The Walloon Region imposes strict controls for heating oil tanks of 3,000 litres and more. Mandatory declaration, periodic tightness tests, compliance badge… Certinergie guides you through all your obligations.
The Walloon Government Decree of 17 July 2003 precisely defines the installations subject to integral conditions for the storage of flammable liquids.
Recommendation : Apply the same best practices as for tanks of 3,000 L and more.
Certinergie carries out these inspections
Contact us for a personalised study.
Every heating oil storage with a capacity ≥ 3,000 litres must be declared under the Environmental Permit (Class 3 establishment).
The procedure takes only a few minutes. Once declared, your installation is registered in the register of article 10 of the decree of 11 March 1999.
The declaration may need renewal in case of modification or expiry of validity.
Certinergie can guide you through this step. After the inspection, we can help you prepare your declaration file.
The frequency of tightness tests depends on the tank type, age and safety equipment. Here is the overview according to the AWG of 17 July 2003.
Walls visible
At least one wall not visible
Existing installation without drip tray
With leak detection alarm
Known age 10 to 20 years
Known age 21 to 30 years
Over 30 years or age unknown
Single-walled without alarm
The frequency is calculated from the tank purchase date or from the last inspection carried out.
In water catchment protection zones, double protection is mandatory from 1,000 litres for underground tanks.
After the inspection, the approved technician affixes a visible badge on the fill pipe, sealed with a lead seal. The badge indicates the compliance status.
Compliant
The tank, pipes and accessories are tight and meet all integral conditions.
To be corrected
Tank and pipes are tight but repairs are needed on the safety devices.
Not tight
The tank, pipes or accessories are not tight.
Mandatory for all tanks of 3,000 litres and more installed after 29 November 2003. This system guarantees that a leak is captured before it reaches the environment.
Tank with two walls and an interstitial space equipped with a leak detection system.
Tank placed in a drip tray that is impermeable to hydrocarbons.
Single-walled tank equipped with an equivalent approved protection system.
Tanks installed before 29 November 2003 (existing installations) are not subject to the double protection obligation, under certain conditions:
No longer using your heating oil tank? Walloon regulations impose a strict decommissioning procedure to avoid any environmental risk.
The operator must make available to the supervisory officer:
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.
Everything you need to know about Walloon regulations.
My tank is smaller than 3,000 litres. Does it need to be inspected?
No, Walloon regulations do not apply to tanks under 3,000 litres, except in water catchment protection zones (from 1,000 litres). However, Wallonia strongly recommends applying the same best practices to avoid any pollution risk.
How do I know if my tank is double-walled or single-walled?
A double-walled tank has a space between two walls and is equipped with a leak detection system with visual and audible alarm. If you do not have this system, your tank is probably single-walled. If in doubt, our technician can confirm this on site.
What happens if I do not have my tank inspected?
Without a valid green badge, the oil supplier may refuse to fill your tank. In addition, you risk sanctions if checked by the Walloon Public Service. In the event of a leak, your civil and criminal liability may be engaged.
Is the inspection mandatory for a property sale?
Yes, if the property is equipped with a heating oil tank of 3,000 litres or more, a recent inspection with a green badge is generally required by the notary. It guarantees the buyer that the installation is compliant.
How do I know the age of my tank?
The age is indicated on the tank’s identification plate (number and year of manufacture). If this plate is missing or illegible, the technician will consider the age as unknown, which implies an inspection every 3 years.
Do I need to empty my tank before the inspection?
No, the tank does not need to be empty. Our technicians are equipped to carry out tightness tests (ultrasonic or vacuum) with the oil present. Just ensure that access points (gauge, cap, fill opening) are accessible.
What is a water catchment protection zone?
It is a delineated area around drinking water extraction points where stricter rules apply to protect groundwater. In Wallonia, double protection is mandatory from 1,000 litres for underground tanks. You can check this on the Walloon geoportal.
My tank has an orange badge. What should I do?
An orange badge means your tank is tight but shows non-compliances (e.g. defective overflow guard). You have a maximum of 6 months to carry out the necessary repairs. After that, you must have the inspection redone to obtain a green badge.
Certinergie carries out the inspection of your heating oil tank in Wallonia, provides you with the official badge and the compliance certificate on the same day.
Certinergie – Approved inspection body in Wallonia