Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
The Belgian customs and tax authorities have demanded a total of 1.5 billion euros from the sporting goods giant Nike. According to what the Belgian news agency reported this morning, Saturday, from the daily newspaper "De Tijd", which explained that concretely, they have three companies in sight that participate in the Nike EMEA logistics center in Laakdal. Shoes and clothing are sent through this distribution center to stores and customers in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

According to customs and tax, Nike has paid very little import duty on its goods for several years since 2018. Before the items enter the European Union, they pass through the various Nike companies. And they charge prices from each other for this, which leads to the goods constantly increasing in value.

Customs says that Nike did not base the payment of import duties on the value of the "last sale" between its companies, but on the lower value of the "first sale". The Special Tax Inspection Authority (BBI) believes that very little VAT has been paid.
Nike disputes the allegations and has decided to take legal action. The total claims and fines from customs and the FBI amount to 1.5 billion euros. This was announced during a short preparatory hearing on the dispute at the Limburg (Hasselt) District Court two days ago. The amount was confirmed to De Tijd by another source. The hearings in the case are set to begin on February 26, 2026.