Check duty rates for goods cleared at this office
ELLERMANSTRAAT 21 (NOORDSTERGEBOUW)
2060 ANTWERPEN
Traffic types
Office functions
Administration
Other
About this office
The Regional Directorate of the Administratie der Douane en Accijnzen in Antwerp (Ellermanstraat 21, Noordstergebouw) coordinates customs operations in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges region — Europe's second-largest port. It handles container, maritime, road, rail and air traffic. Open Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00.
Frequently asked questions
A record 116 tonnes in 2023, 44 tonnes in 2024, and 55 tonnes in 2025 (up 25%). The largest single seizure in 2025 was 5.7 tonnes in a container from Ecuador in December.
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges is Europe's second-largest port handling millions of containers annually. The sheer volume, direct links to Latin America and extensive infrastructure make it impossible to physically inspect every container.
An Antwerp judge warned in October 2025 that Belgium is at risk — he spent four months in a safe house after threats from cartels. Corrupt customs officers, police and officials have been identified. Brussels recorded over 60 drug-related shootings in 2025.
The reference code is BE100000. This is the regional directorate responsible for the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and the Antwerp region.
The main method is 'rip-off' — sports bags of cocaine placed inside containers with legitimate goods (fruit, cars). Teenage 'extractors' recruited by cartels open containers on the quayside, remove drugs and reseal them before inspectors arrive.