News
The future of defence procurement: analysing the proposed amendments to European Directive 2009/81/EC
Referring to the war in Ukraine, the European Commission launched a proposal to amend Directive 2009/81/EC on public procurement in the fields of defence and security. Unlike the public procurement directives for the classical and utilities sectors, this legislation did not receive an update in 2014…
Procurement of medical devices: New measures between the EU and China
Measures imposed by the EU On 30 June 2025, several measures entered into force that were imposed by the European Commission regarding the purchase of medical equipment originating from China. The following two measures apply: Bidders must therefore ensure that goods and services of Chinese origin do not exceed 50% of the total contract value […]
Retail promotions & pricing: legal essentials for retailers | Part 7 – Gift cards: legal considerations and recommendations
This seventh part of our “Retail promotions & pricing: legal essentials for businesses” series presents best practices for issuing gift cards.
From additional fees to ‘fast lanes’: 10 upcoming changes in Flemish labour migration
On 9 May 2025, the Flemish government approved the Flemish Minister for Work’s new concept note setting out a tightened and integrated labour migration policy based on 10 core principles. The proposed measures introduce stricter and more costly procedures for employers seeking to hire third-country nationals in Flanders. At the same time, the note promises […]
Retail promotions & pricing: legal essentials for retailers | Part 6 – Coupons and vouchers: don’t forget the mandatory information
This sixth part of our “Retail promotions & pricing: legal essentials for businesses” series lists the mandatory information to be provided when issuing titles giving a right to a discount, a subsequent refund of the price or a part of the price (such as coupons, vouchers etc.).
Coupons and vouchers are commonly used by retailers to offer discounts or partial refunds on purchases. However, to ensure transparency and legal compliance, certain essential details must be included.
Retail promotions & pricing: legal essentials for retailers | Part 5 – Promotional contests: how to organise them without legal risks
This fifth part of our “Retail promotions & pricing: legal essentials for businesses” series presents best practice in joint offers.
Retailers organise numerous games and contests in-store, on their websites and on social networks. Some of the most common practices do not strictly comply with Belgian law. Even if penalties are rare, it is worth following the few rules, especially as they are not so cumbersome.
Category Captains beware!: Belgian competition authority fines Category Management of OTC medicines
On 24 April 2025, the Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) announced a landmark decision imposing fines totaling over €11.2 million on three major pharmaceutical companies for their involvement in a long-running anti-competitive arrangement concerning the placement of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines in Belgian pharmacies..
Retail promotions & pricing: legal essentials for retailers | Part 4 – “Buy One, Get One Free?” Legal do’s and don’ts of joint offers
This fourth part of our “Retail promotions & pricing: legal essentials for businesses” series presents best practice in joint offers.
Skipping indexations: myth or fact?
In its judgment of 27 February 2025,[1] the Brussels labour court ruled that an employer in the insurance sector was entitled to unilaterally terminate the company practice of indexing full gross monthly wages exceeding the highest sector-level pay scale. According to the court, the employer had served notice in time to the employees about its […]
Retail promotions & pricing: legal essentials for retailers | Part 3 – Liquidation sales: when and how to legally conduct them
This third part of our “Retail promotions & pricing: legal essentials for businesses” series outlines when a retailer can sell in liquidation and the rules that it must follow.
The Mons Labour Court’s addition of a new condition for the validity of a non-solicitation clause : the beginning of a new era?
In a recently-published judgment [1] the Mons Labour Court has shed new light on the validity of a so-called non-solicitation clause in an employment contract, i.e. a clause prohibiting an employee from soliciting or enticing away customers and/or personnel from the (former) employer. Where certain case law had already pointed out in the past that, […]
Retail promotions & pricing: legal essentials for retailers | Part 2 – Sales periods: rules, restrictions, and compliance
This second article in our “Retail promotions & pricing: legal essentials for businesses” series presents an overview of the specific rules governing sales in Belgium.