Belgium’s new e-commerce law: A step toward sustainable delivery

As of September 21, 2024, Belgium is implementing a groundbreaking e-commerce regulation that mandates all online retailers delivering goods to customers in Belgium to offer at least two different delivery options.

This law is more than just a regulation; it's a significant push towards sustainable logistics and a greener future. With a focus on reducing the carbon footprint of e-commerce deliveries, this new law will reshape how online sales operate in Belgium, requiring businesses to adapt to more eco-friendly practices. 

The purpose behind Belgium's new law

The new Belgian e-commerce law is designed with sustainability in mind. By requiring at least two delivery options in an online’s shop checkout, the law encourages businesses to offer alternatives to traditional home delivery, which often involves complex and carbon-intensive logistics. This shift aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in the logistics and supply chain sectors. For e-commerce businesses operating in Belgium, understanding and adapting to these regulations is crucial not just for compliance, but for contributing to a sustainable future. 

Exploring sustainable delivery options

Sustainable delivery options are at the heart of the new law. One of the most effective ways to reduce the environmental impact of deliveries is through the use of parcel lockers and pick-up points, often referred to as Pick-Up and Drop-Off (PUDO) locations. These alternatives to home delivery reduce the number of delivery attempts, streamline delivery routes, and ultimately lower carbon emissions.

Companies like Seven Senders are at the forefront of providing these sustainable solutions in Belgium. By offering PUDO options in Belgium through carriers like BPost, PostNL, and Mondial Relay, Seven Senders ensures that businesses can comply with the new law while also enhancing the customer experience. These PUDO options not only align with the legal requirements but also cater to the growing consumer demand for flexible and eco-friendly delivery methods.

The rise of parcel lockers and pick-up points

Parcel lockers and pick-up points are becoming increasingly popular in Belgium, driven by both consumer preference and regulatory changes. These options allow customers to collect their packages at their convenience, reducing the need for repeated delivery attempts and minimizing environmental impact. For businesses, this means lower delivery costs and a smaller carbon footprint, contributing to a more sustainable logistics network.

In Belgium, Seven Senders offers robust PUDO solutions that cater to the diverse needs of e-commerce customers. The network includes over 3,245 BPost locations, 1,350 PostNL points, and 1,500 Mondial Relay points, ensuring broad coverage and convenience for consumers across the country. These PUDO options are not just about compliance; they are about offering a superior customer experience that is both flexible and environmentally friendly.

Belgian e-commerce: A growing market with unique challenges

Belgium’s e-commerce market has been growing steadily, with 75% of consumers shopping online in 2022. This trend is expected to continue, with nine out of ten Belgians aged 18 to 70 having made at least one online purchase in 2023. However, Belgian consumers are known for their loyalty to familiar online stores, making it challenging for new entrants to capture market share.

To succeed in this market, e-commerce businesses must not only offer competitive prices and products but also provide a seamless and sustainable shopping experience. The new e-commerce law further emphasizes the need for businesses to offer flexible and environmentally responsible delivery options. By integrating solutions like Seven Senders’ PUDO Locator, businesses can meet these expectations and build stronger relationships with their customers.

Adapting to the new law: What it means for e-commerce businesses

The new Belgian law requires that businesses provide at least two delivery options to their customers. The common interpretation of this regulation is that these options should include both home delivery and a PUDO solution. Failure to comply with this requirement could render the contract between the e-seller and the consumer legally non-binding, which could have serious implications for businesses.

Seven Senders offers a comprehensive solution that not only ensures compliance with the new law but also enhances the overall customer experience. Seven Senders’ PUDO Locator can be easily integrated into the customer checkout process, allowing the consumer to select the most convenient pick-up location or, alternatively, enabling the system to automatically choose the nearest PUDO point. This dual approach offers flexibility in enhancing user experience while simplifying the delivery process, making it a win-win for both businesses and consumers.

Embracing a greener future

The introduction of the 2024 Belgian e-commerce law marks a significant step towards a more sustainable future for the logistics industry. By requiring multiple delivery options, the law encourages businesses to adopt greener practices that reduce the carbon footprint of their operations.

For businesses operating in Belgium, now is the time to embrace these changes and explore the sustainable delivery solutions offered by companies like Seven Senders. By doing so, they can not only comply with the new regulations but also contribute to a more sustainable future for everyone. As the e-commerce market in Belgium continues to grow, the businesses that prioritize sustainability will be the ones that thrive in this new, eco-conscious era.