Antwerp — why it matters for importers
Antwerp (Dutch: Antwerpen, UN/LOCODE BEANR) is the second largest container port in Europe with annual throughput exceeding 13 million TEU (13.5 million in 2024). Antwerp is especially significant in several industries: chemicals and plastics (Antwerp is the centre of the European chemical industry), fruit and vegetables from Africa and Latin America, textiles and clothing, and industrial machinery and equipment.
Since 2022 the port operates under the name Port of Antwerp-Bruges following a merger with the port of Bruges (Zeebrugge).
Terminals Antwerp — PSA, Noordzee Terminal and DP World
PSA Antwerp is the dominant terminal operator in Antwerp, managing several terminals on both banks of the Scheldt. Deurganckdok is the largest terminal — handling Ultra Large Container vessels on the right bank of the river.
Noordzee Terminal (PSA Antwerp) is one of Antwerp's main container terminals, operated by PSA. It serves a wide range of shipping lines and uses the OptiTruck + ePortal system for truck bookings.
DP World Antwerp Gateway is a relatively new terminal on the left bank of the Scheldt, operating within Deurganckdok. It specialises in Asian and transatlantic services.
An important Antwerp-specific requirement: most terminals require advance truck booking via VBS (Vehicle Booking System). Without a reservation, terminal access is either impossible or severely restricted.
Belgian customs clearance — specifics and codes
Belgium has one of the more stringent customs clearance systems in Western Europe — AGD (Administratie der Douane en Accijnzen) is known for thorough inspections, particularly for high-risk goods. The Belgian PLDA (Paperless Douane en Accijnzen) system handles electronic declarations.
For importers operating through Antwerp it is essential to secure proper documentation: commercial invoice, packing list, BL/AWB, certificates of origin (EUR.1 or statement on origin), and for regulated goods — the appropriate certificates (CITES, phytosanitary, veterinary).
Belgian customs office codes (format BExxxxxx) are available in the EU COL. On this page we display current codes — always verify before using in a declaration.
Strikes and disruptions in Antwerp — how to prepare
Antwerp is the port centre of Belgium, and Belgian trade unions are among the most active in Europe. Strikes in Antwerp can paralyse the port for several days and trigger a domino effect of delays. Historically, strikes occur several times a year, typically in response to collective bargaining negotiations or decisions by port management.
Experienced importers usually maintain a time buffer in their delivery schedules or have alternative routes prepared via Rotterdam or Hamburg. The Celna24 alerts monitor aggregates strike and disruption announcements from official Port of Antwerp-Bruges sources.
FAQ
BEANR — what does this code mean and where is it used?
BEANR is the UN/LOCODE for the Port of Antwerp (BE = Belgium, ANR = Antwerpen). It is used in transport documents (BL, CMR), customs declarations and cargo tracking systems. In ECS/ICS2 declarations it appears as the code for the place of loading or transhipment.
Is truck booking required in Antwerp?
Yes — most terminals in Antwerp require advance booking through VBS (Vehicle Booking System) or terminal-specific systems (e.g. SMS Gate for MSC). Without a booking, entry is either impossible or the truck faces a long wait for an available slot. Current hours and requirements for individual terminals are displayed on this page.
What is the difference between clearance in Antwerp and T1 transit to Poland?
Clearance in Antwerp means that duty and taxes (BTW in Belgium, 21%) are charged under the Belgian system. T1 transit allows the goods to be transported to Poland without being cleared in Belgium — duty and VAT (23%) are then paid in Poland. For most importers destined for Poland, T1 is more advantageous due to simpler procedures and the ability to work with a local customs agency.
How can I track strike alerts at the Port of Antwerp?
On Celna24 we aggregate alerts from the official Port of Antwerp-Bruges RSS feed and monitor Belgian trade union communications. Alerts appear in the News and Alerts section on this page. You can also follow www.portofantwerpbruges.com directly.