Law on improving indoor air quality in enclosed areas open to the public

As a way of improving general wellbeing and preventing the transmission of (new) respiratory diseases, a federal law was adopted on 6 November 2022 regarding the improvement of indoor air quality in enclosed areas that are open to the public (“Air Quality Act”) (Wet van 6 november 2022 betreffende de verbetering van de binnenluchtkwaliteit in gesloten plaatsen die publiek toegankelijk zijn/Loi du 6 novembre 2022 relative à l'amélioration de la qualité de l'air intérieur dans les lieux fermés accessibles au public). 

The Air Quality Act introduces a general legal framework that lays the foundation for future legislative developments on maintaining a healthy indoor air quality. Its obligations will enter into force on respectively 10 December 2023 and 1 January 2025 and may have significant implications for the owners and operators of catering, sporting, retail or event venues.