The SHAPE vehicle/motorcycle registration system is a transit system which exempts
entitled persons from certain requirements of the Belgian permanent vehicle registration system and issues
permanent fuel ration cards and
temporary fuel ration cards (rental cars). The granting of SHAPE vehicle registration depends upon the applicant's compliance with the
required procedures. This means since you are only in Belgium temporarily, you do not have pay import taxes on your first vehicle registered in Belgium (certain cases apply for
stolen/
crashed vehicles).
Reference: SHAPE Directive 100-2, Vehicle Registration and Operation.IMPORTANT: You must register all vehicles used or located in Belgium within 7 days of the vehicle being imported into Belgium, or procurement in Belgium. You must also in mandatory by Belgium Law de-register your vehicle upon your permanent departure from SHAPE.
Until your vehicle is registered, or while you are using a rental car, you may receive a temporary "vehicle entry” pass from the SHAPE Visitor's Office (bldg 108, Berlin Gate) or from the Central Processing Branch-Registration Section (CEP-RGN), bldg 210, rm 109-110, in order to enter SHAPE and begin the vehicle registration process; to include passing your vehicle
Controle Technique (CT) inspection, collecting required equipment (fire extinguisher, safety vest and safety triangle) and then registering your vehicle. Here are some information and contact numbers about the Annual Motor Vehicle Inspection (
CT ) and also the
price list. The CT is only to do for Car(s)
not for Motorbike(s).
Ensure you take the necessary steps to avoid violating Belgium customs regulations and risk paying fines/
import taxes. Please respect the exemption agreement between SHAPE and Belgium.
The green insurance card to be forwarded for registration of the respective vehicle has to show, next to the Belgium address of the applicant, also the complete chassis number of the VH.
If you have more than one vehicle, with one vehicle registered in Belgium and another vehicle registered in another country (ex. Germany, UK, etc.), you are violating the Belgium customs regulations. You must register all vehicles used/parked in Belgium with the CEP-RGN, bldg 210, rm 109-110.
Registration of Caravans and trailers
Below 750 KG
Same plate as registered pulling VH. Plate can be ordered through the RGN (10 Euro) road tax to be paid.
Above 750 KG
Mainly used in Belgium -
Register the caravan in the RGN (35 euros)
After receiving the registration document, you must go to CT (valid for two years)
Original registration document if available
(otherwise original invoice and technical specifications in detail)
Reporting to the CEP-RGN for registration and plates (35 Euro)
Road tax to be paid
Just in transit and registered in home country
- You can use the present plate/registration document - be sure that it is mentioned in the insurance policy as no obstacle
If you have any questions or concerns, please visit the Central Processing Branch-Registration Section (CEP-RGN), bldg 210, rm 109-110, or by telephone at +32(0)65/44.41.48 or (SHAPE 4148, DSN 314-423-4148).