The Brussels-Capital Region imposes strict controls on oil tanks. Certinergie, an accredited body by Brussels Environment, carries out your periodic inspections, leak tests and compliance works according to the decree of 1 February 2018.
In Brussels, obligations vary according to the volume of the depot and the type of installation (underground or above-ground). Section 88-3 of the classified installations list defines these thresholds.
Competent authority : None
Competent authority : Municipality
Competent authority : Municipality or Brussels Environment
Not all tanks sold in Belgium meet Brussels obligations! Make sure you are well informed before any installation. If your tank is located in a building with other classified installations (boilers, car parks…), a single environmental permit covers the entire installation, tank included.
The Brussels regulations impose specific safety measures according to the type of tank, to prevent leaks and protect the environment.
The inspection frequency depends on the type of tank (underground or above-ground) and its compliance with mandatory equipment.
NOT equipped (overfill, vent, double wall/detection)
NOT equipped (overfill, vent, double wall/detection)
COMPLIANT (all equipment)
COMPLIANT (all equipment)
NOT equipped (overfill, vent, double wall/detection)
COMPLIANT (all equipment)
Inspections must be carried out by a storage installation expert accredited by Brussels Environment. For metal underground tanks, the first periodic inspection includes a soil corrosivity control by a cathodic protection expert.
The expert provides a copy of the report to the competent authority (municipality or Brussels Environment) within 30 days of the inspection.
After each inspection, the expert places a coloured badge on the filling pipe near the opening. This badge indicates the compliance status of your installation.
Installation compliant
The installation is in order. You simply keep the report in your register.
REQUIRED ACTIONS :
Non-conformities without pollution
Non-conformities have been detected but no soil pollution was found.
REQUIRED ACTIONS :
Soil pollution detected
Soil pollution has been detected. Immediate measures are mandatory.
REQUIRED ACTIONS :
If pollution is discovered, you must report it to Brussels Environment via the official form and have a soil investigation (RBO) carried out in accordance with the ordinance of 5 March 2009 on the management of contaminated soils.
The generated waste (sludge, wastewater) must be removed by an approved collector of hazardous waste in the Brussels-Capital Region.
The decommissioning of a classified tank follows a strict procedure to prevent any pollution risk. These guidelines are also recommended for a non-classified tank.
Send a registered letter to the competent authority with the date and description of the planned works.
Have the tank emptied and degassed by a specialised company.
Have the tank cleaned. The waste from emptying and cleaning is hazardous waste.
Have the waste removed by an approved collector in the Brussels-Capital Region. Keep traceability documents.
After the soil investigation results you may have the tank removed or leave it in place if the following conditions are met:
Mandatory by law for depots larger than 10,000 litres (within 6 months after cessation of the risk activity).
Only mandatory upon pollution for depots ≤ 10,000 litres (if pollution is discovered during works or following an incident).
You must keep an up-to-date register containing all documents relating to your tank. This register must be kept on site and presented during any inspection.
During an inspection
The supervisory officer may request to consult your register at any time. All documents must be dated and signed with the name of the company and the intervening natural person.
Hazardous waste
Hazardous waste traceability documents (code 16 07 08*) must be kept for at least 5 years. These documents prove compliant processing of sludge, residues and wastewater.
Transparent prices, official report and compliance badge included. SPW-approved technician.
Visible tank, above ground level (cellar, garage, outdoors)
Price with online ordering & payment
Buried tank with specific detection equipment
Price with online ordering & payment
The prices shown already include discounts for online ordering and online payment.
Find here the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Brussels regulations on heating oil tanks.
Does my above-ground tank of less than 3,000 litres need to be inspected in Brussels?
No, an above-ground tank of less than 3,000 litres is not classified in Brussels and requires no declaration or environmental permit. It is nevertheless advisable to take precautions: overfill protection, absorbent product nearby and regular level checks.
Which authority do I need to contact for my tank?
For Class 3 (up to 10,000 L above-ground or underground) and Class 2 (10,000 to 50,000 L): contact your municipality. For Class 1B (more than 50,000 L): contact Brussels Environment. If your tank is covered by an existing environmental permit, the issuing authority is competent.
How often do periodic inspections take place in Brussels?
For a compliant tank: every 3 years for underground, every 5 years for above-ground. For a non-compliant tank: annual inspection mandatory until compliance is achieved. Tanks ≤10,000 L without double wall/detection after 27/08/2023 must be inspected annually.
What do the green, orange and red badges mean?
Green: installation compliant, filling allowed. Orange: non-conformities without pollution, repairs within 6 months, report to authority within 8 days. Red: soil pollution detected, filling FORBIDDEN, immediate emptying and cleaning, soil investigation mandatory.
What is the soil investigation (RBO)?
The RBO is an investigation carried out by an accredited soil pollution expert, in accordance with the ordinance of 5 March 2009. Mandatory for depots >10,000 L at decommissioning (within 6 months), and for depots ≤10,000 L only upon discovery of pollution or incident.
Can I leave my underground tank in place when decommissioning?
Yes, under conditions: the tank must not hinder future remediation treatment or soil pollution control, the filling system must be decommissioned, and the tank must be filled with sand or inert material (concrete, mortar…). The use of foam is prohibited unless specifically authorised by Brussels Environment.
What equipment is mandatory for an underground tank in Brussels?
Double wall or secondary containment with permanent leak detection system, overfill protection (shut-off at 98%), vent pipe to open air, and for metal tanks: cathodic protection if the soil control requires it (resistance <5,000 ohm.cm, pH <5, or stray currents).
What to do in case of a leak or oil overflow?
Spread absorbent product on the stain, alert the fire brigade (112) if there is a danger to health or the environment, report the pollution to Brussels Environment via the official form and have the waste removed by an approved collector. If you operate the tank, also notify the municipality and the Brussels Environment Inspectorate.
Certinergie carries out your periodic inspections, leak tests and compliance works in the 19 Brussels municipalities. Report transmitted to the competent authority within legal deadlines.
Appointment within 48h • Same-day report • All 19 Brussels municipalities