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