No, child labor under 14 is illegal in Belgium under the Code du bien-être au travail (Code on Well-being at Work), enforced by the Federaal Agentschap voor de Veiligheid van de Arbeidsplaatsen (FPS Employment, Labour and Social Dialogue). Exceptions exist only for light, non-hazardous work in family businesses or approved cultural/artistic activities, strictly regulated by the Commissie voor de Bescherming van de Arbeid (Labor Protection Committee). Violations trigger fines up to €4,000 per minor, with stricter penalties for repeat offenses.
Key Regulations for Child Labor Under 14 in Belgium
- Family Business Exemption: Minors aged 12+ may perform light tasks in family-run enterprises (e.g., farming, retail) under parental supervision, capped at 2 hours daily outside school periods. Prior approval from the Gewestelijke Arbeidsinspectie (Regional Labor Inspectorate) is mandatory.
- Cultural/Artistic Work: Participation in performances, modeling, or media requires a dérogation (derogation) from the Federale Jeugdraad (Federal Youth Council), limiting hours to 4 per day and prohibiting night work.
- Prohibited Sectors: All industrial, construction, or hazardous activities (e.g., machinery operation, chemical handling) are strictly off-limits. The 2026 Wet op de Kinderarbeid amendment expands this list to include gig economy roles like delivery services.
Non-compliance risks criminal liability for employers, with the Parket van de Arbeidsauditeur (Labor Prosecutor’s Office) prioritizing cases involving migrant or undocumented minors. The Kindergarant (Child Guarantee) initiative further tightens oversight, mandating annual audits for businesses employing minors.