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.
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.
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%).
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.
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.
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%.
Fuel surcharges: Often ~$200–$400 extra.
Advance booking: Recommended in peak seasons.
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.
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).
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.
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)
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.
Modern (<25 years): U.S. compliance via Registered Importer (RI) or ICI is required.
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
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.