How Much Does It Cost to Import A Car From Belgium To The US In 2025?

Belgium is a strategic export gateway—especially Antwerp—for vehicles headed to the U.S. It’s a consolidation point for diverse European cars (German, Italian, French, Dutch, etc.), with efficient inland links and world-class port handling.

Key clarification: Tariffs are assessed by the vehicle’s country of origin and correct HTS classification, not by the port of export. A German car shipped via Antwerp is still German origin for duty/tariff purposes.

Why a full cost breakdown matters

To budget accurately, itemize tariffs/duties, EPA/DOT compliance, and fees/logistics. This guide covers 25-year classics that may qualify for tariff and compliance relief and modern vehicles that may need modifications.

Critical update on 2025 tariffs

• Base duty (most passenger cars): 2.5% (HTS 8703.x).

• 10% baseline tariff (2025 update): May apply in addition to the base duty depending on origin and HTS classification.

• Section 232 (finished vehicles): 25% for non-exempt countries/vehicles (confirm applicability at entry).

• 25-year exemption: Vehicles 25+ years old, when properly coded under HTSUS 9903.94.04, are exempt from the 25% Section 232 tariff and typically pay only the 2.5% base duty.

What this means: Depending on origin/content and HTS coding on CBP Form 7501, the duty load could be 2.5%, 12.5% (2.5% + 10%), or up to 37.5% (2.5% + 10% + 25%).

Current shipping costs Belgium → USA

• Antwerp → New York: ~$2,750 with ~18-day transit (typical, not guaranteed).

• Rate variability: Fuel surcharges, congestion, equipment availability, seasonality, and carrier adjustments can shift pricing.

Port infrastructure & advantages

• Antwerp: Belgium’s premier automotive export hub with frequent U.S. services, competitive rates, and advanced handling.

• Central location: Efficient rail/road links from Germany, France, Netherlands, Italy, etc., make Antwerp ideal for consolidation.

• Processing time: With complete docs, operations are efficient; actual clearance timing varies by carrier/queue/inspection.

Method & consolidation

• Containers: Highest protection; single-vehicle or consolidated (shared) options.

• Consolidation: Regular consolidation departures can cut per-car cost up to ~50% when loads align.

• Seasonality: Spring–summer exporter/auction peaks can lift rates ~15–25%.

Market factors

• Fuel surcharges: Often ~$200–$400 extra.

• Advance booking: Recommended in peak seasons.

2025 duties & established exemptions (vehicles exported via Belgium)

• Base duty (passenger cars): 2.5% (HTS 8703.x).

• 10% baseline tariff: May apply in addition (origin/HTS dependent).

• Section 232 (finished vehicles): 25% for non-exempt countries.

• 25-year exemption: HTS 9903.94.04 exempts qualifying classics from the 25% Section 232; the 2.5% base duty typically still applies.

• Light trucks (“Chicken Tax”): Some 8704 light-truck classifications carry a 25% Chicken Tax. Whether additional tariffs (10% and/or 25% 232) apply is not automatic—confirm via HTS coding on CBP Form 7501.

Documentation & timing

• Section 232 effective dates: Finished vehicles April 3, 2025; automotive parts May 3, 2025 (can influence retrofit costs).

• Recordkeeping: Maintain full files for five years; ensure Form 7501 shows base HTS and any exemption codes (e.g., 9903.94.04).

Mandatory processing fees (typical)

• Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF): 0.125% of the import entry’s value as determined for HMF purposes (confirm valuation with your broker).

• Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF): 0.3464% of entered value; min $31.67 / max $634.62.

• Customs bond: Bond amount is typically 10% of value; premium (what you pay) is often ~$150–$500 for a single entry.

Real-world duty scenarios 

Classic European vehicle via Belgium (€28,000 / $30,500) — 25-year exemption qualified

• Shipping (to NY): $2,750 (est.)

