Belgium ranks among Europe's most attractive destinations for motorcycle imports, thanks to Antwerp's world-class port infrastructure, competitive shipping rates, and a straightforward customs process for American vehicles. Whether you're relocating with a personal bike, importing a classic for reduced VAT, or stocking dealer inventory, Belgium offers an efficient gateway to the European market.
This comprehensive 2025 guide covers the full process of shipping a motorcycle from the USA to Belgium: how to arrange transport, what it costs, what Belgian import rules apply, and how to protect your bike from cargo damage with proper crating and securing techniques. With the right planning, your motorcycle can arrive at Antwerp safely and clear customs without unnecessary delays.
West Coast Shipping has helped thousands of customers move vehicles to Belgium since 2007. For instant pricing and route options, use our Belgium shipping page, or explore our broader resources for car shipping to Belgium from the USA.
The process of shipping a motorcycle to Belgium follows a clear sequence: choose your method, prepare the bike, handle documentation, and coordinate arrival logistics. Here's how each stage works.
Container shipping is the standard—and recommended—method for motorcycles headed to Belgium.
This is the most popular choice for individual riders and small-volume shipments:
Your motorcycle shares container space with other vehicles or bikes.
Professional loading teams secure each bike using wheel chocks, soft straps, and blocking to prevent movement during the voyage.
Because the container cost is split among multiple customers, this is usually the most cost-effective option for single bikes.
West Coast Shipping runs weekly consolidations from our California, Florida, and New Jersey warehouses to Antwerp—Belgium's primary vehicle import port.
If you're shipping multiple motorcycles or want exclusive use of the container:
A 20 ft container typically fits 5–7 motorcycles with proper securing.
A 40 ft container can accommodate 10–12+ bikes using optimized racking systems.
You control the entire load: bikes, parts, tools, and accessories can travel together.
Dedicated containers make sense for dealers, clubs, or collectors moving several units at once. Per-bike cost drops significantly as you fill more of the container. The economics of multi-bike loads are explored in our bulk motorcycle shipping solutions article.
RoRo vessels are primarily used for oversized vehicles and heavy machinery that cannot fit efficiently into standard containers. For standard motorcycles, container shipping is the better option due to full enclosure, flexible consolidation schedules, and superior protection during transit.
Air freight delivers motorcycles to Belgium in under two weeks but at a significant cost premium. It's best reserved for time-critical shipments, race events, or extremely high-value machines. For most imports, ocean container shipping offers the right balance of cost, protection, and transit time.
Want a quick breakdown of the process? Check out our step-by-step guide to shipping a motorcycle to Belgium from the USA in 2025 for a fast overview of methods, timelines, and what to expect.
Proper preparation protects your bike and ensures smooth customs clearance:
Fuel level: Reduce to no more than a quarter tank (carriers may require less).
Battery: Disconnect or stabilize according to carrier requirements.
Fluids: Check for leaks; fix any obvious issues before shipping.
Cleaning: Thoroughly wash the bike, including undercarriage—Belgian customs may inspect for organic material or excessive dirt.
Personal items: Remove all loose gear, saddlebags, tools, helmets, and clothing. Only permanently mounted accessories should remain.
Condition photos: Take clear, date-stamped images from all angles before shipping, documenting any existing scratches or cosmetic issues.
At West Coast Shipping facilities, motorcycles are photographed again at loading to create a complete condition record from origin to destination.
You can either drop off your motorcycle at one of our secure US facilities (California, Florida, or New Jersey), or arrange domestic pickup from your location. Enclosed transport is available for high-value bikes during the domestic leg.
Once at our warehouse, motorcycles are stored indoors at no extra charge while awaiting container loading and departure.
Our team handles all US export paperwork, including:
Bill of Lading (BOL): Most shipments use an Express Release BOL—cargo is released electronically at destination. Some business-to-business or letter-of-credit arrangements may require original paper BOLs.
Electronic Export Information (EEI): Filed through the Automated Export System for shipments above filing thresholds.
Commercial invoice and packing list.
Once cleared, your motorcycle is loaded into a container and shipped to Antwerp.
Typical transit times from US ports to Antwerp:
East Coast (New York, New Jersey, Florida): Approximately 14–21 days sailing.
West Coast (California): Approximately 28–35 days via Atlantic routing.
Consolidated containers may require additional time for load grouping before departure. The Belgium shipping page shows current transit estimates for different routes.
Upon arrival at Antwerp, your motorcycle enters Belgian customs processing:
Present all required documentation.
