No. Selling homemade lemonade in Belgium triggers VAT obligations, hygiene standards, and local permits. The FPS Economy enforces strict food safety rules, while municipalities require business registrations for any commercial activity, even temporary ones. Recent 2026 draft amendments may exempt micro-sellers under €5,000 annual turnover, but current law mandates compliance.
Key Regulations for Lemonade Stands in Belgium
- VAT Registration: Any revenue-generating activity exceeding €25,000 annually (2024 threshold) requires VAT registration with the FPS Finance. Below this, voluntary registration is permitted but not mandatory.
- Hygiene & Food Safety: Compliance with Royal Decree of 14 November 2003 on food hygiene applies. Lemonade must be prepared in a licensed kitchen, with potable water sources and proper waste disposal. Street vendors face additional scrutiny from municipal health inspectors.
- Local Permits: Municipalities (e.g., Brussels-Capital Region, Flanders) regulate temporary commercial activities via police permits or market licenses. Unauthorized sales risk fines up to €4,000 under the Code of Economic Law. Some cities, like Antwerp, ban unsanctioned stands entirely.
Non-compliance exposes operators to penalties, including confiscation of goods and legal action. Parents enabling underage sellers may also face liability under child labor regulations. Consult the FPS Economy’s 2025 compliance checklist for updates.