• Duty (2.5%): $763 (Section 232 exempt via 9903.94.04)

• HMF (~0.125%): ~$38.13

• MPF (~0.3464%): ~$105.48

• Bond premium: ~$305

• Total duties & fees (plus shipping): ~$3,962 (illustrative; excludes inland U.S. delivery)

Modern European luxury vehicle via Belgium (€60,000 / $65,000) — show three outcomes

• Shipping (to NY): $2,750 (est.)

• Scenario A (Base only): 2.5% = $1,625

• Scenario B (Base + Baseline): 12.5% = $8,125

• Scenario C (Base + Baseline + Section 232, non-exempt): 37.5% = $24,375

• HMF/MPF/Bond (illustrative): HMF ~$81.25, MPF ~$224.92, bond ~$650

• Note: Final treatment depends on origin, content, and HTS coding on Form 7501.

EPA/DOT compliance (vehicles from Belgium)

Modern (<25 years): U.S. compliance via Registered Importer (RI) or ICI is required.

Indicative RI costs:

• Lighting: $2,000–$5,500

• Emissions: $4,500–$13,000

• Safety systems: $3,500–$10,000

• Cluster/speedo: $600–$1,500

• Typical RI total: $10,600–$30,000

• ICI path (when RI not available):

  • EPA: $20,000–$45,000

  • DOT testing (full crash is rare): variable

  • Admin/certification: $8,000–$20,000

  • Typical ICI total: $43,000–$105,000 (often uneconomical vs. 25-year rule)

   

25-year rule: Vehicles 25+ years old typically require no EPA/DOT modifications and, when coded under 9903.94.04, are exempt from Section 232 (2.5% base duty typically applies).

LHD advantage: Most vehicles exported from Belgium are left-hand drive, avoiding RHD conversion issues.

Belgian export categories & considerations

• Classics via Belgium: Well-documented Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche, Audi and others often pass through Belgian storage/market channels—good records and condition are common.

• Modern luxury/performance: Viable when RI pathways exist; otherwise plan for higher compliance plus the relevant duty scenario.

• Consolidation hub: Antwerp frequently aggregates vehicles sourced across Europe, simplifying logistics to the U.S.

Complete import cost examples (illustrative)

Classic European import via Belgium (1997 Mercedes-Benz E36 AMG) — 25-year exemption qualified

• Purchase: €32,000 ($34,500)

• BE collection: $400 (est.)

• Ocean freight (Antwerp→NY): $2,750 (est.)

• Duty (2.5%): $863 (Section 232 exempt via 9903.94.04)

• Processing fees (HMF/MPF): ~$140

• Customs brokerage: $550

• U.S. delivery: $900

• Estimated total: ~$40,103 (before state taxes; illustrative)

Modern European luxury import (2018 BMW M4, Belgian-spec)

• Purchase: €55,000 ($59,500)

• BE collection: $500 (est.)

• Ocean freight (Antwerp→NY): $2,750 (est.)

• Duty scenarios:

  • Base only 2.5% = $1,487.50

  • Base + baseline 12.5% = $7,437.50

  • Base + baseline + Section 232 (non-exempt) 37.5% = $22,312.50

   

• Processing fees (HMF/MPF): ~$250

• RI modifications (performance est.): $16,000

• Customs brokerage: $700

• U.S. delivery: $1,100

• Estimated total: Varies widely by tariff scenario and compliance pathway.

For detailed cost calculations specific to your Belgian vehicle import considering 25-year exemptions and compliance pathways, use our car import calculator to receive personalized estimates.

Cargo Damage Protection

Even with professional handling and secure loading, unexpected incidents can occur during international shipping. West Coast Shipping offers Cargo Damage Protection to safeguard your vehicle from potential loss or damage while in transit. This optional coverage provides peace of mind and ensures that, in case of unforeseen events, your investment remains protected.

