Belgian customs and tax authorities are targeting sports equipment giant Nike for a total amount of 1.5 billion euros, De Tijd reported on Saturday.
Specifically, they have three companies in their sights that are involved in the Nike EMEA Logistics Center in Laakdal. Through this distribution center, shoes and clothing are sent to stores and customers in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
According to Customs and Excise, Nike has paid too little import duties on its goods for several years since 2018. Before the goods enter the European Union, they pass through various Nike companies. They charge each other prices for this, which increases the value of the goods each time.
Customs argues that Nike did not base its payment of import duties on the value at the ‘last sale’ between its own companies, but on the lower value at the ‘first sale’. The Special Tax Inspectorate (BBI) believes that too little VAT was paid.
Nike disputes these claims and is fighting them in court. All claims and fines from customs and the BBI amount to 1.5 billion euros. This was stated on Thursday during a short preliminary hearing on the dispute before the court of first instance in Limburg (Hasselt division). The amount was confirmed to De Tijd by another source. It was also decided that the trial will not start until 26 February 2026.