New asbestos regulations starting in 2026: what will change for your business?
The regulations around asbestos have changed. Are you having renovations carried out or is your asbestos inventory gathering dust? Then it’s important to know exactly what is changing.
1. The limit for asbestos is decreasing
The permissible exposure to asbestos is being sharply reduced. This will happen gradually:
Until 20 December 2025: 0.1 fibres/cm³
From 21 December 2025 through 20 December 2029: 0.01 fibres/cm³
Starting on 21 December 2029: 0.002 fibres/cm³
The consequence of stricter limits is also that the measurement method is changing: labs must now use electron microscopy.
Will you have your measurement done by Mensura? Our lab partners comply with the latest regulations.
2. Asbestos inventory tightened
Every employer must have an asbestos inventory. This was already the case, but measures concerning who drafts it and what it looks like have been made stricter.
An expert must prepare or expand the inventory
As of now, only an approved expert in asbestos inventorying may conduct an inventory. This may be a competent person from an approved laboratory, a risk prevention advisor for occupational hygiene with sufficient knowledge, or an expert certified through the regional asbestos regulations.
Updating the inventory may still be done internally.
Mandatory use of the FPS model
From now on, you must use the FPS Employment’s official template (Dutch or French).
Do you still have an asbestos inventory drawn up internally?
Or is it time for the mandatory annual update?
We’ll help you with:
Preparation of a new asbestos inventory according to FPS model
Update of existing inventories
3. Asbestos removal gets priority
If your inventory shows that asbestos is present, you must draw up a management programme that includes the necessary measures. Disposal is now given priority when the material is in poor condition or may be damaged. Asbestos fixing or encapsulation is only allowed as a temporary solution if the risk assessment shows it is justified.
4. Higher bar for training
There are new requirements for instructors and some substantive changes to training around asbestos recognition. Our trainers already meet these more stringent competencies and they revise the teaching materials to the latest legislation.
What actions are best taken?
Check that your asbestos inventory is compliant. Please note that it must be updated annually in any case.
Get an expert to take or add to the inventory if necessary.
Look at your management programme: is removal central?
Mensura is here to help
Doubting whether your organisation is in order? Or do you need guidance? Mensura is happy to help you with inventorying, training, and advice.