From 31 March 2024, a new article of law makes it mandatory for online businesses to offer their B2C customers at least two options for the delivery of their goods. It is therefore no longer sufficient to offer, for instance, home delivery as the only option.

The new law offers you, as a company, an excellent opportunity to contribute to the goal of sustainability and customer satisfaction. How? By offering (if you don't already do so) various delivery options (at least two), some of which may be more sustainable or more convenient for your customer. Did you know that delivering your orders to a bpost collection point or parcel dispenser reduces the CO2 emissions of your shipments by an average of 30%? Another positive argument for customers to choose your online shop.

New article of law

The new Artikel VI.45/2 in the Economic Code leaves no doubt: online shops offering only one delivery method, such as home delivery, have been in violation of the law since 31 March 2024.

It states: “Without prejudice to the other obligations imposed by this section, before the consumer is bound by a distance contract, the company shall offer the consumer at least two different delivery methods for the goods it offers for sale.”

The law applies to all deliveries to consumers on Belgian territory and therefore also to foreign web shops operating in Belgium. Those who fail to comply with this rule risk a fine of up to €10,000 or 4% of turnover in the last full financial year.

Two delivery methods

Note: it is not sufficient to partner with two parcel services, each of which provides home deliveries. Though doing so would offer consumers a choice of logistics parties, it would still only offer a single delivery method.

Some delivery methods, at a glance:

• delivery to a (home) address
• delivery to a collection point
• delivery to an automatic parcel machine
• click & collect at the point of sale
• ...

Exceptions

The law does, however, allow some exceptions. B2B orders are not covered by the new law. Web shops that have been in business for less than three years do not (yet) have to comply. Online shops with on-site collections as their only option, which may, for instance, be the case with local food producers, are also exempt.

Brands unable to comply with the law for any other reason must argue their case based on objective information. Consider a seller of expensive jewellery, for whom in-store delivery may be the safest procedure.

Promote a greener check-out

Online shops are free to choose which two (or more) delivery methods to offer on their shipping platform. But the new law is above all an opportunity to go full steam for sustainability. With the right selection of delivery options, online businesses can take both the customer experience and the sustainability content of their operations to the next level.

And why wouldn't a responsible web shop promote the most sustainable approach? The fact that parcel vending machines are not only accessible 24/7 but also, like collection points, reduce CO2 emissions by 30% on average, can be proudly mentioned on the check-out screen. Jointly making green choices, that's what it's all about.

Discover our 4 delivery methods >