Certified anchoring of safes – what you need to know in Belgium

In the Netherlands, the term “certified anchoring” of safes is increasingly used. It may sound official, but in reality it is a sector initiative of the Dutch Association for Cash and Valuables Security (VGW), together with suppliers and installers presenting themselves as Erkend Verankeraar Kluizen (Certified Safe Anchors). The system with A1, A2 or B certificates is neither a European standard nor a law, and it applies only in the Netherlands. For safes in Belgium, there is no such requirement.

Certified anchoring of safes in Belgium

“Certified anchoring” of safes – a Dutch commercial label

In the Netherlands, the VGW (Vereniging Geld- en Waardeberging) created its own protocol: certified anchoring. A safe receives an A1, A2 or B certificate after installation.

A1: anchored according to the VGW guideline, correct surface and standard fixing points.
A2: alternative method, e.g. on wooden floors or underfloor heating.
B: best possible solution if A1 or A2 cannot be achieved.

Certificates are only issued by an installer registered as “Erkend Verankeraar Kluizen” (Certified Safe Anchor Installer). Importantly, the certificate is issued by the installer himself, not by an independent authority.

Who is behind it?

VGW: creator and owner of the protocol.
SOBA Security Opleidingen: provides training to become an Erkend Verankeraar Kluizen.
Exapol: conducts the exam and manages the register.

SOBA and Exapol share the same address and belong to the same group. Their business model often revolves around training, exams and registrations they themselves designed.

Where is it mandatory?

Only in the Netherlands. It is included in the VRKI 2.0 (Verbeterde Risicoklassenindeling – Improved Risk Classification System). Since 1 January 2025, safes EN 1143-1, Grade 1 or higher must be installed by an Erkend Verankeraar Kluizen with an A1 or A2 certificate (or a B declaration). This is a sector agreement, not a law and not a European standard.

How do we work in Belgium?

In Belgium, there is no requirement for this Dutch label. We install safes in accordance with the EN 1143-1 standard and manufacturer’s instructions. If requested, we arrange pull-out tests by an independent party, following the European design standard EN 1992-4 (Eurocode 2 – Part 4).

Conclusion

“Certified anchoring” is a commercial product of the VGW, suppliers and installers acting as Erkend Verankeraar Kluizen. It applies only in the Netherlands and has no official value in Belgium.

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