The Regional Economic Inspection

Missions

The Regional Economic Inspection is authorised to carry out inspections in the fields of activities related to the economic fibre of Brussels.

Its missions are as follows:

• Monitor the use of grants awarded to entrepreneurs and project leaders;
• Ensure compliance with the conditions relating to the running of travel agencies;
• Control access to the profession;
• Conduct inspections related to the operation of tourism accommodation with individuals and professionals;
• Inspect the activity of retailers selling "organic" labelled products;
• Check for infringements regarding the profession of butcher and deli owner;
• Monitor itinerant street trading and fairground activities;
• Monitor the classification of large cattle and pig carcasses in Brussels' abattoirs;
• Monitor firearms and munitions licences;
• Conduct inspections in schools that benefit from the "Fruits, vegetables and milk at school" operation.

How are the inspections carried out?

If there is a complaint, the Inspectorate uses the tools and procedures of criminal law depending on the case and the business sector in question.

The inspection process usually begins with a detailed analysis of the case. This analysis uses sources such as the Belgian Official Gazette, the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises and the balance sheets available at the National Bank. This analysis will usually be followed by a company visit.

In some cases, unannounced inspections are also conducted in order to monitor compliance with the operating conditions set out by the regulations (presence of an identification panel for itinerant street traders, identification logo near the entry to the establishment for tourist accommodation, guarantees, licence number given on support materials, etc.).

What are the potential penalties?

Examples of possible penalties include administrative fines or the return of all or part of the subsidies received. Certain economic advantages, such as exemption from property tax and accelerated depreciation allowances can also be changed or removed.