What legal requirements to sell alcohol in Belgium?
Quick answer
In Belgium, selling alcohol requires: CBE registration, an excise number (SPF Finances), compliance with the ban on sales to minors, and a municipal permit only for spirits (> 22 % ABV).
Detailed answer
The Belgian legal framework for alcohol sales rests on several texts. Here is a complete, up-to-date summary.
CBE registration: any commercial activity in Belgium requires registration with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises and a VAT number. This is a prerequisite for any sale, including alcohol.
Excise number: any operator who buys, stores, processes, or sells alcoholic beverages must register with the Customs and Excise Administration (SPF Finances). Status depends on volume: registered operator (small volume) or authorised warehouse keeper (large volume). Excise on still wine is 74.9082 EUR/hl (2026).
Spirits permit: the sale of spirits (> 22 % ABV) falls under the law of 28 December 1983. A permit (patente) issued by the municipality is mandatory. It can be refused on public order grounds or outlet density in the area.
Minor protection: the law of 24 January 1977 (amended) prohibits selling beer and wine to under-16s and spirits to under-18s. Note: a bill currently under discussion in the federal Parliament aims to raise the minimum age to 18 for all alcoholic beverages.
Online sales: selling alcohol online is legal in Belgium, but the seller must verify the buyer's age at order (tick box confirming legal age) AND at delivery (verification by the delivery driver). The same excise obligations apply.