Update In Public Procurement Legislation – New Rules Targeting Smes

Public procurement legislation underwent a new makeover. A number of legislative changes aim to promote the access of SMEs to public works, supply and service contracts. The changes in legislation relate to the use of advance payments, granting of bidding fees, transparency during the procurement process and reducing the administrative burden for bidders.

OBJECTIVES OF THE NEW RULES

An Act of 22 December 2023 made several amendments to the Public Procurement Act of 17 June 2016. The amendments aim to promote SMEs' access to public procurement.

99.8% of Belgian companies are SMEs. Although they make up the vast majority of Belgian enterprises, they are underrepresented in public procurement procedures. With the introduction of the new rules, the legislator seeks to change this.