CustomsBrussels

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Brussels. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


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.

Customs
Douane/customs border crossing checkpoint. (Namur, Belgium)
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

1 Brussels 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Built-up area 6 Zone 7 Speed limit 8 Bike path 9 Cycling street 10 Pedestrian zone 11 Speed bump 12 Customs 13 One-way traffic 14 Quay 15 Slope 16 Bus lane 17 Dead end 18 Stop sign 19 Give way 20 Roundabout 21 Priority road 22 Road narrowing 23 Priority over oncoming traffic 24 Give way to oncoming traffic 25 Pedestrian crossing 26 Railway crossing 27 Mandatory direction 28 Turn prohibition 29 School area 30 Crossing animals 31 Rockfall 32 Curve 33 Chevron 34 Wrong-way driving 35 Roadworks 36 Height limit 37 Width limit 38 Weight limit 39 Radar speed sign 40 Selective barriers 41 Intersection direction sign 42 Priority at the next junction 43 Traffic lights 44 Pedestrian lights 45 Driving licence 46 Location marker 47 Traffic mirror 48 International border 49 Cycling route 50 Parking 51 No parking 52 Kiss and ride 53 Parking meter 54 Traffic management 55 Reversing 56 Uncontrolled crossroad 57 Road surface 58 Ring road 59 Cycle highway 60 Licence plate 61 Charging station 62 Dangers 63 Turn on red 64 Identity card 65 Fire risk 66 Pedestrian 67 Moped 68 Car 69 Truck 70 Bus 71 Police 72 Ambulance 73 Tram lights 74 European emission standard 75 Pothole 76 Public square 77 Path 78 Particulates 79 Air pollution 80 Rush hour 81 Road code 82 Street gutter 83 Cargo bike 84 Forestry vehicle 85 Construction vehicle 86 Semi-trailer truck 87 Trolleybus 88 Speed pedelec 89 Delivery vehicle 90 Idling 91 Tow truck 92 Four-wheel drive 93 No vehicles 94 Bicycle 95 Motorcycle equipment 96 Railcar 97 Rail track 98 Public transport 99 Caravan 100 Trailer ...