Brussels shops sell out of eclipse glasses as buyers warned over online fakes
With a solar eclipse due over Europe on 12 August 2026, shops in Brussels are running short of certified eclipse glasses. Consumer-safety voices warn that many pairs sold online do not actually protect the eye and can cause permanent retinal damage.
In 30 seconds
- A solar eclipse is due over parts of Europe on 12 August 2026, with a partial eclipse visible from Belgium.
- Bruzz reported on 7 August 2026 that Brussels shops are running short of eclipse glasses amid a buying rush.
- Consumer-safety voices warn that some glasses sold online, especially on marketplaces, do not meet safety standards.
- Certified eclipse glasses should carry a CE mark and meet the ISO 12312-2 standard for direct solar viewing.
A partial solar eclipse is expected to be visible from Belgium on 12 August 2026, part of an eclipse crossing parts of Europe. Demand for protective eclipse glasses has surged in Brussels, prompting warnings — reported by the Brussels outlet Bruzz — that some glasses sold online do not meet safety standards. Certified eclipse glasses must carry a CE mark and comply with the ISO 12312-2 standard, which governs filters for looking directly at the sun.
Background
Rushes on eclipse glasses — and waves of counterfeit or substandard products on online marketplaces — have accompanied major eclipses internationally in recent years, including the widely watched 2017 and 2024 eclipses over North America, when eye-safety organisations repeatedly warned about fake filters sold online.
What to do
Buy eclipse glasses from a known optician or reputable retailer, check for a CE mark and ISO 12312-2 compliance, avoid unverified marketplace listings, discard scratched filters, and have any doubtful pair checked by an optician before use.
Impact
Regional — Brussels opticians and specialist retailers report high demand and thinning stock of certified eclipse glasses ahead of 12 August, according to Bruzz, leaving late buyers more likely to turn to online sellers where safety is harder to verify.
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- Published:
- 7 Aug 2026, 02:00
- Retrieved by ODIN:
- 7 Aug 2026
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This story was assembled from verified evidence, with its sources and reasoning recorded as it was written.