This blog covers everything you need to know about shipping from China to Belgium, from choosing between air and sea freight to understanding import laws. It also explains how to navigate Belgian customs to ensure a smooth and efficient delivery experience.
Understanding shipping from China to Belgium
Air freight from China to Belgium
Air freight is the go-to for speed. It’s ideal if you’re working on a tight deadline or shipping high-value, lightweight items like electronics or fashion samples.
Express couriers like DHL, UPS, and FedEx offer door-to-door service in as little as 3–5 days. However, speed comes at a cost—air freight is significantly more expensive than sea or rail. It’s best for urgent shipments or small parcels where time is critical.
Sea freight from China to Belgium
Sea freight is the most cost-effective option for large, heavy, or non-urgent shipments. It’s widely used for shipping furniture to Belgium, industrial equipment, and bulk goods.
Depending on the volume of your cargo, you can choose between FCL (Full Container Load) and LCL (Less than Container Load).
- FCL is best when you have enough goods to fill an entire container or want to avoid sharing space with other shippers. It offers more security, faster handling, and lower per-unit costs for high volumes.
- LCL, on the other hand, is suitable for smaller shipments that don’t require a full container. Your cargo shares space with other consignments, making it more affordable for low-volume shipping.
Rail freight from China to Belgium
Rail freight is a rising star for shippers looking to balance cost and speed. It’s a great middle-ground option for medium-sized shipments or goods that aren’t perishable but still time-sensitive. Many logistics providers now offer rail services across the China–Europe corridor, making it a viable alternative for inland destinations.
Common goods shipped
Typical shipments from China to Belgium include consumer electronics, clothing, machinery, home goods, and furniture.
Costs and timelines for shipping to Belgium
Shipping from China to Belgium isn’t one-size-fits-all—costs and delivery times can vary widely depending on the shipping method, cargo volume, and urgency. Container size, port congestion, and customs clearance also play a role.
Shipping costs from China to Belgium
Air freight price:
Standard air cargo is ideal for time-sensitive shipments under 500 kg. Rates typically range from $4 to $8 per kg, depending on cargo weight, route, and fuel surcharges.
Sea freight cost:
- FCL: A 20-foot FCL from China to Belgium typically costs $1,000–$2,000, while a 40-foot container may range between $1,800–$3,000, excluding local fees and customs charges.
- LCL: Rates are calculated per cubic meter (CBM), with prices averaging $30–$60 per CBM. Shared space lowers costs, but it needs extra handling or consolidation fees.
Rail freight rate:
Rates are generally 30–50% cheaper than air freight, with prices depending on volume, route, and final delivery location in Belgium.
Typical shipping time from China
Air freight:
Fastest option—3 to 7 days, including customs clearance. Express couriers often deliver door-to-door within 3–5 business days.
Sea Freight (FCL):
Transit time is typically 25–35 days, depending on port schedules and customs efficiency.
Sea Freight (LCL):
Usually 30–40 days due to extra time for consolidation, deconsolidation, and container sharing.
Rail Freight:
Delivers in around 15–20 days on average. Less affected by port delays but still requires customs processing at both ends.
Please note that the prices and timelines above are for reference only. For accurate and up-to-date information, contact our ASLG shipping experts. We provide personalized solutions tailored to your budget and specific shipping needs.
Navigating Belgium customs
When shipping from China to Belgium, factors like product category, declared value, and documentation accuracy all influence how smoothly your shipment clears Belgian customs.
Understanding Belgium customs regulations
Belgium follows EU customs standards, meaning all imports outside the EU, like those from China, must undergo customs checks. Accurate documentation is key. It includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and the correct HS code for your goods.
Certain products, such as electronics, cosmetics, or medical devices, may require additional certifications (like CE markings). Non-compliance can result in delays, fines, or even cargo seizure.
Customs duty in Belgium
Belgian customs calculate duties based on your shipment’s CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight). Most products fall within a duty range of 0% to 12%, depending on their category:
- Clothing: Up to 12%
- Electronics: Around 0%–5%
In addition, Belgium applies a 21% VAT to most imports. Customs calculate VAT using the total CIF value plus any applicable duties. For example, shipping furniture worth €5,000 with a 5% duty rate results in a VAT charge of €5,250, totaling €1,102.50 in VAT.
Belgium duty-free allowance
Duty-free thresholds do not apply to commercial imports. However:
- Private parcels valued under €150 may skip customs duty, though 21% VAT still applies.
- Gifts under €45 exchanged between individuals qualify for full exemption from duty and VAT if only you clearly label the package as a gift and provide accurate contents.
Accurate labeling and full disclosure help prevent customs issues.
Tips to avoid customs delays
- Double-check all paperwork: Ensure invoices match packaging and HS codes are correct.
- Avoid vague descriptions: “Gadget” or “samples” won’t fly—be specific.
- Work with a reliable forwarder: ASLG experts familiar with Belgian customs can pre-validate your documents. We are ready to handle duty calculations and EU compliance checks so your goods move faster, without surprises.
Choosing the right shipping partner
Shipping from China to Belgium isn’t just about finding the lowest quote—it’s about securing a partner who understands Belgian customs, handles documentation precisely, and keeps your supply chain flowing without surprises.
Our Airsupply(ASLG) can match your shipments:
- Multimodal shipping options (air, sea, rail) to match different timelines and budgets.
- Experience handling Belgian customs clearance, including knowledge of customs duty rates, documents, and VAT regulations.
- Support with FCL or LCL sea shipments, especially if you need flexibility in container volume.
- Real-time tracking and transparent communication throughout transit.
- Customized solutions for sensitive and dangerous goods, like batteries or temperature-sensitive items.
1. Does Amazon ship to Belgium?
Yes, but not all products or sellers support international delivery. Many items on Amazon.com or Amazon.de can ship directly to Belgium, though shipping fees and availability vary.
If you’re an Amazon seller sourcing from China, using a trusted Amazon FBA forwarding service like Airsupply can simplify the process. We handle door-to-warehouse delivery, customs clearance, and FBA labeling, ensuring your goods reach Amazon’s European fulfillment centers efficiently.
2. How long does shipping from China to Belgium take?
Delivery time depends on the shipping method:
- Air freight: 5–9 days
- Sea freight (FCL): 25–35 days
- Sea freight (LCL): 30–40 days (due to consolidation time)
- Rail freight: 18–22 days, offering a balance between cost and speed
3. How much does it cost to ship to Belgium from China?
Shipping costs vary by mode, size, and weight of your goods:
- Air freight: $5–8 per kg
- FCL sea freight: $2,000–$3,000 per 20ft container
- LCL: $50–70 per CBM
- Rail freight: $120–180 per CBM
Final pricing depends on your supplier’s location, the delivery address in Belgium, and additional services like customs clearance or last-mile delivery.
4. Why is my package stuck in customs?
Delays often occur due to incomplete paperwork, missing HS codes, unpaid VAT, or lack of required certifications (especially for electronics or cosmetics). To avoid this, ensure your documents are complete and accurate. Working with ASLG helps you stay compliant with customs regulations and reduce the risk of clearance delays.
5. How can I track my shipments from China to Belgium?
Most shipments include racking numbers you can check via your freight forwarder’s system or global tools like 17Track. With Airsupply, you get real-time updates and proactive support, so you always know where your goods are during transit.
