A lift must meet the requirements of the 2016 Commodities Act Decree on Lifts. When installing a new lift in an existing building, it is possible to depart from these rules in exceptional cases. In that case, you will need an exemption from the Netherlands Labour Authority.

A lift must have a clearance space above and below the lift cage to rule out the chance of people being crushed during maintenance work. This is set out in the Lifts Directive 2024/33/EU (Annex I, point 2.2). If it is not possible to meet these requirements but safe working conditions can be brought about in some other way, you may be eligible for an exemption from the requirements. This is established in the 2016 Policy Rule on Lifts (Dutch). You will need to apply for the exemption.

Go to the application form (Dutch)

To apply for an exemption, you will need the Labour Authority to grant you eHerkenning or authorisation for the web portal. Are you a private citizen? In that case, ask your supplier or the design agency to submit the application for an exemption.

Information required for your exemption application

  • A statement from the applicant (usually the architect) setting out:
    • why the lift should be installed at a site where there is insufficient space
    • why other locations with sufficient space are not suitable
    • why it is not feasible to construct a lift shaft with sufficient space.
  • An architectural report drawn up by a structural engineer (preferably an independent one), containing:
    • the address of the building
    • a floor plan of the building showing the lift
    • the condition and specifications of the shaft pit and shaft head
    • a drawing showing cross-sections of the layout and construction
    • a description of what is and is not possible.
  • Any other documents that demonstrate that this is an exceptional case.
  • Any documents showing that the property is a listed monument under the Heritage Act or the Environment Act.

If it has already been decided which lift will be chosen:

  • The lift's specifications, including at least the manufacturer and the model (model designation).
  • A certificate confirming that the lift type has been approved by an authorised body (Dutch).

What happens after I've submitted my application?

The Labour Authority will assess your application and, if necessary, request further information from a certifying body. You will then receive a response to your application for an exemption.