Your customs specialist for import, export and transit throughout Belgium
Independent customs expertise you can rely on
AFCS (Antwerp Forwarding and Customs Services) was founded in 2001. Managing director Lieve Janssens and her team are on hand every day for clients who want to outsource their customs formalities with complete peace of mind. From our strategic location on Antwerp’s Left Bank, we handle customs formalities for import, export and transit throughout Belgium.
Our approach is simple: you get a dedicated point of contact within a small, experienced team, with a personal approach. We handle your customs files accurately, smoothly and quickly, even outside office hours or at weekends.
Because in customs, it is not only what is on paper that counts. Speed, availability and advice make the difference too.
Our greatest strength? Our independence! AFCS is not affiliated with any freight forwarder or transport group, which means we can work completely impartially. Today, a large share of our clients are freight forwarders, but we also work directly for companies looking for support with their international flows of goods.
Expert service, short lines of communication and no unnecessary surcharges: that is AFCS.
We keep your goods
on the move
Customs expertise: We make sure import, export and transit are handled correctly and efficiently. Fewer delays, less risk, more certainty.
Personal service: No anonymous middle layer, but direct contact with experienced customs specialists. That way, every shipment stays clear and on the move.
Certified entity
Strategically present: From Antwerp, Ghent, Zeebrugge and Brucargo, AFCS supports national and international flows of goods every day.
Everything you need
under one roof
AFCS takes care of your customs formalities, so your goods can move on smoothly. From import and export to transit and fiscal representation: arranged quickly, handled correctly and with direct contact with a specialist.
- Import
- Export
- Transit
- Fiscal representation
- FASFC
Your goods through customs correctly
You know that importing goods from outside the EU involves a lot of customs formalities. With a correct declaration, the right commodity codes, the required documents and an accurate calculation of import duties and VAT, you avoid delays, extra costs and expensive fines.
AFCS takes these formalities off your hands:
- We make sure your import files are handled correctly and efficiently
- We take care of the necessary documents
- We advise you on the most suitable customs procedure
- We check the correct product classification, so you do not pay unnecessary import duties.
Our service goes beyond submitting a customs declaration. For specific or less common import procedures, we work with you to find the best approach. For example, we provide support with:
- definitive and temporary import
- inward and outward processing
- re-export
- temporary storage and onward transport of goods after import
Thanks to our personal approach, you always have one dedicated point of contact. Short lines of communication and fast follow-up ensure that your goods reach their destination smoothly and without unnecessary administrative worries.
Abroad without unnecessary delays
When exporting to countries outside the EU, you must declare your goods correctly to customs. The right documents, product classification and customs procedure are essential. After all, a missing or incorrect document can quickly lead to delays and extra costs.
AFCS takes the customs formalities for your export files off your hands. We prepare the necessary declarations and documents correctly and advise you on the most suitable procedure for your flow of goods.
We handle both simple and more complex export files, including:
- definitive and temporary export
- inward and outward processing
- re-export
- specific customs procedures tailored to your goods and destination
Whether you export daily or only occasionally ship goods outside the EU: you can count on the same personal AFCS approach.
International logistics leaves little room for delays. That is why we make sure your customs formalities are handled correctly, so your goods can continue on their way abroad as smoothly as possible.
Goods in transit? We arrange the formalities.
Not all goods that enter Belgium stay here. Many international flows of goods are temporarily passed through to another destination. Here too, correct customs formalities are essential to avoid delays in the supply chain.
AFCS supports you with the administrative handling of transit. We prepare the necessary documents and follow up every file personally. You can also rely on our expertise when goods are temporarily stored under customs supervision.
Transit is often under time pressure. An error in a document or customs declaration can immediately affect the further planning of a shipment. That is why we provide:
- correct preparation of the transit formalities
- fast follow-up of your file
- short lines of communication for questions or problems
- advice on the most suitable customs procedure
As an independent customs agency, we work for various parties in the supply chain, from freight forwarders to companies that organise their own international flows of goods.
Your goods need to keep moving. We make sure customs formalities do not become an unnecessary obstacle.
Also for companies without a Belgian VAT number
Foreign companies that import goods via Belgium do not only have to deal with customs formalities. The fiscal handling of the import also requires attention, especially when goods are delivered directly to customers in other countries after arrival.
AFCS can act as a liable fiscal representative for companies without a Belgian VAT number. This way, we take care of both the customs and the fiscal side of your flow of goods.
When an import is followed by an intra-Community supply, the reverse-charge mechanism can be applied under certain conditions. The import VAT is then reverse-charged, so you avoid unnecessary pre-financing.
AFCS holds a global VAT licence and can also take care of:
- the VAT administration
- Intrastat declarations
- support with applying for your own global licence with VAT reverse charge
One partner for customs and tax. AFCS assesses your situation and ensures correct administrative handling, so you do not have to find your own way through Belgian customs and VAT rules.
