New “Alcohol and Tobacco Trader” licence mandatory as of 1 May 2025

Which licences are being replaced?

The new licence replaces:

• the permit “Ethyl alcohol and alcoholic beverages – Trader”;

• the professional declaration “108” – Trader in manufactured tobacco products that have already been released for consumption in Belgium (and the corresponding “109”); and

• the professional declaration “108” – Trader in raw tobacco (and the corresponding “109”).

From 1 November 2025, these old licences will no longer be valid.

Only one licence per VAT number is required, regardless of how many establishments or sales channels you operate. The licence remains valid as long as your business activity does not change.

Who is required to have it?

The licence is mandatory for anyone who:

• sells alcoholic beverages, raw tobacco and/or tobacco products (e.g. in shops, hospitality venues, online stores, at markets, through take-away or home delivery); or

• imports or purchases these products within the EU.

Both wholesalers and retailers must hold this licence.

“Tobacco products” include cigarettes, cigars, rolling tobacco, waterpipe tobacco, e-liquids, and cannabis-based products that have already been taxed and bear a fiscal stamp.

Who does not need the licence?

• Hospitality businesses where alcohol is consumed exclusively on-site (e.g. cafés, restaurants, hotels);

• Holders of a licence as a “Recognised warehouse keeper”, “Registered consignee” or “Registered consignor”, insofar as their activities fall under those permits.

Note: If a hospitality business offers take-away or home delivery (including alcoholic beverages available for take-away or delivery), the new licence is required.

How to apply for the new licence

There are several options:

• Online via MyMinfin (free of charge – log in with your eID or Itsme);

• Through an accredited business counter (a small administrative fee applies).

Paper applications via the Federal Public Service (FPS) Finance website or by email are not accepted.

The application process is straightforward, but processing may take some time. Without a valid licence, you are no longer allowed to sell alcohol or tobacco from 1 November 2025.

Increased inspections and enforcement

In recent months, the Economic Inspectorate has been carrying out a high number of inspections. Since this new measure affects a large number of businesses, it is expected that the authorities will actively monitor compliance as of November. Entrepreneurs without a valid licence risk penalties and an immediate suspension of sales activities.