About Chinese cars in Belgium
Chinese car manufacturers including MG, Chery, Geely, BYD, GAC, and Changan produce petrol, diesel, hybrid, and electric models. In Belgium, petrol and diesel Chinese vehicles are subject to the standard EU MFN import tariff of 6.5% with no additional surcharges – making them significantly more cost-competitive to import than Chinese battery electric vehicles, which carry additional EU duties. MG and BYD currently have the strongest official Belgian presence. Contact us for guidance on petrol and diesel models suitable for Belgian roads and LEZ rules.
MG has the strongest established presence in Belgium through an official dealer network. BYD has established dealerships in Belgium covering its electric and plug-in hybrid range. Other Chinese brands are entering the Belgian market through independent importers. For brands without official Belgian distribution, vehicles can be imported directly under EU customs rules administered by SPF Finances/FOD Financien (finances.belgium.be). Official dealer presence affects warranty coverage, servicing access, and parts availability – an important practical consideration for Belgian buyers.
A growing range of Chinese electric vehicles is available or importable for Belgium, including models from BYD (Atto 3, Seal, Dolphin, Han), MG Electric (MG4, ZS EV, MG5 EV), Geely group brands, NIO, XPeng, and others. Note that Chinese EVs imported to Belgium face EU additional import duties on top of the standard 10% MFN tariff: BYD carries a total duty of 27%, Geely 29.3%, and SAIC/MG vehicles 45.3%. These tariffs apply to battery electric vehicles only – hybrid and petrol Chinese cars face only the standard 6.5% EU tariff. Contact us for current model availability and tariff-inclusive pricing guidance.
Chinese cars now compete directly with established European, Japanese, and Korean brands across build quality, technology, and specifications. In battery technology and software integration, Chinese EVs from brands like BYD and NIO match or lead European rivals. European brands retain an advantage in Belgium through established dealer networks, longer market presence, and stronger resale market data. Japanese and Korean brands offer proven reliability track records in the Belgian market. The EU additional tariffs on Chinese EVs partially offset the price advantage Chinese electric vehicles would otherwise carry – making the comparison with European EVs more competitive on final price than the ex-factory price suggests.
Chinese plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and standard hybrids (HEVs) are subject only to the standard EU MFN tariff of 6.5% – not the additional EU duties that apply to Chinese battery electric vehicles. This makes Chinese hybrid imports significantly more cost-competitive than Chinese EVs under current EU tariff policy. Belgium has relatively high fuel prices in the European context, which strengthens the running cost case for PHEVs. Belgian company car tax rules also provide significant fiscal advantages for PHEVs in a business context, though the rules differ from those for full electric vehicles. Verify current Belgian fiscal treatment of PHEVs with a Belgian tax adviser before purchase.
SUVs are among the most popular vehicle categories in Belgium, and Chinese manufacturers offer strong SUV options across petrol, diesel, hybrid, and electric powertrains. The MG ZS (petrol, hybrid, and EV versions) and BYD Atto 3 have the strongest current Belgian market presence among Chinese SUVs. Chery, Geely, and GAC also produce competitive SUVs available for import. Belgian buyers considering a Chinese SUV for use in Brussels or Antwerp should verify LEZ compliance for the specific engine variant – electric and hybrid versions are generally LEZ-compatible, while older petrol and Euro 5 or earlier diesel variants may face access restrictions.
Chinese car quality and Euro NCAP safety ratings have improved significantly over the past five years. Several Chinese models have achieved 5-star Euro NCAP ratings, including MG and BYD vehicles sold in Europe. Chinese EVs sold through official European channels must meet EU type-approval requirements covering safety, emissions, and electromagnetic compatibility. Vehicles imported outside official channels require individual technical inspection rather than EU type approval. For Belgian buyers, the key quality signal is whether the specific vehicle has EU type approval and a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) – which determines the DIV registration pathway.
Buying a Chinese car in Belgium
Buying from an official Belgian dealer (currently primarily MG and BYD) offers the clearest path: EU type-approved vehicles, standard warranty, straightforward DIV registration via mydivsecure.be, and established Belgian after-sales support. Direct import from China offers access to a wider model range and potentially lower ex-factory prices, but involves EU customs duties administered by SPF Finances/FOD Financien (finances.belgium.be), potential individual technical inspection if the vehicle lacks EU type approval, and no Belgian warranty support. The right choice depends on the brand and model you want, your budget, and your tolerance for the import process. Contact us for guidance on the specific vehicle you are considering.
