Anti-fraud plan: Belgian businesses must offer Electronic payment

From 1 July, every business in Belgium must offer at least one form of electronic payment, such as payment by card or by smartphone.

The merchant is free to choose which option he offers to consumers, ranging from the classic payment terminal, through mobile applications such as Payconiq, to the option of paying by bank transfer. Cash payments should also remain possible.

The obligation applies not only in shops, for example, "but also to the liberal professions and all persons, authorities, associations ... who carry out economic activities aimed at consumers on a permanent basis", says the Federal Public Service Economy. This includes, for example, pharmacists, doctors, dentists and lawyers, but customers should also be able to pay electronically in swimming pools, libraries or cultural centres. Even non-profit associations can fall under the obligation if they "sell a product or service on a recurring basis for economic purposes".

Payments with meal vouchers, eco vouchers or consumer vouchers, or with crypto coins and other virtual currencies are not regarded as electronic means of payment.

The obligation to pay electronically is part of an anti-fraud plan of Minister of Finance Vincent Van Peteghem (CD&V).

© BELGA PHOTO THIERRY ROGE