New asbestos regulations 2026: what every employer needs to know about the new Royal Decree

Belgian asbestos legislation has undergone significant changes since December 22, 2025. The new Royal Decree (RD) of December 19, 2025, introduces stricter rules for protecting employees against asbestos. This means work for employers: from lower limit values to a revised asbestos inventory. What exactly is changing, and how does your company remain compliant?

Why has the asbestos legislation been amended?

Asbestos remains one of the biggest occupational hazards in Belgium. To better protect worker health, the federal government has transposed European Directive (EU) 2023/2668 into national law. The core of the new rules: asbestos must be removed more quickly and measurements must be much more accurate.

The five most important changes in asbestos regulations

1. Drastic reduction of the limit values

The maximum amount of asbestos fibers in the air will be gradually reduced. The current standard will be lowered to 0.01 fibers per cm³ . From December 2029, this will be reduced to 0.002 fibers per cm³ . This means that even minimal exposure requires additional safety measures.

2. Mandatory electron microscopy (from 2027)

Classical light microscopy is not powerful enough to measure the new low limits. As of December 21, 2027, the use of electron microscopy will be mandatory. This technique detects even the tiniest fibers that remain invisible to the naked eye or with older methods.

3. Removal takes priority over management

Under the old legislation, asbestos could often be "managed" by encapsulating it. The new Royal Decree now explicitly states that removal is the priority . The goal is to permanently eliminate asbestos from the work environment.

4. Digital reporting obligation

All asbestos work must now be registered digitally via the new online portal of the Federal Public Service Employment. This increases traceability and facilitates inspection by the labor inspectorate.

5. Stricter requirements for the asbestos inventory

An asbestos inventory is no longer a static document. Stricter quality requirements apply to the inventor, and the inventory must be directly linked to a concrete action plan for removal.

How can we help you? Our services

Navigating the complex Codex legislation and the new Royal Decree can be challenging. We support employers with a complete package of services to ensure they remain fully compliant:

✅ Audit and codex-compliant asbestos inventory

Does your current inventory meet the requirements of the welfare legislation? We conduct in-depth inspections and compile an inventory that not only identifies asbestos sources but also immediately complies with the new 2026 quality standards.

✅ Preparation of the management and removal plan

We translate the new regulations into a practical action plan. We advise you on disposal priorities and help you develop a budget-friendly timeline that complies with legal priority rules.

✅ Guidance with digital registrations

The new digital reporting procedure can be time-consuming. We support you with the registration of work and ensure that all administrative formalities for the Federal Public Service Employment and the Labor Inspectorate run smoothly.

✅ Project support for asbestos removal

Are you planning renovation work? We act as your expert intermediary. We screen certified asbestos removers, inspect work areas, and ensure the safety of your staff during the work.

✅ Training and awareness

Your employees and prevention advisors need to be informed. We offer in-company training on recognizing asbestos risks and the impact of the new limits on their daily work.