My experience getting a Framework Laptop 13 from the US to Belgium for way less

Why I bought my Framework 13 from the US store

I have been a fan of modular tech for years, and in 2026, the Framework Laptop 13 (DIY Edition) is still the gold standard for anyone who wants to actually own their hardware. When I looked at the prices in Belgium compared to the US store, the gap was too big to ignore. The US DIY kits not only have better availability for the latest Intel and AMD modules, but the pricing on expansion cards is significantly lower when you buy them in a bundle stateside.

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To make this work, I used comGateway as my freight forwarder. By using their tax-free us address in Oregon, I managed to avoid US sales tax entirely, which already saved me about 8-10% before the laptop even started its journey to my door in Brussels.

Shipping Estimates for the DIY Edition

If you are planning to follow my lead, you need to know what you are getting into regarding logistics. I used the shipping calculator to get a baseline before I clicked buy. Here is what my package looked like:

• Box Weight: My DIY kit, which included the mainboard, laptop shell, and several expansion cards, weighed in at approximately 2.3 kg (5 lbs).
• Box Dimensions: The Framework packaging is surprisingly slim, roughly 15 x 11 x 4 inches.
• Volumetric Warning: Since the box is relatively dense for its size, you likely won't get hit with a high volumetric weight charge. However, if you decide to add a bunch of extra accessories or a laptop sleeve, always check if the volume exceeds the actual weight.

Navigating the battery shipping rules

One thing I had to double-check was the battery situation. The Framework 13 DIY kit includes a lithium-ion battery. Because the battery is contained within the laptop chassis, it is generally classified under UN3481 regulations. While this is perfectly legal for international shipping, it does mean your carrier options might be more specific. I made sure to check the prohibited items list just to be safe, but since it is "battery in equipment," it passed through without a hitch via DHL international shipping.

Avoiding order cancellations with proxy shopping

Here is where I almost hit a wall. Many US-based tech stores, including Framework at times, can be quite strict about international credit cards or addresses that look like warehouses. My first attempt with my Belgian Mastercard was flagged. This is a common issue when you shop us store sites from abroad.

I switched to using the BuyForMe service. This is essentially a proxy shopping solution where the team at comGateway buys the item for you using a US domestic credit card. I found this to be the safest way to guarantee my order didn't get cancelled by the automated fraud filters. You can find more details on how to set this up in the FAQ section of their site.

Why BuyForMe is safer

We often think we can just use a VPN and a foreign card, but many retailers now check the "billing address" against the country of issuance. By using the assisted purchase method, I bypassed the risk of having my funds held in "pending" limbo for weeks after a failed checkout.

What I paid for import tax in Belgium

Buying from the US means you have to account for the import tax and VAT when the package enters the EU. In Belgium, the VAT is 21%. While this is an extra cost, the lower base price of the DIY kit in the US and the lack of US sales tax still made it a cheaper overall transaction for me. Plus, I got access to the 2026 expansion card configurations that weren't even listed on the local EU mirror site yet.

Final thoughts on my 2026 upgrade

My package arrived in Belgium about six days after it left the warehouse. I chose FedEx international shipping because their tracking interface is quite detailed. If you are looking for a modular laptop and want the best price, going the US route with a reliable partner is the way to go. It takes a little more planning, but for a machine this good, it is worth every bit of the effort.