Eco Cheques soon to be issued electronically

The paper Eco Cheques – vouchers to buy green products in Belgium, often provided as part of an employee contract – will soon be replaced by an electronic version. The decision was made by the federal government after e-cards were successfully introduced to replace paper meal vouchers. A similar e-payment system is now being developed for the Eco Cheques.

Electronic Eco Cheques will be introduced from 1 January, 2016, but paper cheques will be accepted as well, for a limited time. It has not yet been announced when exactly the paper cheques will disappear for good.

There are a number of advantages to the electronic version, according to the federal government, including less chance of theft or loss, more flexibility for employees and less administration for employers. The need for secure transport of the cheques will also become a thing of the past.