From 1 July 2022, all Belgian enterprises are required to offer their individual customers (consumers) at least one electronic payment system.

This obligation applies not only to enterprises, in the common sense, but also to liberal professions and to all persons, administrations, associations, etc. which carry out economic activities in relation to consumers.

According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, “electronic means of payment” refers to payments by card via fixed or portable payment terminals, contactless payments by smartphone or smartwatch, bank transfers or direct debits.

However, this definition does not include payments by means of banknotes or coins, payments by meal vouchers, ecocheques or consumption vouchers as well as payments in crypto-currencies and other virtual currencies.

Enterprises may freely choose the technology that seems most appropriate to them but cannot charge additional costs to customers in case of electronic payment.

For more information on the subject, please contact Carole DE RUYT Carole DE RUYT

With our best regards.

The Cairn Legal team