No, removing sand from Belgian beaches violates the 1993 Coastal Law (Wet van 20 januari 1993 tot bescherming van de kust) and the 2021 Flemish Nature Decree, which classify sand as a protected natural resource. Enforcement by the Flemish Agency for Nature and Forests (Agentschap voor Natuur en Bos) and coastal municipalities has intensified ahead of the 2026 EU Biodiversity Strategy compliance deadlines.
Key Regulations for Taking Sand from the Beach in Belgium
- Protected Status: Sand extraction is prohibited under the Coastal Law and Flemish Nature Decree, as it disrupts coastal ecosystems and dune formations critical for flood defense.
- Penalties: Violations may incur fines up to €10,000 under the Environmental Enforcement Decree (2023), with repeat offenses escalating to criminal liability under the Code of Environmental Law.
- Permit Exceptions: Only scientific or coastal management projects (e.g., dune restoration) may obtain permits from the Flemish Public Waste Agency (OVAM), subject to strict environmental impact assessments.