CustomsBrussels
12. Customs
Customs is the government authority responsible for controlling goods entering or leaving a country or customs territory. In road traffic, a customs checkpoint is a place where drivers may be required to stop so officers can inspect the vehicle, luggage, cargo and relevant documents.
Customs controls may take place at borders, ports, ferry terminals, airports or inland control locations. Drivers must follow all traffic signs, lane signals, barriers and instructions from customs officers. Declaration requirements depend on the countries involved and on the type, value, quantity and intended use of the goods being carried.
Wikimedia.org • François GOGLINS • CC BY-SA
Which authority is responsible for customs in Belgium?
Customs controls are performed by the Belgian General Administration of Customs and Excise, which forms part of the Federal Public Service Finance.
🔗 finances.belgium.be • Belgian FPS Finance — General Administration of Customs and Excise
What does Belgian customs control?
Belgian customs supervises goods entering or leaving the European Union customs territory, collects applicable import duties, excise duties and import VAT, and helps prevent illegal or unsafe trade.
🔗 taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu • European Commission — customs controls and declaration obligations
How should you respond when a customs officer signals you to stop?
Reduce speed safely, stop at the indicated location and follow the officer’s instructions. Present the requested identity, vehicle, travel, goods or transport documents and do not continue until permitted.
🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code Articles3–4 — competent customs officers and binding instructions
What should you do when unsure whether goods must be declared?
Use the declaration channel where available or ask a customs officer before leaving the control area. Declaring or requesting guidance is safer than assuming an exemption applies.
🔗 taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu • European Commission — customs controls and declaration obligations
Can customs seize prohibited or undeclared goods?
Yes. Goods may be detained or seized, and duties, taxes, fines or other legal consequences may follow when customs requirements are not respected.
🔗 taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu • European Commission — customs controls and declaration obligations

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