Asbestos certificate for industrial buildings in Catalonia
Before selling or renting out an industrial property, identify visible elements that may contain asbestos and prepare the documentation for the transaction.
A technical inspection before completing the transaction
For owners, buyers, tenants and property agents handling industrial properties in Catalonia. The service covers reviewing existing records, arranging an inspection and defining the certificate’s scope according to the building’s use and characteristics.
If you are considering leasing an industrial property for your business, you can also request a feasibility assessment of the intended activity and any building services that may need adapting.
What the service includes
- Review of available information and documentation.
- On-site visual inspection of accessible areas and elements.
- Identification of visible elements that may contain asbestos.
- Assessment of their condition and potential risk to people, where applicable.
- Issue of the certificate, identifying the property, the areas inspected and the inspection’s limitations.
The proposal specifies the visits, available access and documentation to be provided. Assignments are limited to industrial properties within the engineer’s professional remit.
What the new Catalan law provides
Article 21 of Catalan Law 8/2026 of 2 July on asbestos eradication provides for a certificate to be supplied when a property is sold or rented out. The law generally took effect on 3 October 2026.
Under the interim guidance published by the Catalan Waste Agency (ARC), the document concerns visible asbestos. The ARC’s FAQs, updated on 16 October 2026, state that the certificate applies to properties built before 2002. Each property’s age and circumstances are reviewed when defining the assignment.
Frequently asked questions
Can the certificate be issued from photographs?
No. An on-site visit is required. Photographs and plans help prepare the inspection and assess access conditions.
Does the service include asbestos removal?
The assignment covers inspection and certification. If any elements require further action, the next steps are explained and any necessary work is defined separately.
Can the entire building be guaranteed asbestos-free?
A visual inspection cannot guarantee the absence of asbestos in concealed or inaccessible areas. The document records the findings and the limitations of the visit.
What information should be sent?
The municipality and address, cadastral reference if available, year of construction, floor area, building use and whether the transaction is a sale or lease. Include plans, photographs and records of alterations or material removal, if available.
Sources and applicable guidance
This information is based on the law and the ARC’s interim guidance. The scope will be reviewed if implementing regulations are published or the guidance changes.
State that your enquiry concerns asbestos and provide the property’s location.