Pay applicable import duties and VAT.
Possible inspection to verify the motorcycle matches declared specifications.
Once cleared, you can collect your bike from the port or arrange delivery anywhere in Belgium or onward into Europe.
After customs clearance, motorcycles must be registered with Belgian authorities before legal road use. This process includes:
Submitting customs clearance documentation and E705 form via MyMinfin.
Passing technical inspection (Contrôle Technique).
Registering with DIV (Divisie Inschrijving Voertuigen).
Paying registration taxes based on engine power, CO2 emissions, and vehicle age.
For detailed guidance on Belgian registration, the complete Belgium car shipping guide walks through the same process that applies to motorcycles.
The total cost of shipping a motorcycle to Belgium includes ocean freight, domestic transport (if needed), destination handling, and Belgian taxes. Here's how each component breaks down.
For motorcycles shipped via consolidated container from West Coast Shipping's US warehouses to Antwerp:
Motorcycles to consolidated destinations: $500 per motorcycle
This rate applies to standard motorcycles shipped in shared containers from our California, Florida, or New Jersey facilities. It represents one of the most cost-effective ways to move a single bike to Europe while keeping it fully enclosed and protected.
Factors that can adjust the rate:
Dedicated containers: Priced as full container bookings; per-bike cost falls as you add more motorcycles.
Oversized or heavy bikes: Large touring motorcycles or trikes may require additional space considerations.
Air freight: Significantly faster but typically 3–5 times the cost of ocean shipping.
Curious about pricing? Check out our 2025 cost breakdown for shipping a motorcycle from the USA to Belgium for real-world rates, example scenarios, and tips to reduce your per-bike cost.
If your motorcycle isn't near one of our warehouse locations:
Open transport: $250–$600 depending on distance.
Enclosed transport: Add $100–$200 for weather protection and extra security.
Dropping the bike off yourself eliminates this cost entirely.
Upon arrival in Belgium, destination handling fees apply:
Port/terminal handling: Starting around $500–$600, depending on the receiving agent.
Customs brokerage: Fees for processing your customs declaration and E705.
These destination charges are separate from ocean freight and are typically paid before cargo release.
Ocean freight (consolidated): $500
Domestic pickup (optional, 300 miles): ~$350
Destination handling in Belgium: ~$500–$600
Subtotal (shipping and handling): ~$1,350–$1,450
Import duties and VAT are additional and calculated based on your motorcycle's value (see next section).
For personalized estimates, use the calculator on our Belgium shipping page.
Belgium applies EU customs rules plus specific Belgian registration requirements. Understanding these regulations helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises.
Standard import duty: 10% of the declared value for most motorcycles entering Belgium from non-EU countries like the United States.
The declared value is typically based on your purchase price (bill of sale or invoice). Belgian customs can cross-reference market values and request additional documentation if the declared value appears unrealistically low.
Want to dive deeper into Belgian import rules? Check out our 2025 guide to motorcycle import regulations in Belgium for a full breakdown of duties, VAT, classic exemptions, registration steps, and how to stay compliant as a US rider.
Belgian VAT: 21% applied to the combined total of:
Motorcycle value
Plus shipping costs
Plus import duty
This means VAT is calculated on the full landed cost including duty—not just the bike's purchase price.
For a motorcycle valued at $10,000 with $500 shipping:
Import duty (10%): $1,000
VAT base: $10,000 + $500 + $1,000 = $11,500
VAT (21%): $2,415
Total duties and taxes: $3,415
Motorcycles over 30 years old qualify for significant tax advantages in Belgium:
Import duty: Standard 10% still applies unless qualifying for other exemptions.
VAT: Reduced to approximately 6% instead of 21%.
For a classic motorcycle valued at $20,000 with $500 shipping:
Import duty (10%): $2,000
VAT base: $22,500
VAT (6%): $1,350
Total duties and taxes: $3,350
Compared to standard 21% VAT, this represents savings of over $3,000. Proper documentation proving the motorcycle's manufacturing date is required to claim the reduced rate.
The Belgium classic car emission zones guide explains additional benefits classic vehicles enjoy in Belgian cities.
Belgian residents returning from abroad, or individuals relocating permanently to Belgium, may qualify to import a personal motorcycle duty-free and VAT-free as part of household goods, provided:
They have lived outside the EU for at least 12 consecutive months.
They have owned and used the motorcycle for at least 6 months before relocating.
The motorcycle is for personal use, not resale.
They commit to keeping the bike for at least 12 months after import.
