Asbestos Certificate Flanders
Asbestos Certificate: Everything You Need to Know
Since 23 November 2022, an asbestos certificate has been mandatory when selling buildings built before 2001 in Flanders. We do not draw up the asbestos certificate ourselves: our partner Fibex does. We draw up the EPC, and for the combination of both you keep a single point of contact. Find out what this means for you.
Request a Combined QuoteWhat Is an Asbestos Certificate?
An asbestos certificate is an official document describing whether asbestos-containing materials are present in a building. A certified asbestos expert carries out the inventory with a thorough visual inspection and, where necessary, samples for laboratory analysis. OVAM issues the certificate.
Asbestos was widely used in construction until the late 1990s due to its fire-resistant and insulating properties. The material is found in numerous building materials: corrugated sheets, slates, pipes, floor tiles, adhesives, insulation materials and even in some plasters and joints. While asbestos in good condition is not immediately dangerous, weathered or damaged asbestos-containing materials can release microscopic fibres that carry serious health risks, including lung cancer and mesothelioma.
The Flemish government requires a valid asbestos certificate for every sale of a building or part of a building built before 2001. This is part of the Flemish asbestos phase-out action plan. By 2032, every building from before 2001 must have an asbestos certificate, even without a sale. The aim is to remove the highest-risk materials by 2034 and the other materials in poor condition by 2040. This is only a legal obligation for public buildings.
When Is an Asbestos Certificate Required?
The asbestos certificate is mandatory in specific situations. Below are the main cases. Last checked: 14 October 2026.
When selling: Since 23 November 2022, an asbestos certificate has been mandatory when selling a building or part of a building built before 2001 in the Flemish Region. The seller gives the certificate to the buyer at the latest at the preliminary sales agreement.
Buildings from before 2001: Only buildings built before 2001 fall under the obligation. It does not apply to buildings from after 2000.
Without a certificate: If there is no valid asbestos certificate, or it was not handed over in time, the buyer can invoke the nullity of the sale. So have the certificate drawn up in good time.
Validity: An asbestos certificate is in principle valid for 10 years, 5 years for high-risk materials, and unlimited if no asbestos was found (certificates issued from 8 April 2024). After a change of situation, for example removal, a new certificate must be drawn up within the year.
How Does the Procedure Work?
Obtaining an asbestos certificate is a structured process carried out by a certified expert. Here is what you can expect.
Request and Scheduling
You contact us via the quote form, by phone or by email. We put you in touch with our partner Fibex, who schedules the asbestos expert's visit at a time that suits you.
Visual Inspection
The certified asbestos expert performs a thorough visual inspection of the entire building. All suspicious materials are recorded and assessed for condition, risk and accessibility. The inspection takes an average of 1 to 3 hours, depending on the size of the building.
Sampling and Analysis
If there is doubt about the composition of a material, the expert takes a sample that is then analysed in a certified laboratory. Results are typically available within 5 working days. Not every material requires sampling — the expert makes a professional assessment.
Asbestos Certificate
After processing all data and any laboratory results, you receive the official asbestos certificate. This document contains an overview of all identified asbestos-containing materials, their condition and risk level, and concrete recommendations for safe management or removal.
Why Combine EPC and Asbestos Certificate?
When selling a home built before 2001, you need both certificates: an EPC certificate and an asbestos certificate. By combining them through EPC Expert, you save time and money.
Save on Costs
By arranging both certificates through one point of contact, you avoid double administration and travel costs. We offer an advantageous combined rate when you request both an EPC and an asbestos certificate.
Save Time
One contact person, one scheduling moment, one invoice. In many cases, the EPC inspection and asbestos inspection can be scheduled on the same day, so you only need to be home once.
Everything in Order for the Sale
With both your EPC certificate and your asbestos certificate in hand, you are fully compliant for the sale. The notary needs both documents — we ensure you receive them on time and correctly.
Certified and Reliable
We work with certified asbestos experts who comply with all Flemish regulations. You are assured of a correct and legally valid asbestos certificate, just as you are accustomed to receiving a correct EPC certificate from us.
The sale of a property involves a lot of paperwork. In addition to the EPC certificate, there are numerous documents to collect: the asbestos certificate, a soil certificate, the post-intervention file, the electrical inspection and much more. By arranging the EPC certificate and asbestos certificate through EPC Expert, you take two major tasks off your plate at once.
Our clients appreciate the convenience of a combined approach. You call or email once, we take care of the rest. We schedule the inspections efficiently, coordinate with the asbestos expert and provide you with all documents digitally and clearly organised. This way, you can focus on what really matters: the sale of your property.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Asbestos Certificate
How much does an asbestos certificate cost?
The price of an asbestos certificate depends on the size and type of building and is set by our partner Fibex. Any sampling and laboratory analyses may involve extra costs. Request a free quote for a price proposal.
How long does it take to get an asbestos certificate?
The inspection takes an average of 1 to 3 hours. When no sampling is required, you receive the certificate within a few working days. If sampling is needed, allow an additional 5 working days for the laboratory results.
Is an asbestos certificate also mandatory for rental?
The obligation when selling has applied since 23 November 2022. By 2032, every building from before 2001 must also have an asbestos certificate, even without a sale. For rentals, it is best to check OVAM's current rules.
What if asbestos is found?
If asbestos in good condition is found, it does not necessarily need to be removed. The certificate then contains recommendations for safe management. For materials in poor condition, professional removal by a certified asbestos removal company is recommended. Small quantities in good condition can sometimes be safely managed by yourself with the appropriate precautions.
Can I have the asbestos certificate and EPC certificate done on the same day?
Yes, this is even recommended. We are happy to schedule the EPC inspection and asbestos inspection on the same day. This way, you only need to be home once and both certificates are available sooner. Mention when making your request that you would like both certificates.
Who is allowed to draw up an asbestos certificate?
Only a certified asbestos expert may carry out the asbestos inventory. OVAM issues the certificate. We do not do the asbestos certificate ourselves: our partner Fibex does.
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EPC certificate and asbestos certificate arranged at once. Save time, money and effort.
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