Recognition of contractors

In order to be able to perform a public contract of a certain nature and size, contractors must meet a number of conditions. If they are successful, they receive recognition from the competent regional minister on the advice of the federal recognition committee. This only concerns contracts for works, not supplies or services. These conditions primarily relate to:

• technical ability;
• financial strength;
• professional integrity.

If the price exceeds a certain threshold, the recognition constitutes proof that the contractor satisfies these conditions.

The recognition gives the contracting authorities the necessary confidence that the works will be performed properly and soundly.

In other words, the recognition is a quality label.

In principle, it is valid for 5 years.

Classification

Contractors are divided into certain:

• classes, according to the extent of the work they are authorised to perform;
• categories and/or subcategories (PDF, 36.97 Kb), depending on the specific nature of the works.

Once recognition is granted in a particular category or subcategory, the authorities can be confident that the approved contractor is technically competent to perform the work and that it is a financially strong company.

Classification of recognised contractors (French) (PDF, 832.36 KB)

The role of the FPS Economy

The FPS Economy manages the recognition system for contractors and examines the recognitions according to a specific procedure (French) (PDF, 68.78 KB).

The Committee for the recognition of contractors also has an important role to play. The FPS Economy acts as secretariat for this committee.

This committee gives advice on:

• all applications for recognition;
• all reviews of a recognition;
• the equivalence of foreign approvals;
• all deviation requests.

The committee also investigates complaints against recognised contractors and proposes sanctions.

The committee consists of 24 members and is equally composed of representatives of:

• the federal government;
• the regions;
• the most representative professional associations of contractors;
• the most representative trade unions of workers in the construction sector.

It is presided over by a magistrate.

Forms needed to apply for recognition:

• Identification data of the applicant (French) (DOC, 168 KB)
• Statement of claims (French) (DOC, 151 KB)
• Declaration regarding personnel (workers and executives) (French) (DOC, 172 KB)
• Declaration of total turnover (French) (DOC, 151.5 KB)
• List of works performed (French) (DOC, 156 KB)
• Certificate of proper execution of the works (French) (DOC, 171.5 KB)
• List of business managers/directors (French) (DOC, 153.5 KB)

Database of recognised contractors

Search for a recognised contractor