The duty-free Belgium import guide covers these exemptions in detail, including documentation requirements and common pitfalls.
After customs clearance, motorcycles must pass Belgian technical inspection (Contrôle Technique) and register with DIV. Requirements include:
Proof of customs clearance and tax payment (E705).
Original title and ownership documentation.
Certificate of Conformity (COC) or equivalent proof of EU compliance.
Payment of registration tax (BIV) based on engine power, emissions, and age.
The Atlantic crossing takes 2–5 weeks, and your motorcycle will experience vessel motion, vibration, humidity changes, and handling at multiple points. Proper securing and optional crating are essential to prevent damage.
For most motorcycles shipped in containers, professional securing without full crating provides excellent protection:
Front and rear wheels are locked into heavy-duty chocks bolted or strapped to the container floor.
Wooden blocking around tires prevents any lateral movement.
Multiple ratchet straps anchor the bike at compression points (handlebars, frame, footpegs) to container tie-down rings.
Soft ties protect chrome and painted surfaces from strap abrasion.
Straps are tensioned to hold the bike firmly without compressing suspension excessively.
Handlebars, mirrors, and fairings are wrapped in foam or moving blankets.
Tank covers prevent scratches from incidental contact.
This method is standard for WCS consolidated shipments and works well for the vast majority of motorcycles. Our specialty cargo container shipping guide details these techniques.
Full wooden crating adds another layer of protection and is worth considering for:
High-value or rare motorcycles where any cosmetic damage is unacceptable.
Bikes with delicate bodywork such as full fairings, custom paint, or exposed carbon fiber.
Shipments combining bikes with loose parts where you want everything contained in one protective unit.
Non-running or project bikes that cannot be easily repositioned if straps loosen.
A custom wooden frame is built around the motorcycle's footprint.
The bike is secured inside using the same chock-and-strap method.
Plywood or OSB panels enclose the sides and top.
The crate is then strapped to the container floor as a single unit.
Crating adds material and labor costs but provides maximum peace of mind for irreplaceable machines.
When shipping multiple motorcycles in a dedicated container, custom racking systems maximize capacity and protection:
Two-tier racks allow 8–10 bikes in a 20 ft container or 15–20+ in a 40 ft unit.
Each bike is secured independently on its tier.
Racking spreads weight evenly and prevents bikes from affecting each other during transit.
Our bulk motorcycle shipping article explains how dealers and clubs use these systems to lower per-unit costs while maintaining protection standards.
Before handing your motorcycle over for loading:
Photograph everything: Document the bike's condition from all angles, including close-ups of existing scratches or wear.
Tighten loose parts: Ensure mirrors, levers, and accessories are secure.
Protect vulnerable surfaces: Apply painter's tape to edges prone to chipping; wrap delicate components.
Communicate special concerns: Tell the loading team about any particularly fragile areas or custom parts.
Reduce fuel and disconnect battery: Standard prep that also reduces fire/leak risk during transit.
Upon arrival, containers are unloaded and moved to a secure terminal area. Your motorcycle remains inside the sealed container until customs clearance is complete. After release:
The container is opened under controlled conditions.
Straps are removed and the bike is carefully rolled or lifted out.
You (or your agent) inspect the motorcycle against pre-shipment photos before accepting delivery.
If any damage occurred during transit, having thorough pre-shipment documentation is essential for filing claims.
Want to make sure your motorcycle arrives in perfect condition? Check out our 2025 damage-prevention guide to crating motorcycles to Belgium for best practices on securing, strapping, and prepping your bike for the Atlantic crossing.
West Coast Shipping has facilitated thousands of vehicle shipments to Belgium since 2007. Our motorcycle shipping service offers:
Weekly consolidated containers from California, Florida, and New Jersey to Antwerp.
Competitive rates: Motorcycles ship for $500 to consolidated destinations.
Secure indoor storage at all US facilities while awaiting departure.
Complete export documentation handling, including EEI filing and BOL preparation.
Professional securing using wheel chocks, soft straps, and protective wrapping.
Expert guidance on Belgian import duties, VAT, and registration requirements.
For more information on shipping vehicles to Belgium, explore our articles on RoRo vs container shipping to Belgium, common mistakes at Antwerp port, and shipping salvage cars to Belgium.
Ready to ship your motorcycle to Belgium? Use our calculator on the Belgium shipping page to see current rates for your specific origin, motorcycle, and timeline. Whether you're moving a single bike or planning dealer-volume imports, West Coast Shipping delivers the expertise and logistics to get your motorcycle to Antwerp safely and cost-effectively.