What changes from 1 November? Wages, healthcare, drivers’ licences, parcel surcharge and more

Higher charges for small parcels originating from outside the European Union, adjustments to professional withholding tax, changes in healthcare and new rules for burials in Wallonia — several measures came into effect from 1 November. Here is an overview of the key changes and their implications, reports RTBF/Belga.

Additional fees on small parcels from outside EU

Small purchases made from online stores located outside the European Union will now be subject to a €2 handling charge. This is in addition to the €3 customs charge introduced in July to parcels valued at less than €150. These charges may apply multiple times to a single parcel if it contains products that fall under different tariff categories.

Although the new legislation stipulates that these fees must be paid by the platforms, sellers or their intermediaries, the additional cost can be passed on to consumers at the time of ordering. However, postal services and delivery companies cannot demand payment from buyers following the purchase. The purpose of this new charge is to fund a new customs authority following the sharp rise in online commerce from non-EU countries, notably via Chinese platforms such as Shein and Temu.

Adjustments to professional withholding tax

Professional withholding tax is the advance income tax deducted monthly from wages. The new adjustments are designed to account for the personal income tax reform of July 2026. Consequently, your net salary may be adjusted upward or downward, depending on factors such as income, household composition and dependents.

At this stage, it is not possible to identify specific categories of workers who will consistently gain or lose. That’s why the Federal Public Service (FPS) Finance recommends using its professional withholding tax simulator, available on Fisconetplus and updated to reflect the new provisions. Pensions and some unemployment benefits with a company supplement are not affected by these adjustments.

Confiscation becomes standard procedure for driving a vehicle under a driving ban

Driving a vehicle while subject to a driving ban may now lead to the confiscation of that vehicle. When all the legal conditions are met, confiscation becomes the rule rather than a sanction dependent on the judge’s discretion. However, the magistrate retains the option not to order confiscation, provided that the decision is explicitly justified.

Once confiscated, the vehicle becomes the property of the state and will be sold at a public auction, with the proceeds going to the public treasury.

Introduction of a patient co-payment for midwifery services

Midwives may now request a financial contribution (co-payment) from patients for certain reimbursed services. This remains optional; each healthcare provider may choose to charge the full authorised amount, a portion of it or nothing at all. For prenatal and postnatal care —excluding the first five days following childbirth — the co-payment will be €4.25, or €1 for those eligible for the “increased intervention” (a higher level of social security reimbursement).

During the first five days after birth, the co-payment will be €2.50 euros, or €0.50 for those eligible for the increased intervention. Injections, labour monitoring and the delivery itself remain exempt. Any amounts paid will be factored into the calculation of the “maximum billing limit” (the cap on out-of-pocket expenses). This contribution will fund an increase in midwives' professional fees: 9.13% for standard consultations and 7.13% for care provided immediately after birth.

Adjustment to infant vaccination schedule in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation

The number of doses for the hexavalent (6-in-1) vaccine will be reduced from four to three, and the final dose of the pneumococcal vaccine will be postponed.

Following advice from the Superior Health Council (SHC), the hexavalent vaccine will now be administered at two, four, and 12 months of age. Furthermore, the final dose of the PCV13 pneumococcal vaccine will be moved from 12 to 15 months. This change is intended to improve the child's comfort by avoiding the need for three injections at the same time.

New measures regarding funerals and cemetery management in Wallonia

Coffins must now be appropriate for their intended use and be made of solid wood or biodegradable materials, with the aim of being environmentally responsible.

The option of being buried with a deceased pet is also planned. For hygiene reasons and sometimes due to space constraints, the pet must have been cremated.

Finally, burial in a soft-sided coffin will be permitted, but only in the ground; not in a grave.

Photo: ©Bpost