Brussels and Antwerp are among Belgium’s most congested urban environments – heavy stop-start traffic on the R0, R1, and E40 around the cities is a daily reality. Chinese plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and full hybrids (HEVs) are well-suited to this profile: electric mode covers urban stop-start efficiently, and regenerative braking recovers energy from deceleration. Models from MG, BYD (DM-i hybrid system), and Geely group brands offer strong hybrid options. PHEVs with sufficient all-electric range can cover most Brussels and Antwerp urban driving on electricity alone, further reducing running costs. Standard EU MFN tariff of 6.5% applies to hybrids – no additional EU surcharge.
Chinese petrol cars are imported under the standard EU MFN tariff of 6.5%, with no additional surcharges – making them the most cost-competitive Chinese imports for Belgian buyers on a tariff basis. MG offers petrol variants of its ZS and MG3 through official Belgian channels. Other Chinese brands including Chery and Geely produce competitively specified petrol vehicles available through importers. Belgian buyers considering a petrol Chinese car for use in Brussels or Antwerp should confirm LEZ compliance for the specific Euro standard – current Brussels and Antwerp LEZs restrict older Euro standard petrol vehicles. New Euro 6d petrol vehicles are permitted in both LEZ zones.
Chinese battery electric vehicles are zero-emission and are not restricted by the Brussels LEZ (brussels.be/lez) or Antwerp LEZ (slimnaarantwerpen.be) – both zones restrict vehicles based on Euro combustion standard, not EV status. Chinese EVs entering Belgium through official channels or direct import with EU type approval benefit fully from LEZ access. This makes Chinese EVs practically attractive for Brussels and Antwerp-based buyers who drive frequently in or through these zones. The EU additional import tariffs on Chinese EVs (BYD 27% total, Geely 29.3%, SAIC/MG 45.3%) are a cost consideration, but LEZ access is not an additional obstacle for electric vehicles.
The Brussels LEZ and Antwerp LEZ restrict vehicles based on Euro emission standard. In Brussels and Antwerp, newer Euro 6d diesel vehicles are currently permitted – but policy direction across Belgian cities is toward progressively restricting and eventually eliminating diesel access. Chinese diesel vehicles imported to Belgium must meet Euro 6d standards for LEZ access in Brussels and Antwerp. Check brussels.be/lez and slimnaarantwerpen.be for the current access criteria by Euro standard, as these rules are periodically tightened. Buyers in other Belgian cities or rural areas without active LEZ restrictions have more flexibility on diesel euro standard. Chinese diesel imports carry the standard EU MFN tariff of 6.5%.
Belgium has one of the highest motorway densities in Europe – the E40 (Brussels to Liege to Cologne), E19 (Brussels to Antwerp to Amsterdam), and E17 (Antwerp to Ghent to Kortrijk) are major routes for Belgian drivers. For motorway use, Chinese EVs with real-world range above 350km per charge perform well on these routes, and Belgium’s Ionity (ionity.eu) highway fast-charging network covers the major E-road corridors. Chinese petrol and diesel vehicles with strong highway fuel economy are also well-suited. SUVs with highway comfort features are popular for Belgian motorway driving. Note that Belgium has a maximum speed limit of 120 km/h on motorways – EV range figures at motorway speeds will be lower than manufacturer test-cycle claims.
Belgian company car tax legislation provides significant fiscal advantages for electric vehicles: full deductibility of EV costs versus partial deductibility for combustion engine vehicles. A Chinese EV purchased or leased as a company car in Belgium benefits from the same tax treatment as any other electric company car – the fiscal advantage is tied to the powertrain, not the brand origin. Chinese-made EVs are not specifically excluded from Belgian company car tax benefits, unlike France’s bonus ecologique which excludes certain Chinese-manufactured EVs. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) have a separate treatment. Verify the current applicable deductibility rules with a Belgian tax adviser – legislation in this area evolves regularly.
Pricing and costs in Belgium
EU additional import duties on Chinese battery electric vehicles, confirmed in 2024-2025, apply on top of the existing 10% EU MFN tariff. The combined rates are: BYD 27% total, Geely 29.3% total, SAIC/MG 45.3% total, and other Chinese EV manufacturers 31.3% total. These additional duties add directly to the landed cost of a Chinese EV in Belgium, reducing the price advantage that Chinese EVs would otherwise carry over European rivals. The duties apply to battery electric vehicles only – hybrid and petrol Chinese cars face only the standard 6.5% tariff. For current tariff rates, check taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu or contact SPF Finances/FOD Financien at finances.belgium.be.
