Last‑Mile Delivery Regulations in Belgium (2025)

TL;DR

Belgium’s last‑mile delivery landscape is now rigorously regulated at national, regional, and city levels. Online retailers must offer two delivery methods, including one sustainable option. Cities like Brussels enforce Low‑Emission Zones (LEZ). Couriers face working-hour restrictions and tracking requirements. EU return rights and GDPR rules apply. Non-compliance can lead to fines or operational bans.

What is Belgium’s Two‑Option Delivery Law?

Quick answer: From 21 September 2024, online retailers serving Belgian consumers must offer at least two delivery options, one of which is sustainable.

This regulation was introduced into Article VI.45/2 of the Belgian Economic Code in March 2024. It targets e-commerce sellers operating in Belgium, including foreign businesses. One of the delivery options must be a sustainable method, such as a parcel locker, pick-up point, or zero-emission delivery.

The law encourages greener urban logistics by shifting customers away from home delivery when possible. Businesses can still charge differently per option. The rule exempts businesses younger than 3 years or those selling in-store only. Fines of up to €10,000 or 4% of turnover apply for non-compliance. Belgium already has over 1,000 lockers and 3,000 pick-up points, making compliance more accessible.

1. Mandated by Article VI.45/2, published March 2024.
2. Sustainable options include lockers, pickups, or bike couriers.
3. Applies to B2C sellers targeting Belgian consumers.
4. Exempts startups (<3 years) and physical-only retailers.
5. Fines: €10,000 or 4% of annual turnover.
6. Over 1,000 lockers and 3,000 pickup points exist in Belgium.

Sources: bpost.be, vandelanotte.be

What Are Low‑Emission Zones (LEZ) in Belgium?

Quick answer: Brussels, Ghent, and Antwerp restrict older diesel/petrol vehicles under LEZ rules, with fines up to €350.

LEZs are designated zones where only vehicles that meet emissions standards are permitted. Brussels bans diesel vehicles below Euro 5 and petrol below Euro 2 across all 19 municipalities. Ghent and Antwerp are phasing out diesel vehicles under Euro 5 by 2025. Petrol restrictions will follow.

Vehicles must register before entering LEZs. Non-compliant entries face fines up to €350. Starting July 2025, zero-emission trucks will receive toll-free access in Brussels and Flanders via Viapass. This incentivises fleet electrification. Enforcement is done through license plate recognition. LEZ boundaries are expanding, so courier routes and fleet planning should be audited regularly.

1. Brussels bans Euro 0–4 diesel and Euro 0–1 petrol (lez.brussels).
2. Ghent/Antwerp require Euro 5+ diesels by 2025.
3. LEZ fines range from €150–€350.
4. Pre-entry registration required for vehicles.
5. Zero-emission trucks benefit from toll exemptions (viapass.be).

Sources: tollwayr.com, 247drive.com

What Rights Do Belgian Consumers Have When Returning Online Orders?

Quick answer: Consumers may return items within 14 days, and retailers must refund within another 14 days after receipt.

The EU Consumer Rights Directive, adopted into Belgian law via Book VI of the Economic Code, guarantees a 14-day withdrawal period for online purchases. No reason needs to be provided. Retailers are obligated to issue a full refund—including standard shipping—within 14 days of receiving the returned goods.

Return shipping costs usually fall to the buyer unless otherwise stated. Retailers must clearly disclose return policies before purchase. Faulty goods must be repaired, replaced, or refunded without charge. Failure to comply can result in regulatory penalties.

1. 14-day withdrawal right guaranteed (loyensloeff.com).
2. Refund must include product and standard shipping (europa.eu).
3. Return shipping often paid by the customer.
4. Return policy must be disclosed upfront.
5. Retailers must handle faulty goods appropriately.

How Must Delivery Vehicles in Belgium Comply With Emissions and Tax Rules?

Quick answer: Electric vans are tax-exempt and free of tachograph rules; older ICE vehicles face tax phase-out by 2028.

Belgium enforces Euro 6 (vans) and Euro VI (trucks) emissions standards. Electric vans ≤ 4.25 t are exempt from tachograph use as of April 2025. Large trucks must meet EU climate targets—45% less CO₂ by 2030 and 65% by 2035.

ICE tax deductibility ends by 2028, while EVs and hydrogen vehicles are fully deductible until 2026, gradually reducing to 0% by 2031. Major carriers like bpost are transitioning their fleets to meet zero-emission goals by 2030.

