BE-GATE simplifies e-commerce in Belgium
The Belgium Customs and Excise Department has simplified the import and export of goods with the creation of BE-GATE customs platform.
The portal, was specially designed for the growth market of e-commerce and serves to accelerate and increase the efficiency of customs clearance in the cross-border flow of goods.
The new platform is already supported by four important e-commerce hubs: the ports of Antwerp and Zeebrugge and the airports of Brussels and Liège.
The free-of-charge customs portal BE-GATE is designed for processing large amounts of data and guarantees rapid clearance of customs applications. A high number of arrival notifications can be transmitted simultaneously via an officially customs approved form.
For shipments of less than or equal to 22 euros, this form also serves as a declaration of release for consumption. For all other shipments, an additional declaration in the Belgian customs software solution PLDA (PaperLess Douanes et Accises / Paperless Customs & Excise) is required.
Retailers also automatically receive information on those shipments that have been selected for customs control. All other shipments are released immediately. In addition, the software solution provides a recommendation for the concrete determination of the customs value on the basis of defined criteria, if the customs value cannot be determined by an alternative method.
BE-GATE can be used within the framework of customs regulations for free circulation, customs warehousing and outright export. The prerequisites are that the economic operator has a registered office in Belgium and a status as a customs agent. In addition, an intermediate warehouse or a location approved as a customs warehouse, the authorization for the use of the simplified declaration and a comprehensive guarantee are required.
Excise goods, goods subject to licenses and goods subject to special restrictions and control measures are excluded from the use of BE-GATE.
In export, BE-GATE can be used for shipments with a value of up to 1,000 euros and a weight of less than 1,000 kilograms. Otherwise, an additional declaration in PLDA is required
Belgium is an important gateway to the European consumer market. Large seaport locations like Antwerp or Zeebrugge and air freight hubs like Brussels or Liège connect Europe with the whole world. An extensive road, barge and rail network connects the Belgian sea- and airports to the hinterland. The main consumer markets can be reached within a maximum of 24 hours. Omni channel players require this integrated approach of combining sea, air and rail freight depending on urgency and transit time required.
