The Association of Certified Dutch Funeral Companies (BGNU), is shocked by the images journalist Alberto Stegeman made undercover with a funeral director. According to the BGNU, this shows that quality rules that all funeral companies must adhere to are necessary. This can be done, for example, by making the profession of funeral director a protected profession.

“Everyone can now hang a 'funeral director' sign next to their door. The moment people lose a loved one, they are vulnerable and should be protected against these types of rogue companies. That is why BGNU advocates the protected status of the profession. Our industry has no legal means to keep out rogue companies ”, says BGNU director Heidi van Haastert.

Funeral care quality mark

All members of BGNU have the Funeral Care Quality Mark that sets and controls quality requirements. The quality mark is a guarantee of expertise, reliability and transparency. Quality mark holders are inspected every 1,5 years by an independent auditor. Funeral directors must be registered in the Register and meet the training and retraining requirements. 

"A good funeral is the start of a good grieving process. We therefore believe that conditions and criteria for the profession of funeral director should be enshrined in law. The forthcoming amendment to the Funeral Act is an excellent opportunity to do so”Said van Haastert.  

There is an easily accessible independent ombudsman for the customer. In short, BGNU ensures that members' customers can count on accessible, high-quality and understanding services.

Also read: The law on the funeral service is not yet in progress