🧲 Can I search with a metal detector?

With conditions

Quick answer

Searching for archaeological objects with a metal detector is strictly regulated per region — you always need the landowner's consent, and usually a recognition or authorization too. In Flanders (Immovable Heritage Decree) you must first apply for a free recognition as a metal-detectorist from the Agency for Immovable Heritage: 18+, a certificate of good conduct, maximum 30 cm deep and daytime only, not on protected archaeological sites, and you must report every find via the online tool. In Wallonia (Heritage Code) detecting is forbidden without an AWaP authorization (€40 per year, 18+, mandatory info session, every outing announced at least 3 working days in advance, every archaeological find declared within 15 days). In Brussels, archaeological detecting is forbidden without authorization. A genuine treasure found by pure chance is split 50/50 with the owner (art. 716 old Civil Code, now Book 3), but deliberately detected finds are not treasure. Without recognition you may do non-archaeological searching (lost phone, pipe).

📋 The rules

Flanders: free recognition from Immovable Heritage (18+, good conduct); max 30 cm, daytime only
Flanders: not on protected archaeological sites; report every find via the online module
Wallonia: AWaP authorization required (€40/year), outing 3 working days ahead, find within 15 days
Brussels: archaeological detecting is forbidden without authorization
Always the landowner's consent; finds belong to the owner unless otherwise agreed
A Flemish recognition is not valid in Wallonia or Brussels; refill your holes, take litter home

🔓 Exceptions

For non-archaeological searching (lost object, cable, pipe), no recognition is required
A genuine treasure found by chance is split 50/50 with the landowner (art. 716 old Civil Code / Book 3)

⚠️ Penalties & fines

Searching without the required recognition or authorization, deeper than allowed or on a protected site is a heritage offence: in Flanders criminally prosecutable, in Wallonia with withdrawal of the authorization plus administrative or criminal fines. If you find munitions or a suspicious object, alert the police immediately and do not dig it up. Taking objects without reporting the find can be treated as receiving stolen goods or theft.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-06-20

❓ Frequently asked

Do I need a permit for a metal detector?

For archaeological searching, yes. In Flanders you apply for a free recognition from Immovable Heritage; in Wallonia an AWaP authorization of €40 per year. In Brussels it is forbidden without authorization. For a lost object on your own land, nothing is required.

How deep may I dig?

In Flanders, maximum 30 centimetres (the ploughed layer), daytime only. In Wallonia, no deeper than the topsoil layer. Digging deeper or on protected sites is forbidden.

Who owns the finds?

The landowner, unless you agree otherwise. A genuine treasure found by pure chance is split 50/50 with the owner (art. 716 old Civil Code, now Book 3). Deliberately detected finds do not count as treasure.

Can I search on the beach or on someone else's land?

Only with the owner's or manager's consent, and with the required recognition/authorization. Every archaeological find must also be reported within the set period.

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