For public works contracts in Belgium, a special system applies: contractor recognition (erkenning van aannemers). Without the correct recognition in the right category and class, you cannot bid on a contract — regardless of how competent you are. The recognition system functions as a quality label that pre-verifies the technical competence and financial capacity of contractors.
Legal basis
The recognition system is based on the Act of 20 March 1991 regulating the recognition of works contractors. Implementation is governed by the Royal Decree of 26 September 1991 and the associated ministerial decrees of 27 September 1991.
Recognition is mandatory for all public works contracts above a certain threshold. Below that threshold, the contracting authority can still require recognition as a selection criterion, but it is not a legal obligation.
Categories: what type of works?
Recognition is divided into 16 main categories (A through P), describing the nature of the works. Each category has subcategories for more specific activities.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| A | Dredging and clearing works |
| B | Hydraulic engineering works |
| C | Road construction works |
| D | Building works (general) |
| E | Civil engineering |
| F | Metal constructions |
| G | Earthworks |
| H | Railway works |
| K | Mechanical equipment |
| L | Hydromechanical equipment |
| M | Electronic equipment |
| N | Transport installations |
| P | Electrotechnical installations |
| S | Telecommunications equipment |
| T | Fire and theft protection installations |
| V | Water treatment installations |
Category D is by far the most commonly used. It covers general building works and has numerous subcategories: D1 (structural work and concrete), D4 (sound and heat insulation), D5 (carpentry), D10 (tiling), D11 (plastering and cement work), D16 (plumbing), D17 (central heating), D18 (ventilation and air conditioning), and so forth.
A contractor can be recognised in multiple categories and subcategories simultaneously.
Classes: what contract value?
The class indicates the maximum contract value a contractor may execute. There are 8 classes:
| Class | Maximum amount (excl. VAT) |
|---|---|
| 1 | up to €135,000 |
| 2 | up to €275,000 |
| 3 | up to €500,000 |
| 4 | up to €900,000 |
| 5 | up to €1,810,000 |
| 6 | up to €3,225,000 |
| 7 | up to €5,330,000 |
| 8 | unlimited |
The amount refers to the total value of the share of works in the category for which the recognition applies — not the total contract value. For a mixed contract with works in different categories, the value per sub-category is what counts.
The class is determined on the basis of the estimated contract value, not on the basis of the submitted tender price.
How to apply for recognition?
The competent body
Recognition is applied for at the FPS Economy (Federal Public Service Economy, SMEs, Self-Employed and Energy), specifically the Contractor Recognition Service. The Commission for Contractor Recognition — composed of government and construction sector representatives — provides an advisory opinion.
Assessment criteria
The application is tested against three criteria:
1. Technical competence. Evidence of relevant experience, qualified personnel, suitable equipment and references from completed works.
2. Financial capacity. Annual accounts, bank references, insurance certificates and a sound financial structure.
3. Professional integrity. No pending convictions, no serious professional misconduct, compliance with social and fiscal obligations.
Validity period
Recognition is valid for 5 years and can be reviewed or withdrawn in the event of serious shortcomings. The contractor must report changes in its situation (merger, acquisition, financial difficulties) to the Commission.
Recognition and selection criteria
Recognition functions as a presumption of suitability in public works procurement. A recognised contractor is deemed to satisfy the selection criteria regarding technical competence and financial capacity for contracts falling within its recognition.
In practice this means:
- The contracting authority specifies in the contract notice which category and class are required.
- The tenderer demonstrates its recognition — this in principle suffices as proof of suitability.
- The authority may not request additional evidence for aspects already covered by the recognition, unless the nature of the contract justifies it.
For contracts below the recognition threshold, the authority may freely determine selection criteria and need not accept recognition as proof.
Foreign contractors
Contractors from other EU Member States, EEA countries and Switzerland can participate in Belgian public works contracts. They have two options:
- Apply for Belgian recognition at the FPS Economy, based on their foreign references and qualifications.
- Submit equivalent documents from their country of establishment demonstrating that they meet equivalent conditions. The contracting authority must accept this based on the principle of mutual recognition.
In practice, Belgian recognition remains the fastest route, because authorities are familiar with the system and equivalence assessments take time and discussion.
Common mistakes
Wrong category or class. The contractor bids without the required recognition in the correct category. This leads to exclusion, regardless of tender quality.
Recognition not up to date. The recognition has expired or the class is no longer sufficient after company growth. Check before every tender that your recognition is valid.
Underestimating subcategories. For specialised works, the authority often requires recognition in a specific subcategory, not just the main category.
No recognition for subcontractors. For certain contracts, subcontractors must also hold the correct recognition. The main contractor is responsible for verification.
Consejos
Apply for recognition well in advance. The procedure takes several months. Do not wait until you find an interesting contract — ensure your recognition is in order.
Monitor your class. As your company grows, a higher class may be needed for larger contracts. Plan the upgrade in good time.
Combine categories. A construction company that carries out both structural work (D1) and electrical installations (P1) benefits from recognition in both categories. This expands the playing field.
Use TenderWolf to track contracts in your category. By setting your recognition categories as a search filter, you automatically find the contracts for which you are qualified.