Always check these elements before you sign
🏢 Mandatory checks - step 1: company data (CBE)
CBE number verification
- Go to: kbopub.economy.fgov.be
- Check: is the company active and validly registered?
- Note: date of incorporation (too new = risk)
- Extra: look at legal form (limited liability company or public limited company safer than sole proprietorship)
NACE code verification
- Code 49410: carriage of goods by road
- Code 96090: other personal services (moving)
- Alarm: codes unrelated to transportation
💰 Financial controls - step 2: VAT and taxes
VAT number check
- Website: minfin.fgov.be/myminfin-web
- Status: active and valid
- Cross-check: matches CBE data
Social Security (NSSO)
- Question: social security number and proof that the company is in regulation
- Refusal: automatic suspicion
- Tip: serious companies show this voluntarily
🛡️ Protection checks - step 3: insurance and permits
Compulsory BA insurance
- Minimum: €1.24 million coverage per occurrence
- Document: request copy of policy
- Insurer: check if the company really exists
Commodity insurance
- Question: coverage for transportation damage
- Details: what is included or excluded from coverage
- Excess: how much will you pay in the event of damage
Transport permit
- For: professional goods transportation
- Check: FPS Mobility database
- International: CEMT license for EU
📋 Legal checks - step 4: contract and conditions
Contract elements
- Always require a written contract
- At least 24 hours reflection time to sign
- Clear about price, timing and responsibilities
- Notice period: your right to cancel
Suspicious clauses
- “Damage excess”: illegal in Belgium
- “No guarantee delivery time”: unprofessional
- “Payment before commencement”: maximum 30% advance payment
- “Change prices”: only upon your approval
