Environmental permits for Brussels-based retailers

Are you opening a (retail) business in Brussels and wondering if you need an environmental permit? This is an important consideration, as this document is legally required for certain activities: bakeries, butcher shops, nightclubs, theatres, and more. Let's explore how to determine if your business needs an environmental permit and the steps to acquire one. 

What is an environmental permit?

An environmental permit is a mandatory authorisation for activities that may impact the environment, public health, or the safety of residents and visitors. It ensures that your business complies with pollution, noise, emissions, and waste management regulations.
Applications for this permit must be submitted to Brussels Environment or your local municipality.

Which activities require an environmental permit?

Here are some examples of activities that typically require an environmental permit:

• Food services: bakeries, butcher shops, restaurants with smoke extraction systems,...
• Retail and hospitality: supermarkets, hotels with technical installations (e.g., boilers, refrigeration units),...
• Entertainment and culture: nightclubs, theatres,...
• Industry and craftsmanship: printing businesses, garages, mechanical workshops,...

When do you need to apply for an environmental permit?

In most cases, you will need an environmental permit, even if you believe your activities, machinery, or products don’t cause pollution. Read more
📍 Check if your activity is covered by consulting the full list of installations requiring an environmental permit or the list of relevant sectors.

Important considerations before signing a lease :

🚨 Attention! An environmental permit is valid for 15 years; after that, it must be renewed. If the permit was issued to a previous operator or if you change the premises, it must be updated or renewed. 

Before signing a commercial lease, make sure to:

• Verify whether there is a valid permit for the address in question.
• Check the permit’s expiration date and renewal options. 
• 📍 Consider adding a suspensive clause to the lease in case the environmental permit cannot be obtained!

How to obtain an environmental permit

In general, you only need to submit one application or one declaration. The class of the permit depends on the level of risk associated with your activity or installations:

• Permit (Class 1A, 1B, 1D, 2): Required for installations with moderate to high environmental impact.
• Declaration (Class 1C, 3): For activities with low environmental impact.

The procedure :

• Identify the class of your installation.
• Submit your application to Brussels Environment or the municipality where your business will be located.
• Adhere to processing times (these vary depending on the class of the permit).
• Receive your permit and ensure compliance with its associated obligations.

Who can help?

Support from hub.brussels

The urban planning and environment team at hub.brussels offers free and confidential support to help you:

• Determine whether your installations are classified and require an environmental permit;
• Assess whether your application needs a soil study or energy audit;
• Ensure you’re using appropriate channels for waste disposal;
• Put together a complete application file with all required annexes;
• Clarify administrative decisions or feedback from authorities after inspections.

📧 Contact: permit@hub.brussels

Brussels Environment and your local municipality

Your municipality or Brussels Environment can also provide information about existing permits for a specific location.

📍 Consult the practical guide to environmental permits, available online..