Belgium launches digital customs platform
Belgium wants to substantially simplify the import and export of goods. To further this aim, a customs platform named BE-Gate has been developed and officially launched. The portal, which was especially designed for the growing e-commerce market, ensures that cross-border goods traffic can be cleared through customs in a swifter and more efficient manner.
An initiative of Belgium’s customs and excise department established BE-Gate, which is already supported by four major e-commerce hubs, the ports of Antwerp and Zeebrugge, as well as Brussels and Liege airports. The free-of-charge site, made for processing large amounts of data, guarantees fast customs application processing.
A high number of arrival messages can be simultaneously transmitted via an officially customs-approved form. The form also serves as a release declaration for consignments worth up to EUR 22. All other shipments require an additional declaration using the Belgian customs’ PLDA software solution. (mw)