This comprehensive protection covers various scenarios including damage during loading/unloading, weather-related incidents, and handling mishaps. For valuable European vehicles imported via Belgium, this additional protection represents a small investment relative to potential financial exposure.

Professional Belgian Import Services

West Coast Shipping specializes in Belgian vehicle imports with comprehensive services designed to leverage Antwerp's strategic advantages and navigate 25-year rule benefits while minimizing total costs.

Comprehensive Belgian Import Support

25-Year Rule Expertise: Expert confirmation of 25-year exemption eligibility ensuring maximum duty and compliance savings for classic European imports manufactured in 2000 or earlier.

Antwerp Port Expertise: Direct relationships with Antwerp facilities and customs agents providing efficient export processing and competitive pricing through established partnerships.

Pre-Purchase Consultation: Expert guidance on Belgian vehicle selection considering 25-year eligibility, compliance requirements, and total cost optimization.

Specialized Services for Belgian Imports

Weekly Container Consolidation: Regularly scheduled consolidated container services from Antwerp providing cost savings up to 50% for individual importers sharing container space.

European Market Access: Professional connections throughout European automotive markets enabling sourcing of vehicles stored or available in Belgium and nearby countries.

Documentation Management: Complete handling of all required paperwork including Belgian export documentation, US customs forms, exemption applications, and state registration requirements.

Classic Vehicle Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of European automotive history and collector market values for vehicles passing through Belgian markets.

For comprehensive information about importing vehicles from other countries and comparing costs across different automotive markets, visit our complete country-by-country import cost guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Importing Cars from Belgium to the US

How much does it cost to import a car from Belgium?

Totals depend on the duty scenario (and the vehicle’s country of origin and HTS coding on CBP Form 7501), plus compliance and logistics.

• Classic example (1997 Mercedes-Benz E36 AMG — 25-year exemption): about $40,103 all-in (purchase, ~$2,750 ocean, 2.5% duty, typical fees, domestic delivery).

• Modern example (2018 BMW M4, $59,500 purchase): about $82.3k – $103.1k depending on duty scenario (includes ~$2,750 ocean, typical fees, ~$16k RI mods):

  • 2.5% duty: ~$82.3k

  • 12.5% duty: ~$88.2k

  • Up to 37.5% duty (non-exempt Section 232): ~$103.1k

    Your earlier $97,163 figure assumes the 27.5% case (base 2.5% + 25% Section 232).

   

Why is Belgium a good place to export cars from?

Antwerp offers world-class infrastructure, fast turn times, and a central EU location for consolidating vehicles sourced across Europe. Regular shared-container departures can trim per-car ocean costs up to ~50%. Typical Antwerp → New York transit is ~18 days (not guaranteed).

Note: Duties are based on the vehicle’s origin, not the fact that it ships from Belgium.

Are classic European cars cheaper to import from Belgium?

Yes—dramatically. Vehicles 25+ years old, when coded under HTSUS 9903.94.04, are exempt from the 25% Section 232 tariff and typically pay only the 2.5% base duty, while avoiding EPA/DOT compliance costs (often $10,600–$30,000). Consolidation from Antwerp can further lower logistics costs.

How long does shipping take from Belgium to the US?

Typical Antwerp → New York ocean transit is ~18 days at ~$2,750 (rates/times vary with fuel, capacity, season, and carrier routing). Weekly consolidation options are commonly available for cost savings.

Get Your Belgian Import Cost Assessment Today

Importing vehicles from Belgium to the United States in 2025 offers strategic advantages through Antwerp's world-class port facilities, efficient customs operations, and access to diverse European vehicles. Understanding complete cost structures including shipping via Europe's premier automotive hub, transformative 25-year exemption benefits, and consolidation opportunities enables informed decision-making for successful imports.

Contact our Belgian import specialists today to discuss your specific vehicle requirements and receive detailed cost breakdowns considering 25-year exemptions, Antwerp's advantages, and available consolidation services.