Brussels, Belgium: The kilometre-based tax on heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) surpassed the €1 billion mark for the first time in 2024.
According to statistics released by Viapass, the public body responsible for the levy, the tax generated a total of €1.016 billion last year, marking a notable increase from €888.1 million in 2023.
The distribution of the revenue across Belgium’s regions shows a clear difference in the tax’s impact. Flanders accounted for the largest share, contributing €658 million to the national total, while Wallonia generated €347.1 million.
Brussels saw a smaller contribution of €10.8 million, in line with the capital’s limited number of affected vehicles.
The kilometre-based tax, which was introduced in Belgium in April 2016, operates on the ‘user pays’ principle.
Heavy goods vehicle owners are charged based on the distance travelled on motorways and major national roads, with rates varying according to the weight and pollution level of their vehicles.
The tax targets vehicles with a maximum authorised weight of more than 3.5 tonnes. The revenue from this tax is expected to continue growing, as HGVs over 32 tonnes make up the vast majority of the tax’s contribution.
In 2024, these vehicles accounted for 91.9% of the total revenue, a slight increase from 91.4% in 2023. The higher weight category remains the most significant contributor due to the larger distances travelled by these vehicles and their heavier toll on the infrastructure.
Domestic trucks made up the largest share of HGVs affected by the levy, with 47% of the vehicles registered in Belgium.
Trucks from neighboring countries also contribute significantly, with Poland leading at 10.7%, followed by the Netherlands at 9.7%, Lithuania at 6.1%, and Romania at 5.7%.
The tax hike in 2024 further bolstered revenue as the rates were indexed to account for inflation and increased operational costs.
This adjustment came at a time when there is a growing emphasis on the environmental aspect of the levy.
The kilometres travelled by these vehicles on heavily used routes help fund maintenance and improvements to Belgium’s road infrastructure, ensuring that the country’s extensive motorway network remains in good condition.
Though the kilometre-based tax is increasingly important to Belgium’s transportation revenue, it has also stirred some debate, especially regarding its potential impact on international freight operators.
The growing proportion of foreign vehicles subject to the levy has raised concerns in the transportation sector, particularly among logistics companies operating across national borders.
The issue of balancing fair charges for both local and foreign vehicles while ensuring competitiveness is an ongoing topic for discussion.
As for the future, the increase in revenue from the kilometre-based tax is expected to continue supporting vital infrastructure projects and further incentivize environmentally friendly transportation.
In addition to revenue generation, the tax plays a role in reducing emissions by encouraging companies to invest in cleaner, more efficient vehicles.
With the continued expansion of the levy and indexing adjustments, Belgium is set to reap further financial benefits from the HGV tax, cementing its position as a key tool in the country’s road maintenance and environmental efforts.
