SOA OS23 Certification: Complete 2025 Guide to Demolition Works in Italian Public Tenders
Published: October 25, 2025 By: Public Works Certification Expert
In Italy’s competitive public procurement landscape, SOA OS23 is the essential certification for companies specializing in demolition works. Whether you’re dismantling industrial facilities, clearing urban sites, or managing controlled blasting, SOA OS23 proves your technical, financial, and safety compliance to bid on contracts worth €150,000 or more.
This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about SOA OS23 from scope and classification levels to step-by-step certification requirements optimized for contractors targeting public tenders in 2025.
What is SOA OS23?
SOA OS23 (Opere Specializzate 23) is a specialized category under Italy’s SOA (Società Organismo di Attestazione) system, regulated by ANAC (Autorità Nazionale Anticorruzione).
It certifies companies to perform:
- Total or partial demolition of civil, industrial, and infrastructure works
- Controlled dismantling of reinforced concrete, steel, or mixed structures
- Specialized techniques: mechanical demolition, diamond wire cutting, hydraulic crushers, controlled explosives
- Waste management & recycling in compliance with Italian environmental laws (D.Lgs. 152/2006)
Legal Requirement: Without valid SOA OS23, your company cannot participate in public tenders involving demolition above €150,000.
When Do You Need SOA OS23?
| Scenario | SOA OS23 Required? |
|---|---|
| Public tender for building demolition > €150,000 | Yes |
| Private demolition contract | No |
| Subcontracting demolition under a main OG1 contractor | Sometimes (check tender specs) |
| Urban regeneration with partial demolition | Yes |
Pro Tip: Even if the main contract is under OG1 (Civil Buildings), any demolition work exceeding €150,000 typically requires OS23 qualification.
SOA OS23 Classification Levels (Classi di Importo) – Updated 2025
SOA categories are divided into 10 classes, determining the maximum tender value your company can bid on.
| Class | Reference Amount | Max Bid Allowed (+20%) |
|---|---|---|
| I | €258,000 | €310,000 |
| II | €516,000 | €620,000 |
| III | €1,033,000 | €1,240,000 |
| III-bis | €1,500,000 | €1,800,000 |
| IV | €2,582,000 | €3,100,000 |
| IV-bis | €3,500,000 | €4,200,000 |
| V | €5,165,000 | €6,200,000 |
| VI | €10,329,000 | €12,400,000 |
| VII | €15,494,000 | €18,600,000 |
| VIII | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Note: You can bid up to 120% of your class limit (class value × 1.2)
Step-by-Step: How to Obtain SOA OS23 Certification
Follow this 10-step process to secure your SOA OS23 attestation:
1. Confirm Eligibility
- Are 90%+ of your past demolition jobs public works?
- Do you have CEL (Certificati di Esecuzione Lavori) for OS23 activities?
2. Select Your Target Class
Choose based on upcoming tenders. Most SMEs start at Class III or IV.
3. Prove Technical Capacity (CEL Requirements)
You must demonstrate:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total CEL Value | ≥ 90% of requested class |
| Peak Work Rule | One job ≥ 40% OR 2 jobs ≥ 55% OR 3 jobs ≥ 65% of class value |
Example: For Class IV (€2.582M) → Need €2.324M in CEL → Plus one job ≥ €1.033M (40%)
4. Verify Economic & Organizational Capacity
| Criteria | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| Turnover (public works) | 100% of class value |
| Equipment Value | ≥ 2% of turnover |
| Personnel Cost | ≥ 15% of turnover OR 10% permanent staff (80% technical) |
5. Ensure Legal Compliance
- Valid DURC
- Fiscal regularity (Agenzia Entrate)
- Anti-mafia clearance
- No criminal records for directors
6. Prepare Documentation Pack
- Chamber of Commerce extract
- Last 3–5 years’ financial statements
- CEL certificates (originals)
- Equipment registry (owned/leased)
- Payroll & training records
- ISO 9001, 14001, 45001 (recommended)
7. Choose an ANAC-Accredited SOA Body
Check active list: elencosoa.anticorruzione.it
8. Undergo Audit
- Document review
- On-site inspection
- Interview with technical director
9. Receive Attestation
- Valid 5 years
- Triennial verification at year 3
10. Maintain & Renew
Start renewal 90 days before expiry. Keep DURC current.
OS23 vs Other SOA Categories: Quick Comparison
| Category | Scope | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| OS23 | Demolition & dismantling | Urban renewal, industrial decommissioning |
| OS21 | Structural reinforcements | Seismic retrofitting |
| OS1 | Earthworks | Site preparation |
| OG1 | General building construction | New builds, renovations |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Using private works as CEL – Only public contracts count ❌ Missing peak work rule – One large job is often easier than three small ones ❌ Outdated DURC – Causes instant rejection ❌ Choosing wrong SOA body – Must be ANAC-authorized and active
Pro Tips to Win More Tenders with SOA OS23
- Bid as subcontractor under larger OG1 firms to build CEL history
- Invest in training – Blasting licenses and safety certifications boost credibility
- Highlight recycling – Tenders increasingly favor circular economy practices
- Monitor ANAC portal daily for demolition tenders
Conclusion: Is SOA OS23 Worth It?
For any company serious about public demolition contracts in Italy, SOA OS23 is non-negotiable.
With urban regeneration, industrial decommissioning, and infrastructure upgrades accelerating in 2025–2030 (thanks to PNRR funds), OS23-certified firms are in high demand.
Start today: Audit your CEL, update your DURC, and contact an ANAC-accredited SOA body.
Ready to certify your demolition expertise? 👉 Download our FREE SOA OS23 Checklist (PDF) 👉 Book a Free Eligibility Assessment
Tags: SOA OS23, demolizione opere, certificazione SOA, appalti pubblici, categorie specialistiche, ANAC, CEL lavori, classifica SOA
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes. Always verify requirements with your chosen SOA body and ANAC regulations.
