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Heating oil tank inspection in Brussels

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.

From €185 incl. VAT
  • Accredited storage installation expert
  • Inspection of underground and above-ground tanks
  • Green/orange/red badge system
  • Report transmitted to competent authority
Order an inspection See the obligations
Fuel Oil Tank Inspection in Brussels | Certified by Brussels Environment

Approved by
Brussels Environnement

Brussels Classification

What obligations for your tank?

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.

Not classified
Less than 3,000 litres (above-ground) No declaration or permit required
  • Above-ground tank only
  • No administrative obligation
  • Precautionary measures recommended
  • Overfill protection advised

Competent authority : None

Class 3

3,000 to 10,000 litres Mandatory declaration to the municipality

  • Underground tank: up to 10,000 L
  • Above-ground tank: 3,000 to 10,000 L
  • Prior declaration required
  • Periodic inspections mandatory

Competent authority : Municipality

Class 2 or 1B

More than 10,000 litres Environmental permit mandatory

  • 10,000 to 50,000 L: Class 2 (municipality)
  • More than 50,000 L: Class 1B
  • Risk activity for soil
  • Enhanced obligations

Competent authority : Municipality or Brussels Environment

Attention when purchasing

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.

Mandatory equipment

Required safety equipment in Brussels

The Brussels regulations impose specific safety measures according to the type of tank, to prevent leaks and protect the environment.

Double wall or secondary containment Mandatory for all underground tanks with permanent leak detection system between both walls.
Leak detection system Liquid between walls with audible alarm at level, pressure or oil variation.
Overfill protection Automatic shut-off when the tank reaches 98% of its maximum capacity.
Vent pipe Opening to open air, outside enclosed courtyard. For tanks >10,000 L: at least 3m from any building opening.
Cathodic protection Mandatory for metal tanks if soil control shows: resistance <5,000 ohm.cm, pH <5, or stray currents.
Protection zone: It is forbidden to place an underground tank in a water catchment area (Bois de la Cambre, Lorrainedreef in the Sonian Forest).
Frequency

Frequency of periodic inspections in Brussels

The inspection frequency depends on the type of tank (underground or above-ground) and its compliance with mandatory equipment.

Underground tank

Tank > 10,000 L

NOT equipped (overfill, vent, double wall/detection)

Annual
Compliance mandatory since 27/02/2022

Tank ≤ 10,000 L

NOT equipped (overfill, vent, double wall/detection)

Annual
Compliance mandatory since 27/08/2023

Tank > 10,000 L

COMPLIANT (all equipment)

3 years
First inspection before 27/08/2021

Tank ≤ 10,000 L

COMPLIANT (all equipment)

3 years
First inspection before 27/08/2022

Above-ground tanks

Tank

NOT equipped (overfill, vent, double wall/detection)

Annual
Compliance mandatory since 27/08/2023

Tank

COMPLIANT (all equipment)

5 years
First inspection before 27/08/2024

Accredited expert mandatory

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.

Badge system

Inspection result: compliance badges

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.

Green badge

Installation compliant

The installation is in order. You simply keep the report in your register.

REQUIRED ACTIONS :

  • Tank filling allowed
  • Keep report in register
  • No submission to authority required
  • Next inspection according to normal frequency

Orange badge

Non-conformities without pollution

Non-conformities have been detected but no soil pollution was found.

REQUIRED ACTIONS :

  • Filling still temporarily allowed
  • Repairs mandatory within 6 months
  • Report to authority within 8 days
  • Decommissioning if not repaired within deadline

Red badge

Soil pollution detected

Soil pollution has been detected. Immediate measures are mandatory.

REQUIRED ACTIONS :

  • Filling FORBIDDEN immediately
  • Urgent emptying, degassing and cleaning
  • Soil investigation mandatory
  • Repair or decommissioning within 6 months

In case of soil pollution

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.

Decommissioning

Decommissioning procedure in Brussels

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.

Prior notification

Send a registered letter to the competent authority with the date and description of the planned works.

Emptying and degassing

Have the tank emptied and degassed by a specialised company.

Cleaning

Have the tank cleaned. The waste from emptying and cleaning is hazardous waste.

Waste removal

Have the waste removed by an approved collector in the Brussels-Capital Region. Keep traceability documents.

Underground tank: remove or leave in place

After the soil investigation results you may have the tank removed or leave it in place if the following conditions are met:

  • The tank does not hinder future treatment or control of soil pollution
  • The filling system is decommissioned (delivery impossible)
  • The tank is filled with sand or other inert material (cement, mortar, concrete...)
Attention: The use of foam is prohibited unless specifically authorised by Brussels Environment.

Soil investigation (RBO)

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).

The register

Documents to keep in your register

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.

Mandatory register documents

  • Copy of tank plans

    Permanent

  • Compliance certificates (manufacturer, carrier, installer)

    Permanent

  • Placement inspection reports

    Permanent

  • Periodic inspection reports (dated and signed)

    Permanent

  • Soil corrosivity control conclusions (metal tank)

    Permanent

  • Maintenance and repair certificates

    Permanent

  • Hazardous waste traceability documents

    5 years

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.

All-in price · incl. VAT · Wallonia

Heating oil tank inspection rates in Wallonia

Transparent prices, official report and compliance badge included. SPW-approved technician.

Above-ground tanks

Visible tank, above ground level (cellar, garage, outdoors)

From €185 incl. VAT

Price with online ordering & payment

  • Compliance badge included
  • Official report same day
  • SPW-approved technician
Underground tank

Buried tank with specific detection equipment

From €250 incl. VAT

Price with online ordering & payment

  • Compliance badge included
  • Official report same day
  • SPW-approved technician

Order online and get the best price

The prices shown already include discounts for online ordering and online payment.

Order my inspection 02 880 21 71

Frequently asked questions about tank inspection in Brussels

Find here the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Brussels regulations on heating oil tanks.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

Expert accredited by Brussels Environment

Have your heating oil tank inspected in Brussels

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.

Above-ground tanks€185 incl. VAT
Underground tank€250 incl. VAT
Order an inspection 02 880 21 71

Appointment within 48h • Same-day report • All 19 Brussels municipalities

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