Belgium is replacing its paper-based customs exemption system with a digital platform from 1 July 2026, enabling diplomatic missions and international organisations to obtain approval for duty-free goods within 30 minutes through their suppliers.
Belgium’s General Administration of Customs and Excise announced on 5 June 2026 that it is introducing a digital system for exemption requests starting 1 July 2026.
The initiative targets diplomatic missions, international organisations operating in Belgium, and their personnel who qualify for customs duties, excise duties, and VAT relief. The paper-based declaration form 136F will be phased out in favour of an online submission process handled by suppliers.
How the new system works
Instead of submitting paperwork directly, eligible organisations will place orders with their supplier, who then files the exemption request electronically with customs. Processing takes approximately 30 minutes. Approved orders proceed to delivery with email confirmation sent to the requester. Rejected applications are communicated directly to the supplier, who will liaise with the organisation if modifications or clarification is needed.
Organisations wishing to participate must send a signed note to da.operations.diplomat@minfin.fed.be (to be authorised by the head of post or designee) that includes a valid working email address. The pilot currently covers excisable products such as alcohol, wine, cigarettes, and beverages, but excludes fuels. At present, only The Diplomatic House is participating as a supplier, though this may expand later.
Rollout timeline
The pilot runs from 1 July 2026 through 31 December 2026, with full implementation scheduled for 1 January 2027.
Paper form 136F can still be used at the counter during this transitional phase, though processing times will be considerably longer than under the digital system.
