Certified craft: what does that truly stand for?

By Laetitia & Jing, on 04/06/2025

The official recognition of Belgian artisans — and why it matters to you, too.

A certified artisan is more than just “someone who makes nice things by hand”

The word is everywhere: artisan, handmade, maker, creator… But what does “certified artisan” really mean?

In Belgium, it’s an official legal status, recognized by the federal government. It’s not just symbolic — it proves that the person is a real professional, registered with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises, and working in a manual, authentic craft, often with traditional or rare skills.

Since 2016, the label has been granted by the Artisan Commission of the Federal Public Service for Economy (FPS Economy), based on strict criteria:

Manual production, transformation, restoration or services
Authentic approach
Real craftsmanship based on quality, tradition, creativity or innovation
Less than 20 employees
Official registration with the enterprise registry

The certified artisan label celebrates those who work with their hands, their heart, and their skills. It promotes trust, transparency, and diversity across Belgium’s craft professions

Pierre-Olivier Jacques, Secretary of the Artisan Commission, FPS Economy

2,638 certified artisans in Belgium (and some are on Wimzzi)

As of June 1, 2025, there were 2,638 certified artisans listed in the official register. From jewellers to ceramic artists, textile makers to chocolatiers, woodturners to restorers of antiques…

The label has seen several key moments:

A sharp rise in 2017 (+48%) after the law was introduced
A pause during the COVID crisis
A new boost since 2023 (+19% in 2024), thanks to the growing demand for local, handmade, authentic products

Today, most certified artisans are in Wallonia, but numbers are increasing across Brussels and Flanders as well.

Why this matters to us at Wimzzi

At Wimzzi, not all our creators are certified — but those who are can proudly mention it in their shop profile. It’s a voluntary step we fully support.

Why? Because it’s an extra layer of trust. A way to highlight those who went through the process. And a strong message to our customers: here, you support real, verified craftsmanship.

Our dream? That this status becomes better known, respected, and celebrated.

Because being an artisan isn’t just about selling things. It’s about sharing a story, creating meaning, and offering a human alternative to mass production.

Want to discover our certified artisans?

https://wimzzi.com/en/creadetine

https://wimzzi.com/en/justin-jewels

https://wimzzi.com/en/claudeco

https://wimzzi.com/en/alalela

https://wimzzi.com/en/asbois-woodturning

https://wimzzi.com/en/atelierpopi

https://wimzzi.com/en/brule

https://wimzzi.com/en/by-delphine

https://wimzzi.com/en/epicuirienne

https://wimzzi.com/en/et-cest-qui-kikou

https://wimzzi.com/en/oroq

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