Belgium’s July 1 Overhaul: Higher Fines, Parcel Tax, and Expanded Flexi-Jobs
A sweeping wave of new regulations takes effect across Belgium on July 1, 2026, touching nearly every aspect of daily life — from the cost of household cleaning help and online shopping to traffic fines, train travel, and employment rules. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of what changes and how it affects your wallet.
New Parcel Tax Hits Non-EU Online Shopping
One of the most significant changes is the introduction of a temporary flat-rate tax of €3 on small parcels entering the European Union from outside the bloc, for goods valued under €150. As RTBF reports, the tax is applied per tariff code, not per parcel. A single package containing eight different items could incur €24 in taxes.
“Sometimes the value of the tax will be higher than the value of the parcel,” warned Jamil Soltani, head of customs at Liège Airport, which processes 5.05 million e-commerce declarations daily — a 67% increase from 2025. Customs Director General Kristian Vanderwaeren noted that 40% of parcels are found to be non-compliant, adding: “We are witnessing a massive importation of goods ordered online, hence this desire to make the playing field more equitable.”
The measure, agreed by EU finance ministers in December 2025, is transitional until 2028 when permanent EU-level measures are expected. It primarily affects purchases from platforms like Temu and Shein.
Service Vouchers More Expensive in Wallonia
Walloon households will pay more for service vouchers (titres-services), which rise from €10.20 to €10.60 per unit. According to the Walloon government’s service voucher portal, heavy users face tiered pricing: €11.60 beyond 175 vouchers and €12.60 beyond 400 vouchers per year. Vouchers purchased before July 1 remain valid for eight months.
Traffic Fines Increase by 10%
All immediate traffic fine (perception immédiate) amounts rise by 10% — the first adjustment since 2017. As the SPF Mobilité et Transports confirmed, the new rates are: €64 for first-degree infractions (seatbelt, minor speeding), €128 for second-degree (running a stop sign), €191 for third-degree (phone at the wheel, red light), and €520 for fourth-degree (most serious offenses). Alcohol-related fines range from €116 to €636 depending on intoxication level. Proceeds go to the Road Safety Fund.
Flexi-Jobs Expand to All Sectors
Perhaps the most consequential labor market change: flexi-jobs — tax-advantaged supplementary work — are extended to all economic sectors, both private and public. As VRT NWS reports, over 250,000 Belgians now work as flexi-jobbers, with an average monthly supplement of €446 and an average hourly wage of €15.86.
Key changes include: full-time employees can now flexi-job at a “linked enterprise” of their main employer; pensioners can start flexi-working immediately after retirement; and temporary workers can simultaneously be flexi-jobbers (but not at the same employer). Sectors retain the option to opt out via their joint committee.
The expansion has drawn sharp criticism from unions. “Different types of workers for the same work is not only unjust, the government is also breaking our entire welfare system,” said Ann Vermorgen, chair of the ACV trade union.
Train Tickets Must Be Purchased Before Boarding
From July 1, all train passengers must have a valid ticket before boarding. The SNCB/NMBS is ending on-board ticket sales to better combat fraud and ensure the safety of train attendants.
Maternity Leave Extended for Self-Employed Women
Self-employed women will see their maternity leave extended from 12 to 15 weeks, matching the duration available to salaried employees. Women can also exchange service vouchers for additional leave weeks.
Social Gas Tariff Rises 15%
The social tariff for gas increases by 15% for the third quarter of 2026, set at a maximum of 5.458 euro cents per kWh (incl. VAT). Social electricity tariffs rise by an average of 1.4%, according to energy regulator CREG.
Other Changes Taking Effect
Additional measures include: a new television content rating system in the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles with six age categories and content descriptors; a federal plan providing more flexible leave and better recognition for informal caregivers; and the fourth wave of unemployment benefit exclusions under the Arizona government’s reform limiting benefits to 24 months.
What This Means for Belgians
Taken together, these changes represent one of the most significant single-day regulatory overhauls in recent Belgian history. While some measures aim to protect consumers and fair competition — such as the parcel tax targeting non-EU e-commerce — others directly increase household costs, from service vouchers to energy bills and traffic fines. The expansion of flexi-jobs marks a major liberalization of the labor market, but its long-term impact on social security and regular employment remains a subject of heated debate.
Belgians are advised to review their budgets and familiarize themselves with the new rules as they take effect on July 1.