by Sean Sherwin-Smith, Post-Purchase, CX, and Sustainability Product Director
If you’re running an ecommerce business and shipping to Belgium, you need to be aware of a significant change coming your way. Starting September 21, 2024, Belgium is enforcing a new regulation that will impact how you handle deliveries. Under Article VI.45/2 of the Code of Economic Law, webshops will be required to offer at least two delivery methods, one is encouraged to be eco-friendly.
This isn’t just a minor update—it’s a major shift in how online retailers will operate in Belgium. The new rule emphasizes sustainability and customer convenience, marking a significant change in the regulatory landscape.
In this post, we’ll break down the essentials of Belgium’s new two delivery method rule, what it means for your business, and how to prepare for this regulatory shift. Let’s dive in and explore how this change will reshape your delivery strategy and what steps you need to take to stay ahead.
What Is the New Regulation?
The new Belgian law requires webshops delivering to Belgium to provide customers with at least two delivery options. One of these is encouraged to be a greener alternative to traditional home delivery, such as:
- Pick-up and drop-off (PUDO) points: Locations like retail stores, post offices, or convenience stores where customers can collect their packages.
- Automated Lockers: Secure lockers accessible 24/7 for convenient parcel retrieval
Why Is This Regulation Important?
The regulation is designed to reduce the environmental impact of ecommerce by cutting down on CO2 emissions associated with home deliveries. It supports Belgium's broader goals of promoting sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint of online shopping.
Who Is Affected?
Webshops Delivering to Belgium: Any online retailer shipping to Belgian consumers will need to comply with this new rule.
Exceptions:
- Webshops established for less than three years receive an extension for compliance.
- If your business only offers in-store pick-up, you are not required to provide an additional delivery method.
- Products that must be delivered to the home, like large items, are exempt, provided this is clearly stated on your website.
How to Prepare for Compliance
To align with the new Article VI.45/2 regulation, consider these solutions:
- Multi-carrier software: implement a system that supports diverse delivery methods and integrates with your checkout process
- Sustainable delivery solutions: partner with services that offer pick-up points and automated lockers to meet the eco-friendly delivery requirements
How nShift Can Help
We’re introducing a new and limited time offer designed to help retailers comply with the new law and improve their customer experience. New customers in Belgium will receive 25% off nShift's subscription services for six months.
This offer is not available to existing customers and cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. The offer is valid from 5 September 2024 until midnight on 31 December 2024*
For more information on the offer or to find out how nShift could help your business with its multi-carrier offering, please contact us today.
*This promotion is only available to new customers to nShift, based in Belgium and that sign a 12 month minimum term agreement by 31st Dec 2024. The discounted period is for the first 6 months, with a 25% reduction in subscriptions fees only. The discount applies only to nShift Subscription services. nShift standard terms and conditions apply. nShift reserves the right to close this promotional offer.