1. Electric van tachograph exemption begins April 2025 (Alternative Fuels Observatory).
2. CO₂ targets: -45% by 2030 for trucks (consilium.europa.eu).
3. ICE tax breaks phased out by 2028.
4. EVs deductible 100% until 2026 (theicct.org).
5. bpost runs 1,000+ e-vans and 5,500 cargo bikes (press.bpost.be).

What GDPR Rules Apply to Last‑Mile Delivery Data in Belgium?

Quick answer: Only essential personal data can be collected for deliveries; drivers can’t be tracked during rest hours.

Delivery-related personal data—such as names, addresses, and GPS logs—must be processed under legal basis Article 6(1)(b) of the GDPR. Tracking data must only be used during work hours and cannot continue during breaks or after hours.

Marketing use of delivery data requires explicit consent. Companies must implement encryption, access restrictions, and deletion policies. Training staff and auditing delivery platforms is essential for GDPR compliance.

1. Delivery tracking data allowed under Article 6(1)(b).
2. Marketing use requires user opt-in.
3. Driver location tracking must exclude rest periods.
4. Data must be stored securely and deleted after expiry.
5. Platforms should support anonymisation and legal logging.

How Can Businesses Ensure Ongoing Compliance?

Quick answer: Regular audits, policy updates, legal support, and tech upgrades ensure your logistics stay compliant in Belgium.

Belgian and EU regulations evolve frequently, so compliance must be embedded into business operations. Conduct regular audits of fleet eligibility for LEZ zones and verify emissions ratings. Update checkout systems to offer sustainable delivery options.

GDPR compliance requires system-level changes to data access, encryption, and driver tracking. Businesses should plan vehicle upgrades, implement return logistics systems, and train staff on legal obligations. Proactive legal advice and local partnerships help businesses adapt to changes swiftly.

1. Enable two-option delivery at checkout.
2. Register vehicles and check LEZ access rules.
3. Ensure GDPR-compliant data handling.
4. Prepare reverse logistics for consumer returns.
5. Schedule legal reviews and compliance training.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do all online shops need to offer two delivery options?

A: Yes, most B2C websites must offer one sustainable delivery method from 21 September 2024 (bpost.be).

Q: What happens if my vehicle enters an LEZ illegally?

A: You may face a fine of €150–€350, depending on the city (tollwayr.com).

Q: Are electric vans taxed differently in Belgium?

A: Yes, they are tax-deductible and exempt from some EU digital regulations until at least 2026 (Alternative Fuels Observatory).

Q: Can I track drivers’ GPS continuously?

A: No—tracking is only allowed during working hours and must stop during breaks (lbase.software).

Q: What is the penalty for failing to honour consumer returns?

A: Enforcement actions can include fines and public warnings (europa.eu).

Sources

• Belgian Economic Code – Article VI.45/2 – Two-option delivery rule (2024 amendment) Source: Economie.fgov.be – Official documentation
• Parcel Delivery Law (Loi Colis, 2023) – Working hour caps and driver protections Source: Moniteur Belge (Belgian Official Gazette)
• LEZ Brussels – Rules, vehicle bans, and registration Source: lez.brussels
• LEZ Antwerp and Ghent – Vehicle categories and emissions standards Source: stad.gent, antwerpen.be
• Viapass – Toll system and 2025 emission-based updates Source: viapass.be
• FPS Mobility Belgium – Electric van tachograph exemption Source: mobilit.belgium.be
• DG Economic Inspection (FPS Economy) – Consumer rights enforcement Source: economie.fgov.be
• Statbel – National pickup point and locker stats Source: statbel.fgov.be
• EU Consumer Rights Directive – Return rights (Directive 2011/83/EU) Source: EUR-Lex
• EU Green Deal & CO₂ Standards for Trucks – (COM/2023/0451) Source: European Commission – Mobility and Transport
• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) – (EU Regulation 2016/679) Source: EDPB.europa.eu, gdpr.eu
• bpost Sustainability Report (2023–2024) Source: corporate.bpost.be
• ICCT Belgium – Green Vehicle Incentives Report Source: theicct.org
• Trends in E-commerce Delivery (BeCommerce/DPD Reports) Source: DPDgroup.com, becommerce.be
• European Alternative Fuels Observatory (EAFO) Source: eafo.eu
• Eurostat & Statista – Emissions, fleet stats, delivery habits Source: ec.europa.eu/eurostat, statista.com