The EU applies additional import duties specifically to Chinese battery electric vehicles as a countervailing measure against Chinese EV subsidies. These additional duties do not apply to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles or standard hybrids. Chinese petrol and diesel cars imported to Belgium face only the standard EU MFN tariff of 6.5%. Chinese hybrid vehicles (HEVs and PHEVs) similarly face only the 6.5% MFN tariff, with no additional surcharge. This tariff differential makes Chinese petrol and hybrid imports significantly more cost-competitive on a landed-cost basis than Chinese EVs under current EU policy. The tariff situation may change – verify current rates at taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu before purchase.
Belgium is inside the EU single market. Chinese car imports follow EU common customs tariffs administered by SPF Finances/FOD Financien (finances.belgium.be). Current applicable rates: Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) from BYD: 27% total duty; from Geely group: 29.3% total; from SAIC/MG: 45.3% total; from other Chinese EV manufacturers: 31.3% total. All other Chinese vehicles (petrol, diesel, hybrid): standard EU MFN tariff of 6.5%. VAT at the Belgian standard rate applies in addition to customs duty. For the authoritative current tariff schedule, check taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu. Tariff rates are subject to change by EU policy decision.
The total landed cost of a Chinese car imported to Belgium includes: vehicle purchase price, international shipping, marine insurance, port handling charges, EU customs duties (rate depending on powertrain and manufacturer), Belgian VAT on the customs value, DIV registration fee (via mydivsecure.be), number plate costs, and technical inspection if the vehicle requires individual type approval rather than a standard Certificate of Conformity. Shipping from China to Belgium typically routes through major European ports including Antwerp (Belgium’s own major port). Always request a fully itemised cost breakdown before committing. For current DIV registration fees, check mydivsecure.be directly.
In Belgium, electricity is priced at regulated tariffs through the national grid managed by Elia (elia.be), with distribution through Fluvius in Flanders and ORES in Wallonia. Belgium’s electricity price per kWh is higher than some European countries but still delivers a significant per-kilometre cost advantage for EVs over petrol. A typical Chinese EV consuming 18kWh/100km costs substantially less per kilometre than a comparable petrol vehicle at Belgian pump prices. Additional savings come from lower EV maintenance requirements: no oil changes, reduced brake wear due to regenerative braking, and simpler drivetrain. The total running cost advantage of a Chinese EV is meaningful over a full ownership period.
Yes. Belgian tax law provides significant company car advantages for electric vehicles regardless of brand origin. The deductibility of EV-related costs for company car purposes is more favourable than for combustion vehicles. A Chinese EV used as a Belgian company car benefits from the same fiscal treatment as a European or Korean EV – the brand’s country of origin does not affect the Belgian tax treatment. This company car tax advantage is particularly relevant in Brussels, where the EU institutions and international business community represent a large proportion of company car users. PHEVs have a different deductibility calculation. Consult a Belgian tax adviser for the current applicable rules, as legislation in this area changes regularly.
Beyond the vehicle price, Belgian buyers should plan for: EU customs duties (significant for Chinese EVs), Belgian VAT, international shipping, port handling, DIV registration (mydivsecure.be), technical inspection if required, home charging installation for EVs, insurance (ensure your Belgian insurer will cover the specific Chinese model), and extended warranty consideration for vehicles without official Belgian dealer support. For grey-market imports, factor in the absence of Belgian warranty coverage and the cost of finding an independent service centre familiar with the brand. Request a complete itemised cost breakdown before committing to any purchase.
Charging, fuelling, and energy in Belgium
Belgium has a well-developed public EV charging network. In Brussels, public AC charging points are managed by networks including Blink, EVBox, and others across the city – Fluvius manages grid distribution in Flanders (including Antwerp and Ghent) and ORES in Wallonia (including Liege). Ionity (ionity.eu) provides highway fast-charging on the E40, E19, and E17 corridors. Fastned and TotalEnergies also operate fast-charging locations at motorway service areas. Most Chinese EVs sold for the European market use the Type 2 connector for AC charging and CCS2 for DC fast charging – both standard in Belgium. Chinese domestic-spec vehicles using GB/T connectors require an adapter or home charging configuration.
