I almost lost my Framework Laptop 13 order and why your Belgium delivery might be at risk

March 10, 2026

Why I had to get the Framework 13 Ultra Series 2

I have been obsessing over the Framework Laptop 13 (Intel Core Ultra Series 2) since it was announced. As someone who lives in Belgium, I'm used to waiting months for local releases, but the modularity of this machine is something I couldn't ignore. We are talking about a laptop where you can swap out every single port and even the mainboard itself. The 2026 iteration with the Intel Core Ultra Series 2 chips finally fixes the battery life issues that held back previous versions, making it a legitimate powerhouse.

I almost lost my Framework Laptop 13 order and why your Belgium delivery might be at risk
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However, the DIY edition is notoriously tricky to source outside of specific regions. While I could wait and hope for a local launch, I decided to shop us store directly to get the exact configuration I wanted. I've seen too many people on Reddit complain about their packages being held up or their orders getting cancelled, so I wanted to share exactly how I navigated this without losing my mind or my money.

My experience with the shipping process to Belgium

To get this done, I realized I needed a reliable freight forwarder. I ended up choosing comGateway because they provide a tax-free us address in Oregon. This is a massive win because it means I didn't have to pay US sales tax on top of the laptop's price, which saved me enough to buy a few extra expansion cards.

I used their international shipping service to manage the journey from the US to my doorstep here in Belgium. I highly recommend that you use a shipping calculator before you click buy. It helped me visualize the total cost so I wasn't surprised by the final bill. You can find the one I used at the shipping calculator page.

Shipping Estimates for the Framework Laptop 13

If you are planning to follow my lead, you need to know what you are getting into regarding the physical package. Shipping a premium laptop isn't like shipping a t-shirt; you have to be precise with your calculations.

Metric Estimate
Box Weight Approx. 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) including the outer shipping carton and charger.
Box Dimensions Medium (roughly 15" x 12" x 4"). It is not overly bulky, but it is well-protected.
Volumetric Warning The Framework box is fairly dense. Usually, the actual weight will be higher than the volumetric weight, but if you bundle it with larger items like a laptop stand or a backpack, be careful of the box size increasing!
Battery Check YES. This item contains a high-capacity Lithium-ion battery. This means it must be shipped under specific IATA regulations (UN3481). Most couriers will handle this, but it may limit you to certain express shipping methods.

Why I suggest using BuyForMe for US tech

This is where I almost messed up. Many US tech stores, including major retailers where you might find Framework parts, are incredibly strict. They often block orders that use international credit cards or addresses associated with forwarders. I’ve heard horror stories of people having their accounts banned for trying to ship a high-value laptop to a warehouse.

That is why I opted for the BuyForMe service. Instead of me trying to use my Belgian card and getting flagged, I had the comGateway team purchase the laptop on my behalf using a US domestic credit card. This is the safest way to guarantee your order doesn't get cancelled at the last second. If you are buying from a store like Apple, Sephora, or even specialized tech outlets, this service is a lifesaver for ensuring your international shipping journey actually begins.

Handling the Belgian customs wall

Once the laptop reaches Europe, you have to deal with the inevitable import duties. Belgium is quite strict with electronics, and you will likely be charged 21% VAT plus a small administrative fee from the courier. I made sure to set aside a budget for this by checking the details on import duties beforehand.

I found that even with the shipping costs and the Belgian customs tax, I was still coming out ahead compared to waiting for a local distributor who would likely mark up the price anyway. If you want a full breakdown of the savings, you might also like to check this out: Read more: Keep 275 Euros in your bank account by sourcing the Framework Laptop 13 (Intel Core Ultra Series 2) directly from the US.

Ultimately, getting a buy from US ship to Belgium setup working for the Framework 13 was the best tech decision I made in 2026. Just don't skip the protection of a proxy buyer, or you might find your funds tied up in a cancelled order for weeks. My Belgium delivery arrived in about 6 business days once it left the Oregon warehouse, which is faster than some local mail!

If you're ready to start your own DIY build, make sure you use a trusted international shipping service and double-check your ship to Belgium settings on the Belgium delivery page to ensure everything is smooth.

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