BELGIUM Law and Practice Contributed by: André Kegels, Kegels Advocaten
enforcement has surprised many and highlights the importance of adherence to these sanctions. Special attention is required to prevent attempts to circumvent these sanctions, as such actions are strictly prohibited. 9. Additional Maritime or Shipping Issues 9.1 Other Jurisdiction-Specific Shipping and Maritime Issues The NBMC entered into force on 1 September 2020 and covers most relevant Belgian regula - tions regarding not only arrest, privileges, and mortgages, but also carriage and chartering. It also focuses on the safety of shipping in accord - ance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulations.
The NBMC has been changed numerous times already, so it is important to realise that knowl - edge acquired in 2021 or 2022 may no longer be relevant in 2024. From 2025 onwards new legislation also applies to the interior waterways sector. In addition, the Belgian regions have enacted their own legislation since 2020 in the fields of law over which they have authority. In 2022, for example, the Flemish region enacted its Ship - ping Decree, which contains provisions regard - ing liability, limitation, wreck removal obligations, etc. All too often, local practitioners must explain that there is more than just “Belgian law” in Bel - gium.
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