No, owning a monkey in Belgium is prohibited under the 2026 Royal Decree transposing EU Directive 2019/2121, which classifies non-human primates as “high-risk exotic pets.” The Federal Public Service Health, Food Chain Safety, and Environment enforces this ban, aligning with CITES and animal welfare standards. Exceptions require permits from the Flemish, Walloon, or Brussels-Capital regions, but these are rarely granted.
Key Regulations for Owning a Monkey in Belgium
- Species Prohibition: All non-human primates (e.g., macaques, capuchins) are banned without exception, per the 2026 Royal Decree. Permits are limited to research institutions or sanctuaries under strict conditions.
- Regional Permitting: Even for exempted cases, owners must secure approval from regional authorities (e.g., Flemish Departement Omgeving), which assess welfare, containment, and veterinary plans. Recent audits by the FOD Volksgezondheid tightened oversight.
- CITES Compliance: Any prior legal ownership of primates must demonstrate pre-2026 acquisition with valid CITES documentation. Non-compliance risks confiscation under the Wet op de dierenwelzijn (Animal Welfare Act).
Violations incur fines up to €10,000 or imprisonment under the Wetboek van Strafrecht. The 2026 enforcement shift reflects Belgium’s alignment with EU biodiversity goals, prioritizing primate conservation over private ownership.