Tips for online purchases from a foreign webshop

1. Check which country your webshop is based in.

For example, look under 'contact' or 'about us', read some online reviews or check the country code of the webshop's internet address.
If you buy from a webshop outside the EU, you will often still have to pay import duties and/or VAT. 

2. Keep in mind that there may be additional costs.

Is the value of your parcel 150 euro or less? You will have to pay VAT.
Is the value of your parcel more than 150 euro? You will have to pay VAT as well as import duties. You will have to pay these costs to the courier at your door.

3. Beware of prohibited goods.

Some goods are forbidden and will always be seized by customs. You will be left empty-handed and with an empty wallet.

4. Go to Infoshopping.be

This website, created by the Federal Public Service Economy, SMEs, Self-employed and Energy, explains the rules on e-commerce in Belgium in a playful and clear way. On the website you, as a consumer, will find explanations about all steps of an online purchase and about your rights and obligations at each of these steps.

5. View 10 ECC-Net tips: how to avoid buying counterfeit goods on the internet.