorcycles are readily issued. For personal imports, individuals must complete Form IE463 and provide full details of the motorcycle, including engine capacity, with a copy of their Belgian ID or passport. For companies, completed Forms IE230 and IE461 are required.
Motorhomes / RV’s
At Phoenix Forwarding & Handling, we facilitate the seamless import of motorhomes to Belgium. Whether for personal use or business, we manage all aspects of the import process, including customs clearance, tax calculations, and registration. We ensure your motorhome complies with Belgian regulations, including technical inspections and road safety requirements. Our team handles the transportation via container shipping, RORO vessels, or flat rack containers, ensuring safe delivery to your location. We also assist with any necessary modifications to meet local standards. Contact us today to make importing your motorhome to Belgium smooth and stress-free.
Engines and Gearboxes:
Import permits for used petrol engines (up to 3,000cc for passenger vehicles and LDVs), used diesel engines (up to 3,500cc), and gearboxes are issued based on 50% of the importer’s previous year’s allocation. First-time importers are allowed a maximum import value of €500,000 for a six-month period, with a 15% increase typically allowed each year.
Differentials:
Import permits for used differentials for passenger vehicles and LDVs are issued only to bona fide reconditioners. All imported differentials must be reconditioned by the importer on their premises. Forms IE230 and IE461 must be submitted, along with a Belgian tax clearance certificate and a Belgian Second-hand Goods Act certificate.
Spares for Passenger Vehicles and LDVs:
Import permits for used motor vehicle parts (excluding engines, gearboxes, and differentials) are issued only to individuals for repairing privately owned, accident-damaged vehicles. These parts must not be locally available, and the application requires the owner’s ID, vehicle registration, Belgian police accident report, and insurance report.
Spares for Heavy-Duty Commercial Trucks:
Import permits for used heavy-duty commercial truck spares are issued only if similar parts are unavailable locally. Importation of used commercial truck/bus chassis is prohibited. Forms IE230 and IE461, along with a Belgian tax clearance certificate and a Belgian Second-hand Goods Act certificate, must be submitted.
Abnormal Loads (e.g., Cranes):
Principal Approval from the Belgian Transport Authority may be required for manufacturers or importers before committing to the import or manufacture of a vehicle or load. This approval ensures necessary exemptions for public road use. Freight Factory can assist with this process.
Left-Hand Drive Vehicles:
Left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles can be imported but cannot be registered or driven on public roads, except for specific exemptions like museum displays or private track use. Under the Belgian Road Traffic Act, an LHD vehicle may only be imported if registered in Belgium in the current owner’s name before January 1, 2000.
General Information:
Individuals or companies planning to import used vehicles or parts are encouraged to apply for an import permit before placing an order or shipping goods to Belgium. If the applicant meets the guidelines and submits the necessary documentation, permits are typically issued within four to five working days. Cases requiring further evaluation may take longer.
If you’re uncertain or find the process daunting, feel free to visit our offices. We’ll guide you through the entire import procedure and provide a tour of our facilities.