Set Up an Import-Export Company
An international sector that requires specific customs formalities
Set Up an Import-Export Company
We are J. Jordens, and Belgium, thanks to its central geographic position and major ports such as Antwerp, attracts many entrepreneurs wishing to set up an import-export company. Here are the specifics to know for this sector, in addition to the standard formation of your company.
Choosing the legal form
For an import-export activity, the SRL/BV remains the most commonly recommended form, due to its limited liability, an important point in a sector exposed to exchange rate risks, international commercial disputes and logistical uncertainties. Your articles of association must also provide for a sufficiently broad corporate purpose to cover all your international commercial operations.
The EORI number, essential for international trade
Beyond your standard Belgian company number, any company carrying out import or export operations with countries outside the European Union must obtain an EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification). This number is essential for all your customs declarations and constitutes a step in its own right, separate from your simple registration.
Intra-community VAT, a central issue
- Your Belgian VAT number also serves as your intra-community number, to be validated in the VIES database for your trade within the European Union.
- Operations with countries outside the EU follow a separate customs regime, with specific declaration formalities.
- Managing VAT on imports can benefit from deferral mechanisms, to be examined depending on your volume of activity.
NACE codes suited to your activity
The import-export sector covers a wide diversity of activities, from general wholesale trade to specialized channels (food, textiles, industrial equipment). Choosing precise NACE codes from the company's registration is important, as it can condition access to certain sector-specific authorizations depending on the exact nature of the products you import or export.
Anticipating regulations specific to certain products
Depending on the nature of your goods, additional regulations may apply: import licences for certain sensitive products, health standards for foodstuffs, or specific authorizations for products subject to excise duties. We direct you to the right contacts for these regulatory aspects that complement your company formation.
Our support for an international launch
Since 1948, our firm has supported entrepreneurs in a variety of sectors, including international trade. We make sure your company is incorporated with articles of association and activity codes suited to your import-export operations, for a launch without customs or administrative blockage.
Choosing logistics partners
Beyond the legal and customs formalities, the success of an import-export company also depends on choosing reliable logistics partners (freight forwarders, carriers, bonded warehouses). While we do not directly handle this operational aspect, we can direct you to recognized professionals in Brussels and at the port of Antwerp.
Managing currencies and exchange rate risk
An import-export activity often involves invoicing or paying in foreign currencies, which exposes your company to exchange rate risk. While this aspect falls more under your financial management than the legal formation of your company, we raise this point with you from the outset, so you can anticipate the appropriate hedging tools with your bank.
Belgium remains a strategic entry point for international trade, provided you correctly structure your company from its formation, between legal choices, customs formalities and appropriate management of intra-community VAT.
Would you like to set up your import-export company in Belgium? Contact us for complete support, from formation to customs formalities.