Belgium’s public charging landscape includes: Ionity (ionity.eu) on major motorway corridors for 150-350kW DC fast charging; Fastned at motorway service areas; TotalEnergies charging at petrol station locations; grid-connected public AC charging managed through Fluvius (Flanders) and ORES (Wallonia) infrastructure; and city charging from various network operators in Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Liege, and Bruges. The Plugshare app and individual network apps (Ionity, Fastned, TotalEnergies) provide real-time availability. Belgium’s motorway charging coverage on the E40, E19, and E17 is sufficient for most inter-city EV journeys within Belgium and to neighbouring countries.
Yes. Home charging is the most practical and cost-effective option for most Belgian EV owners. A standard Belgian domestic socket (230V/16A) supports slow overnight charging – sufficient for daily urban use. A dedicated home wallbox charger (7kW or 11kW) charges significantly faster and is the recommended setup for regular use. Installation requires a qualified electrician certified under Belgian electrical regulations. Chinese EVs sold for the European market use the Type 2 connector for AC home charging – standard in Belgium. Chinese domestic-spec vehicles may use the GB/T connector and require an adapter. Fluvius provides grid connection support in Flanders; ORES in Wallonia.
Charging time depends on battery capacity, the charger’s power output, and the vehicle’s maximum accepted charge rate. For a 60kWh battery as a reference point: a standard Belgian domestic socket (2.3kW) takes approximately 26 hours for a full charge; a 7kW home wallbox takes approximately 9 hours; an 11kW wallbox approximately 6 hours; a 50kW DC fast charger (20% to 80%) takes approximately 30-40 minutes; Ionity’s 150-350kW chargers can add significant range in under 20 minutes on compatible vehicles. Most Belgian EV owners plug in at home each evening and wake with a full battery. Highway fast-charging via Ionity on the E40 or E19 is used for longer inter-city or cross-border journeys.
Diesel is widely available across Belgium – petrol stations covering the entire motorway network and all urban areas stock diesel. Belgium was historically one of Europe’s most diesel-heavy car markets, and diesel infrastructure remains comprehensive. However, Brussels and Antwerp have LEZ restrictions that affect older diesel vehicles based on Euro standard – buyers planning to use a Chinese diesel car in these cities should confirm the vehicle’s Euro standard against current LEZ rules at brussels.be/lez and slimnaarantwerpen.be. New Euro 6d diesel vehicles are currently permitted in both zones, but policy direction is toward progressively tightening access. For buyers outside LEZ zones, Chinese diesel imports carry only the standard 6.5% EU tariff and are fully practical.
Chinese EVs produced for European export markets typically use the Type 2 connector for AC charging and CCS2 (Combined Charging System) for DC fast charging – both fully standard in Belgium and across the EU. Ionity, Fastned, and TotalEnergies fast-charging networks in Belgium all support CCS2. Chinese domestic-market vehicles use the GB/T connector standard, which is not natively compatible with Belgian charging infrastructure without an adapter. Always verify the specific connector type of any Chinese EV before purchase – particularly for grey-market or directly imported vehicles. The EU type approval process requires connector compliance with European standards, so officially EU type-approved Chinese EVs will use the correct connectors.
Batteries and powertrain
Belgium has a temperate maritime climate with mild winters – Brussels and Antwerp temperatures typically range from 0 to 5 degrees Celsius in winter, similar to London. This moderate cold has a manageable impact on EV battery performance. Lithium-ion batteries deliver reduced range in cold conditions – typically a 15-25% range reduction compared to mild-weather performance. LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries used in many Chinese EVs, including BYD’s Blade Battery, are generally less cold-sensitive than NMC batteries. Belgian EV owners should plan for reduced winter range and consider home charging with pre-conditioning where available. Belgium’s winters are not extreme by European standards and do not pose unusual battery challenges.
Motorway driving at Belgium’s 120 km/h limit consumes significantly more energy per kilometre than urban or mixed driving. A Chinese EV with a 400km WLTP range claim will typically deliver 280-320km of real-world motorway range at highway speeds. On the E40 from Brussels to Liege (approximately 100km) or Brussels to Ghent (approximately 55km), most Chinese EVs with mid-to-large batteries are well within single-charge range. For longer motorway journeys – Brussels to Bruges (approximately 100km) or toward the Dutch or German border – plan a top-up stop at Ionity or Fastned highway charging. Belgium’s compact geography means most in-country journeys fall well within the range of modern Chinese EVs.
