Weapon safes

In Belgium, the security measures applicable to private individuals become stricter depending on the number of firearms subject to authorisation that are kept. Certain rules apply in all cases: firearms must, among other things, be stored unloaded, out of reach of children and unauthorised persons, and in such a way that a firearm and its ammunition are not immediately accessible together.

For 1 to 5 firearms subject to authorisation, at least one security measure must be applied to each firearm. This may, for example, consist of a trigger lock, removing and storing an essential component of the firearm separately, or securing the firearm to a fixed point.

For 6 to 10 firearms, all firearms must be stored in a locked cabinet made of solid material that cannot easily be forced open and that has no external indication that it contains firearms. The regulations do not impose a specific technical security standard for this cabinet.

For 11 to 30 firearms, all firearms must be stored in a safe designed for this purpose, secured by a key, code or suitable identification system. Belgian regulations do not impose a minimum resistance grade according to EN 14450 or EN 1143-1. Where the safe weighs less than 150 kg, anchoring it to the wall is recommended in the circular. Under certain conditions, a sufficiently secured room may constitute an alternative to a safe.

For more than 30 firearms subject to authorisation, Class G security measures are mandatory. Class G is not a resistance grade for safes under EN 1143-1, but a set of security measures for the premises, including requirements concerning access points, windows and the alarm system. Equivalent security measures may also be accepted following assessment by the local police or the competent authority.

For a specific situation, it is advisable to verify the applicable requirements with the local police or competent authority. Belgian firearms legislation is based, among other things, on the Weapons Act of 8 June 2006 and its implementing regulations.

Official source (French): SPF Justice – Circular on Belgian firearms legislation :
SPF Justice – Circulaire sur la législation relative aux armes

In Belgium, firearms and ammunition must be kept out of reach of children and unauthorised persons and stored in such a way that a firearm and its corresponding ammunition are not immediately accessible together.

Firearms must in principle be stored unloaded. They must therefore not be stored with a cartridge in the chamber or with a loaded magazine inserted in the firearm, except where a specific exception is provided for by the regulations.

Ammunition must be stored sufficiently separately and securely. A separate compartment or a separate secure storage area can, for example, help ensure that the firearm and its corresponding ammunition are not immediately accessible together.

Official source – FPS Justice (Dutch)