Belgium’s July 1 Overhaul: Flexi-Jobs, Package Tax, and Higher Fines

A sweeping wave of new regulations took effect across Belgium on July 1, 2026, touching nearly every aspect of daily life. From the expansion of tax-friendly flexi-jobs to virtually all economic sectors, to a new €3 levy on parcels from outside the European Union, a 10% increase in traffic fines, and the end of onboard ticket sales by national rail operator NMBS, the changes affect workers, consumers, drivers, and commuters nationwide.

Flexi-Jobs Expand to All Sectors

The most significant labor market reform is the expansion of flexi-jobs to virtually all sectors of the Belgian economy, both private and public. Previously limited to hospitality, retail, and care, the system now allows employees working at least 80% of full-time hours, as well as pensioners, to take a second job earning up to €18,440 per year tax-free, with employers paying a 28% social security contribution.

According to VRT NWS, the system was introduced in 2015 for the hospitality sector and gradually expanded over the following decade. The July 2026 expansion represents the most significant broadening yet, adopting a “reverse logic” approach where flexi-jobs are permitted unless a sector specifically opts out through its joint committee. New opt-outs can take effect no earlier than October 1, 2026. Certain protected professions and specific care roles remain excluded.

€3 Package Tax on Non-EU Parcels

Online shoppers face new costs as a temporary €3 levy takes effect on parcels valued under €150 arriving from outside the European Union. The measure, running from July 1, 2026 to July 1, 2028, is designed to discourage cheap imports, combat unfair competition, and reduce fraud. In 2024, 91% of the 4.6 billion parcels entering the EU came from China, according to Test-Aankoop.

The levy applies per product category — a parcel containing items from multiple categories incurs €3 per category. The Belgian finance ministry (FOD Financiën) expects that in 95% of cases, web shops will automatically include the cost.

Bart Buysse, CEO of the Belgian business federation UNIZO, welcomed the measure but warned about enforcement. “We’re satisfied with this package tax because it finally makes cheap parcels from outside the EU less free,” Buysse said in a press release. “Today, Belgian SMEs have to compete against web shops that bring dirt-cheap products to our market, often without the same costs, checks, or responsibilities. This €3 won’t change the world, but it is a clear signal.”

Traffic Fines Rise 10%, Mandatory 12-Hour Alcohol Ban

All fixed-penalty traffic fines increased by 10% on July 1 — the first adjustment since 2017. A minor speeding fine in a built-up area rises from €68 to €74, using a phone while driving goes from €184 to €201, and drink-driving fines increase proportionally, as reported by HLN.

In a significant toughening of enforcement, any driver testing positive for alcohol now receives an automatic 12-hour driving ban, replacing the previous range of 2 to 12 hours. The Federal Public Service for Mobility described the measure as “a powerful signal that the deadly combination of driving and alcohol is no longer tolerated by our society.”

NMBS Ends Onboard Ticket Sales

Train passengers can no longer purchase tickets on board. The previous €9 surcharge for buying from a conductor has been eliminated, but traveling without a valid ticket now risks a fine of up to €500. NMBS stated that “every passenger must have a valid ticket in their possession before boarding and be able to show it during an inspection.” Regularization options remain for passengers who forget their pass or encounter broken ticket machines at unstaffed stations.

Other Notable Changes

Several additional measures took effect on July 1:

• Self-employed maternity leave extended from 12 to 15 weeks, matching employee entitlements.
• Caregiver leave doubled from 3 to 6 months per care-dependent person, with flexible scheduling options.
• Energy costs rose for approximately 500,000 households on social tariffs, with natural gas up 15% and electricity up 1.4%.
• Brussels LEZ enforcement began for Euro 5 diesel and Euro 2 petrol vehicles, with €350 fines for approximately 13,000 vehicles.
• De Lijn (Flemish public transport) implemented changes to roughly one-third of all bus and tram lines, with over 40 lines cut.
• Video consultations became available for physiotherapists and midwives.
• A fourth group of approximately 43,000 long-term unemployed lost their benefits.

Analysis and Outlook

The July 1 changes reflect a government balancing act: expanding labor market flexibility through flexi-jobs while tightening enforcement on roads and public transport. The €3 package tax represents Belgium’s front-line role in EU customs enforcement — with 1.3 billion parcels entering through Liège airport alone each year. UNIZO has warned that Belgium risks being left with the bill for enforcement if its share of EU customs revenue drops from 25% to 10% in the upcoming EU budget negotiations.

With sector opt-outs for flexi-jobs possible from October and the package tax set to run until mid-2028 pending structural EU customs reform, the full impact of these changes will unfold over the coming months.