Belgian climate conditions are favourable for EV battery longevity. Mild winters, moderate summers (rarely above 30 degrees Celsius), and frequent overcast conditions mean Belgian batteries avoid the extreme thermal stress found in hotter climates. Modern Chinese EV batteries – particularly LFP chemistry as used in BYD vehicles – are designed for 8-10 years or 150,000-200,000km of useful life at 80% or more of original capacity under normal use. Belgian home charging (primarily AC overnight) is the most battery-friendly charging pattern. Regular DC fast-charging should be used when needed rather than as the primary charging method. Belgium’s temperate climate is among the better European environments for long-term battery health.
Chinese diesel vehicles produced for European export are manufactured to EU Euro 6d standards, required for EU market access. Euro 6d diesel vehicles are currently permitted in the Brussels LEZ and Antwerp LEZ. However, older Chinese diesel vehicles not meeting Euro 6d – or vehicles imported from non-European markets with different emission standards – may not meet LEZ requirements. Always verify the specific Euro standard and emissions certification of any Chinese diesel vehicle before purchase if you intend to use it in Brussels or Antwerp. Check current LEZ access criteria at brussels.be/lez and slimnaarantwerpen.be. Belgian cities’ long-term policy direction is toward zero emission, which is a relevant consideration for diesel purchases intended for multi-year ownership in urban areas.
LFP stands for lithium iron phosphate – a battery chemistry widely used in Chinese EVs including BYD’s Blade Battery. LFP batteries offer excellent thermal stability, a very long cycle life, and the practical advantage of being safely charged to 100% regularly without significant degradation. In Belgium’s cold and wet maritime climate, LFP performs reliably – it is less sensitive to cold temperatures than some alternative chemistries, and its thermal stability is an advantage in varied conditions. LFP has slightly lower energy density than NMC batteries, meaning slightly heavier batteries for equivalent capacity, but the longevity and safety characteristics make it a strong choice for Belgian conditions. Most BYD vehicles available in Belgium use LFP chemistry.
A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) combines a conventional combustion engine with a battery pack that can be recharged from an external power source. In electric-only mode, PHEVs typically cover 40-80km before the combustion engine activates. For Belgian city driving – commuting in Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, or Liege – the electric-only range of a PHEV covers most daily journeys without burning fuel. The combustion engine provides standard range for longer trips. Chinese PHEVs – particularly BYD’s DM-i system – offer strong electric-only ranges compared to European PHEVs. PHEVs are not subject to the EU additional duties that apply to battery electric vehicles, only the standard 6.5% MFN tariff. PHEVs also benefit from Belgian company car tax deductibility advantages, though at a different rate than full EVs.
Maintenance and servicing in Belgium
MG and BYD, the two Chinese brands with the strongest official Belgian presence, both have authorised service networks in Belgium covering Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, and other major cities. For other Chinese EV brands without official Belgian dealer networks, servicing options include independent EV specialists and general EV service workshops. Basic maintenance – tyres, brakes, cabin filters, wipers – can be handled by any competent workshop. High-voltage battery work, electric motor diagnostics, and software updates require either an authorised service centre or an independent specialist trained on the specific brand’s systems. Contact us for guidance on service options for the specific Chinese brand you are considering.
Spare parts availability in Belgium varies significantly by brand. MG and BYD, with official Belgian distribution, have established parts supply chains. For brands entering Belgium through independent importers or direct import, parts availability depends on the importer’s supply chain. Consumables – tyres, brake pads, filters, wiper blades – are universally available from Belgian automotive suppliers regardless of brand. Brand-specific parts (electrical components, body panels, battery modules) are the potential challenge for grey-market imports. When purchasing a Chinese car without official Belgian representation, ask the supplier specifically about parts sourcing, lead times, and cost before committing.
Official Belgian dealer networks for MG and BYD provide the most straightforward servicing path: authorised workshops, genuine parts, and warranty coverage applicable in Belgium. MG has a well-established Belgian dealer and service network. BYD has expanded its Belgian dealer presence and offers authorised servicing in the major cities. For buyers of officially distributed Chinese brands, the service experience is comparable to established European or Korean brands. For grey-market or directly imported Chinese vehicles from brands without official Belgian representation, the buyer is responsible for arranging their own servicing, parts sourcing, and warranty management – typically through independent specialists or by returning to the country of purchase.
