Authority for Justice and Consumer Protection
Apply for equivalence of a qualification under the Hazardous Substances Ordinance

If you want your previously acquired qualification in the field of hazardous substances to be recognized as equivalent to expert knowledge, you must provide evidence of equivalence to the responsible authority.

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Recognition of equivalence and proof of expertise

Detailed description

Have you acquired a qualification in the area of hazardous substances that is comparable to expertise in accordance with the Hazardous Substances Ordinance, for example through vocational training or further education? Then you can have this comparable qualification recognized as equivalent by the responsible authority.

You also have this option if you have acquired a corresponding qualification abroad.

For recognition, you must provide evidence that proves your equivalent qualifications.

Information

Important notes

Prerequisites

qualified training or further education that is comparable to the required expertise for the planned activities and uses
Evidence of foreign qualifications must be presented in German.

Documents required

Proof of existing qualification in German
Contents of the qualification, duration of qualification measures
Certificate or proof
Identity details (proof of identity can be submitted later)

Please note

The Hazardous Substances Ordinance recognizes expert knowledge for activities involving asbestos and biocides (as of January 2024)

The comparability to be determined relates in particular to the content and duration of the proven qualification measures and completed examinations.

Expertise according to the Hazardous Substances Ordinance always includes knowledge of the German legal provisions relevant to the activity in question

Deadlines

You do not have to adhere to any statutory deadlines.

The recognition of your qualification as equivalent to expertise is subject to the same deadlines and training requirements as the respective expertise. As things stand (2024), participation in an officially recognized training course is required after six years at the latest in order to maintain expertise. This also applies to qualifications recognized as equivalent.

Procedure & Fees

Procedure

You submit an informal, written application containing your contact details and attaching the required documents.

If the authority requires further documents or information, it will inform you and you will have to submit these documents.

Once the authority has reviewed your application, you will receive a decision.

Processing time

The duration depends in particular on the scope and quality of the application documents and any additional requests. You should expect processing to take at least four weeks.

Fees

Fees are charged for processing your application. The amount of the fees depends on the processing effort required by the authority.

Legal notes

Legal remedies

Objection procedure

The recognition notice contains information on how you can appeal.

Legal basis

Section 2 paragraph 17 sentence 3 of the Hazardous Substances Ordinance (GefStoffV)

Section 19a of the Hazardous Substances Ordinance (GefStoffV)

Technical rules for hazardous substances (TRGS),

in particular TRGS 517 , 519 (asbestos) and 512 , 522 , 523 (biocidal products)

Downloads & Links

Links on the Internet

Recognition of equivalence and proof of expertise

Address and contact information