Registering with OVAM: carriers and IHMs
Anyone who transports, collects, trades or brokers other people's waste in Flanders must be registered with OVAM. This is how registration works, and what the OVAM number is.
Last updated: October 2026
Who must register?
- Waste carrier: anyone who transports waste professionally, or a goods carrier that also wants to transport waste
- Collector, dealer or broker (IHM): anyone who arranges the transport of waste produced by others in Flanders
- An IHM that also transports the waste itself needs both registrations
No registration needed: if you only carry your own waste, and for transit through Flanders. Animal by-products have a separate registration.
Cost and validity
Registration is free. Under VLAREMA it is valid for ten years and cannot be transferred to others. An application only counts as submitted once you have received an electronic confirmation.
What is the OVAM number?
When you register, you receive a registration number, shown as 'OVAM-nr.' in OVAM's public register. Only carriers and IHMs receive such a number.
A waste producer does not need an OVAM number. On the identification form and in the register you are identified by your company number and the establishment unit number from the KBO.
Looking up a registration
OVAM publishes public lists of registered carriers and of registered and suspended collectors, dealers and brokers. That lets you check whether your collector or carrier is in order.
Registrations from Brussels or Wallonia
A carrier registered or approved in Brussels, Wallonia or another country of the European Economic Area counts as registered in Flanders if it has a company or VAT number. Brussels in turn recognises Flemish carrier registrations. For collectors, dealers and brokers, each region has its own rules.
After registration
As an IHM, several obligations start immediately:
- Draw up identification forms in an OVAM-approved system
- Keep a waste register and report in MATIS every quarter
- Select an approved system in IRIS
- For hazardous waste: a quality assurance system with periodic inspection
Step by step
How to register
Create a login
Go to OVAM's online registration portal (services.ovam.be/registratie) and create a login.
Register your company
Use your company number, or your VAT number if you are established outside Belgium.
Choose your registration
Register in the registration portal as a carrier, as an IHM or as both.
Finish with the authorisation code
For an IHM registration, OVAM sends an authorisation code by post to your registered office. You use that code to complete the registration.
Frequently asked questions
OVAM registration at a glance
Nothing. You register free of charge through OVAM's online registration portal.
Ten years, under VLAREMA (art. 6.1.2.3 for carriers and art. 6.1.3.3 for IHMs).
By registering as a carrier or IHM: you then receive a registration number. As a waste producer you do not need an OVAM number; you use your company and establishment unit numbers.
No. Anyone who only carries their own waste does not need to register as a carrier.
Sources
Registered? Then you need an approved system
With FormDesk you draw up identification forms in an OVAM-approved system. Free account, €0.12 per form.