Chinese electric vehicles, like all EVs, eliminate several maintenance categories entirely compared to petrol cars: no engine oil changes, no oil filters, no spark plugs, no timing belt, no fuel filters, no exhaust system, no catalytic converter, and no transmission fluid changes (where applicable). Brake maintenance is significantly reduced due to regenerative braking recovering energy instead of heat at the discs. Remaining maintenance covers tyres (EVs can wear tyres slightly faster due to higher torque delivery), brake inspection, cabin air filter, windscreen washer fluid, coolant for battery thermal management systems, and periodic software updates. Annual or biennial service intervals are typical for Chinese EVs versus the more frequent schedules required by petrol vehicles.
Grey-market Chinese cars – vehicles imported directly without going through official Belgian distribution – do not carry Belgian manufacturer warranty coverage. The manufacturer’s warranty applies in the market of sale, not in the import country. Belgian consumer protection law (implementing EU consumer rights directives) applies to the seller of the vehicle in Belgium, so if purchasing from a Belgian-based importer, your legal recourse is against that importer rather than the Chinese manufacturer. For warranty-backed Chinese car purchase in Belgium, buy through an officially authorised Belgian dealer: MG and BYD are the primary options. For other brands, carefully review what warranty coverage the importer offers and whether it is backed by the manufacturer or by the importer’s own guarantee.
Newly imported vehicles in Belgium require registration through DIV (mydivsecure.be) and, for the first registration, a vehicle conformity check. Vehicles with a valid Certificate of Conformity (CoC) issued by the manufacturer for EU type-approved vehicles follow the standard DIV registration pathway. Vehicles without EU type approval – such as some directly imported Chinese domestic-market vehicles – require an individual technical inspection to establish roadworthiness and conformity with Belgian road regulations. This process is more complex, time-consuming, and costly than standard CoC-based registration. Always verify before purchasing a Chinese vehicle whether it has EU type approval and a CoC, as this significantly affects the registration process and cost.
Tyres are universally available at Belgian tyre specialists including Euromaster, Speedy, and independent tyre centres. Chinese cars use standard tyre sizes compatible with major tyre brands available across Belgium. Standard consumables – brake pads, filters, wiper blades, bulbs – are similarly available from Belgian automotive parts suppliers. Belgian tyre dealers can also handle tyre fitting, balancing, and wheel alignment for Chinese vehicles without any special tooling requirements. The only potential availability issue is brand-specific OEM parts and electronic components, which are the domain of authorised service centres or specialist importers.
Importing a Chinese car to Belgium
Chinese battery electric vehicles imported to Belgium face EU customs duties administered by SPF Finances/FOD Financien (finances.belgium.be). The combined rates (existing 10% MFN tariff plus EU additional countervailing duties confirmed in 2024-2025) are: BYD 27% total; Geely group brands 29.3% total; SAIC/MG 45.3% total; other Chinese EV manufacturers 31.3% total. These rates apply to battery electric vehicles only. Belgian VAT at the standard rate applies in addition to customs duty on the full customs value. For the authoritative current tariff schedule and to confirm the exact classification of a specific vehicle, check taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu or contact SPF Finances directly.
Chinese petrol, diesel, and hybrid (HEV and PHEV) vehicles imported to Belgium are subject to the standard EU MFN (Most Favoured Nation) tariff of 6.5%. The additional EU countervailing duties that apply to Chinese battery electric vehicles do not apply to combustion engine or hybrid vehicles. This makes Chinese petrol, diesel, and hybrid imports significantly more cost-competitive on a tariff basis than Chinese EVs under current EU policy. Belgian VAT at the standard rate applies in addition to the 6.5% customs duty. For the current tariff rate applicable to a specific vehicle by HS code, check taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu or contact SPF Finances/FOD Financien at finances.belgium.be.
Vehicle registration in Belgium is managed by DIV (Direction pour l’Immatriculation des Vehicules/Dienst Inschrijving Voertuigen) via mydivsecure.be. To register an imported Chinese car, you will need: proof of ownership, the vehicle’s Certificate of Conformity (CoC) if EU type-approved, proof that customs duties have been paid (customs clearance document from SPF Finances), proof of Belgian compulsory third-party liability insurance (BA verzekering/RC auto), and your Belgian National Register number or company registration number. Vehicles without EU type approval require additional technical inspection documentation. Registration can be completed online via mydivsecure.be. Contact DIV directly for the current documentation requirements.
A Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is the document issued by a vehicle manufacturer confirming that a specific vehicle conforms to the EU type approval granted for that model. Chinese cars sold through official European channels – including MG and BYD vehicles officially distributed in Belgium – come with a CoC enabling straightforward DIV registration. Chinese vehicles imported directly from the Chinese domestic market typically do not have EU type approval and therefore no CoC. Without a CoC, the vehicle must go through an individual technical inspection process before it can be registered by DIV – a more complex, time-consuming, and costly process. Always confirm CoC status before purchasing any Chinese car for import to Belgium.
Used Chinese cars can be imported to Belgium subject to EU customs rules. A used vehicle is typically valued for customs purposes based on the transaction price (supported by documentation). EU import duties apply at the same rates as for new vehicles: 6.5% for petrol, diesel, and hybrids; the higher combined rates for Chinese battery electric vehicles. A used Chinese EV without EU type approval faces the same individual technical inspection requirement as a new vehicle in the same situation. For used Chinese EVs, battery health assessment before purchase is strongly recommended – degradation directly affects real-world range. Contact SPF Finances/FOD Financien (finances.belgium.be) for specific guidance on used vehicle import valuation and customs procedures.
Import timelines from China to Belgium depend on shipping method, vessel availability, port processing, and customs clearance. Sea freight from China (Shanghai, Tianjin, or other major ports) to Antwerp – Belgium’s own major container and RoRo port and one of the largest in Europe – typically takes 25-35 days in transit. Add to this pre-shipment preparation, Antwerp port handling, Belgian customs clearance at SPF Finances/FOD Financien, and inland transport to your location. From vehicle purchase confirmation to delivery in Belgium, allow 6-10 weeks as a general guide, though this can vary based on circumstances. Contact us for current shipping timeline guidance based on the specific vehicle and current logistics conditions.
The two primary shipping methods are RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) and container shipping. RoRo involves driving the vehicle directly onto a car-carrier vessel – typically more cost-effective for individual vehicles. Container shipping loads the vehicle into a 20ft or 40ft shipping container, providing more protection and security, at a generally higher cost. Antwerp is Belgium’s primary vehicle import port and handles both RoRo and container traffic from China. For smaller shipments or direct import, container shipping with groupage (sharing container space) is an option. A licensed Belgian customs broker or freight forwarder handles the clearance process with SPF Finances. Contact us for current shipping provider guidance.
Chinese cars sold through official European distribution channels – including MG and BYD vehicles officially distributed in Belgium – carry EU type approval and comply with EU safety, emissions, and electromagnetic compatibility requirements. These vehicles have been tested and certified to EU standards including Euro NCAP for safety (where tested) and Euro 6d for emissions (combustion vehicles). Chinese domestic-market vehicles imported directly without EU type approval have not been certified to EU standards – they require individual technical inspection by a Belgian-authorised body to establish compliance before DIV registration. For buyers purchasing through official Belgian channels or from EU-type-approved stock, compliance is confirmed by the Certificate of Conformity. For grey-market imports, compliance must be established through inspection.
About CHINESE CARS IN BELGIUM
CHINESE CARS IN BELGIUM is Belgium’s specialist platform for Chinese cars – electric vehicles, hybrids, petrol, and diesel models – helping Belgian buyers navigate EU import tariffs, DIV registration, LEZ compliance in Brussels and Antwerp, and official dealer options. We provide honest, Belgium-specific guidance on brands, models, and the full cost of bringing a Chinese car to Belgium. Whether you are comparing a Chinese EV against a European rival, assessing the EU tariff impact on a specific model, checking LEZ compliance for a diesel or older petrol vehicle, or understanding the DIV registration process, CHINESE CARS IN BELGIUM provides clear, practical guidance built specifically for the Belgian market. Contact us at evsbelgium.com/contact with any question about Chinese cars in Belgium.
CHINESE CARS IN BELGIUM is an information and guidance platform – not a licensed vehicle dealer, franchised importer, customs broker, manufacturer representative, financial adviser, or Belgian or EU government body. We do not sell vehicles directly, hold vehicle stock, or process import transactions on your behalf. We provide specialist information and guidance to help Belgian buyers make informed decisions about Chinese cars – covering EU tariffs, LEZ compliance, DIV registration, charging infrastructure, battery technology, and servicing options. For vehicle purchase, buyers should approach official Belgian dealers (MG, BYD) or licensed importers. For customs and import matters, contact SPF Finances/FOD Financien (finances.belgium.be). For registration, contact DIV (mydivsecure.be).