Belgium’s July 1 Overhaul: Higher Costs, Flexi-Jobs, Rules
A sweeping wave of regulatory changes takes effect across Belgium on July 1, 2026, touching nearly every aspect of daily life — from the cost of household cleaning services and online shopping to how commuters board trains and how much they pay for traffic violations. The changes, reported by RTBF, represent one of the most significant single-day regulatory updates in recent memory.
Context: A Government in Reform Mode
The July 1 changes arrive as the Arizona government coalition continues its ambitious reform agenda. From labor market liberalization to consumer protection and cost-of-living adjustments, the measures reflect a broader push to modernize Belgium’s regulatory framework while addressing fiscal and social challenges.
Service Vouchers Become More Expensive
Wallonia’s service voucher (titres-services) system, which subsidizes household cleaning and domestic help, will see its price rise from €10.20 to €10.60 per unit. The increase follows a semi-annual indexation mechanism designed to protect workers and ensure the system’s financial sustainability, according to Forem.
A tiered pricing structure will apply: the first 175 vouchers cost €10.60 each, vouchers 176 through 400 cost €11.60, and those beyond 400 cost €12.60. The tax credit of €0.90 per voucher is maintained for the first 150 vouchers. Vouchers purchased before July 1 remain valid for eight months.
New Parcel Tax Targets Non-EU E-Commerce
A temporary €3 flat fee will apply to each product category within parcels valued under €150 shipped from outside the European Union. The measure, effective until July 1, 2028, directly impacts platforms like Shein, Temu, and AliExpress when shipping from non-EU warehouses.
Consumer organization Testachats notes that the tax is calculated per product category, not per parcel — meaning a single package containing multiple product types could incur several €3 charges. The EU-wide measure aims to combat unfair competition, curb the influx of dangerous and counterfeit goods, and reduce the environmental impact of small parcel shipping. In 2024, 91% of the 4.6 billion parcels entering the EU came from China.
Flexi-Jobs Expand to Every Sector
Perhaps the most significant labor market reform, flexi-jobs — previously limited to HORECA and retail — will be available across all private and public sectors. According to UCM, the expansion includes several key changes: full-time employees can now work flexi-jobs at linked employers, pensioners can start immediately without the previous two-quarter waiting period, and the tax-exempt income threshold has been raised to €18,000.
Social partners retain the ability to exclude or regulate flexi-jobs through an opt-out mechanism, with subsequent opt-in possibilities. The flexi-salary cap is set at 150% of the minimum wage.
Traffic Fines Rise for the First Time Since 2017
All immediate traffic fines increase by 10% starting July 1. The SPF Mobilité confirms the new amounts: first-degree infractions (e.g., not wearing a seatbelt, minor speeding) rise to €64; second-degree to €128; third-degree to €191; and fourth-degree to €520. Alcohol-related fines range from €116 to €636 depending on intoxication levels. Revenue flows to the Road Safety Fund.
Train Tickets Must Be Purchased Before Boarding
The SNCB is ending onboard ticket sales entirely. As reported by DHnet/Belga, passengers without a valid ticket will receive a QR code allowing two weeks to regularize. Failure to do so results in a €90 fine, rising to €250-€500 for repeat offenders. The SNCB cites fraud reduction and staff safety as primary motivations — 7% of travelers currently lack valid tickets, and ticket-related disputes are the leading cause of aggression toward train staff.
Additional Changes Taking Effect
Several other measures round out the July 1 update: maternity leave for self-employed workers extends from 12 to 15 weeks; the social tariff for gas increases by 15% for the third quarter of 2026; a new TV content rating system launches in the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles with six age categories and content descriptors; a federal plan for caregivers introduces more flexible leave options; and the fourth wave of unemployment benefit exclusions under the Arizona government reform takes effect.
Analysis: A Balancing Act
The July 1 changes reflect the Arizona government’s dual focus on fiscal consolidation and labor market flexibility. The flexi-jobs expansion represents a significant liberalization, potentially boosting employment flexibility but raising questions about worker protections. Meanwhile, cost increases for service vouchers, energy, and traffic fines add to household financial pressures in an already challenging economic environment.
The parcel tax, while modest in individual impact, signals a broader European shift toward regulating cross-border e-commerce — a trend that will likely accelerate as the EU pursues comprehensive customs reform by 2028.
What to Watch For
Consumers should review their service voucher orders before June 24 to lock in the current price. Regular SNCB travelers should ensure they have digital or physical tickets before arriving at the station. And anyone shopping on non-EU platforms should factor the new €3-per-category fee into their purchasing decisions.
The coming months will reveal how effectively these measures achieve their intended goals — and whether further adjustments lie ahead.