Customs and food safety checks properly aligned
For certain goods, a customs declaration is not enough. When importing food and other products, additional checks and documents from the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC) may be required. Good preparation helps to avoid delays on arrival.
AFCS supports you with the customs and FASFC formalities for goods that are subject to such checks. This is relevant for imports of meat, plants and fruit, among other things. Depending on the product, specific certificates, documents or inspections may be required, such as:
- a phytosanitary certificate
- a CHED (Common Health Entry Document)
- additional documents or inspections depending on the goods
We check which requirements apply to your shipment and make sure the necessary paperwork is correctly prepared and followed up. That way, we align the customs side and the FASFC formalities as efficiently as possible.
Whether it concerns regular imports or a one-off shipment: AFCS guides you through the administrative requirements and ensures smooth handling.
The right document for every flow of goods
Which customs documents you need depends on the goods, their origin, the destination and the chosen customs procedure. AFCS helps you determine, prepare and process the right documents and formalities.
- Less risk of delays
- Compliant with current regulations
- Also for complex flows of goods
- Personal checks by specialists
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Import & export
- IMA
- EXA
- Import and export declarations
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Transit
- T1
- ATA Carnet
- TIR Carnet
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Origin & certification
- EUR.1
- A.TR
- Origin documents
- Certificates
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Additional formalities
- FASFC documents
- Intrastat
- Physical inspections
- Embargoes and restrictions
Your fiscal representative
in and for Belgium
Are you a foreign company importing goods via Belgium? Then you may have to deal with Belgian VAT obligations. With fiscal representation, AFCS supports you with the fiscal and administrative handling of your imports.
AFCS takes care of the necessary formalities and administration, so your organisation can make efficient use of Belgium as a gateway to the European market.
What AFCS takes care of for you
- VAT handling
- Intrastat
- Administration
- Customs clearance
Why choose AFCS
Because a customs document is only worth something once your goods can move on.
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Short lines of communicationDirect contact with a specialist who knows your file. -
Fast handlingWe understand that delays in the flow of goods cost time and money. -
Accurate and carefulCustoms declarations and documents are carefully prepared and processed. -
IndependentNot affiliated with any freight forwarder or transport group, so completely impartial. -
Thinking along on complex filesEven when a shipment deviates from the standard, we help you find the right approach. -
Experienced specialistsKnowledge of customs legislation, procedures and a wide range of flows of goods.
Extra certainty for your customs files
AFCS is certified as an Authorised Economic Operator (AEO). This European customs status is intended for companies that demonstrate that they manage customs formalities and processes reliably and correctly.
For AFCS, AEO recognition confirms the way we work every day. We attach great importance to correct declarations, meticulous follow-up of files and the consistent application of the applicable customs procedures. Our staff actively keep up with developments in customs legislation.
An AEO status can also offer various advantages within European customs procedures. Depending on the type of authorisation, certain checks may be reduced or processes may run more efficiently.
In doing so, we combine the professional approach of an AEO-certified agency with the advantages of a smaller organisation:
- direct communication
- one dedicated point of contact
- personal and fast follow-up
AEO stands for reliability. AFCS combines that certainty with personal service.
FAQ
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What does a customs agent do?01A customs agent handles the formalities required for the import, export and transit of goods on behalf of companies. Think of customs declarations, transit documents, origin documents, certificates and guidance with customs procedures.
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Which customs formalities does AFCS handle?02AFCS handles customs formalities for import, export and transit, and acts as a fiscal representative. From import and export declarations and transit documents to origin documents, certificates and physical inspections.
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Can AFCS handle my import and export declarations?03Yes. AFCS handles customs declarations for the import and export of goods and takes care of the related formalities. We check the required information and documents and ensure correct handling.
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What is fiscal representation?04If you are a foreign company importing goods via Belgium, you may have to deal with Belgian VAT obligations. As a fiscal representative, AFCS takes care of the fiscal and administrative handling of your imports, such as VAT handling and Intrastat.
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Can AFCS work for freight forwarders and carriers?05Yes. AFCS works as an independent customs agent for shippers, freight forwarders and carriers, and handles the customs formalities so your flows of goods can move on smoothly.
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Which documents do I need for import or export?06Which customs documents you need depends on the goods, their origin, the destination and the chosen customs procedure. Think of import and export declarations, T1, EUR.1 or A.TR. AFCS helps you determine, prepare and process the right documents.
Do you have a customs question? We are happy to help.
Import, export, a transit file or fiscal representation? Tell us briefly what you need help with. Lieve Janssens and her team will look at your question personally and get back to you quickly.
Monday to Thursday: 08:30 – 17:00
Friday: 08:30 – 16:30
Saturday & Sunday: closed
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