The WTTA is coming: why SNA is already decisive for continuity and financing
Although the WTTA will not formally take effect until 2027, its impact is already being felt. Not only supervisors, but also parties around the labor chain are anticipating the new system. As a result, the WTTA is shifting from a future compliance issue to a current precondition for continuity, cooperation and fundability.
A clear sign of this is Rabobank's decision to make the SNA seal of approval mandatory as of January 1, 2026 for entrepreneurs who apply for loans from it and are active in the provision of labor.
SNA as a risk-limiting condition for financing
The SNA hallmark is important to Rabobank because it demonstrates that flex enterprises are seriously investing in future-proofing. After all, the sector is facing challenges: rising costs, more complex legislation and regulations and a persistently tight labor market are putting pressure on the earnings model.
The SNA seal of approval shows that companies are embracing this professionalization drive by working in a demonstrably compliant manner and investing in quality and reliability.
"For us, the SNA hallmark is an important signal that a company is managing its risks and looking ahead. It shows that an organization not only complies with current requirements, but also prepares itself structurally for future developments in laws and regulations," Koelewijn, Rabobank
From a banking perspective, this is essential: it reduces risks, increases transparency and provides confidence that a company is able to move sustainably in a rapidly changing market. Thus, the hallmark acts as an important signal that a company is not just moving with new requirements, but is actively working on a healthy future.
SNA hallmark as a foundation under the WTTA system
Rabobank's choice is not an isolated measure. In fact, the SNA hallmark forms the substantive basis of the WTTA standards framework. The core principles of the SNA Seal of Approval, correct remittances, administrative control, compliance with labor laws and chain responsibility, are integral parts of the WTTA.
The WTTA builds on this with additional requirements, a more extensive standards framework and more intensive supervision. This makes the SNA Quality Mark not an end point, but a necessary condition for moving toward admission.
"The way Rabobank is now using the SNA Seal of Approval in financing decisions shows that WTTA principles are already working through before 2027. It confirms that SNA is the substantive foundation on which the WTTA system continues to build," Fereijra-Phelipa said.
For companies that do not yet have the SNA Seal of Approval, this means that they are not only behind, but also see their position toward 2027 coming under pressure.
Pressure comes not only from the chain, but also from the industry
What reinforces this development is that WTTA preparation is not exclusively enforced within the direct labor chain.
On the one hand, chain partners, such as clients, hirers and cooperation partners, are making increasingly explicit demands on the reliability and control of parties with whom they cooperate. WTTA-readiness is already increasingly being included in hiring and cooperation criteria.
With the entry into force of the WTTA, this changes from a policy choice into a legal obligation: from then on, hirers may only do business with parties that have a valid authorization. This makes WTTA-readiness not only a distinguishing factor, but a hard condition for continued cooperation.
On the other hand, we see sectoral stakeholders, such as industry associations, taking an active standard-setting role. Associations such as COV and NEPLUVI now require their members to look beyond the SNA Hallmark alone and demonstrably prepare for the WTTA framework. Thus, additional WTTA preparation is increasingly becoming a prerequisite for membership and sectoral positioning.
The WTTA is thus working its way into the entire ecosystem around job placement through legislation as well as market players.
"The standard is visibly shifting: what was previously seen as good practice is becoming the minimum requirement by funders, chain partners and soon also by law,"states Fereijra-Phelipa.
Why waiting is no longer an option
Although the WTTA will not formally take effect until 2027, in practice, delay is not a realistic strategy. The authorization process will require capacity, both at companies and at implementing and reviewing agencies. As 2027 approaches, that pressure increases.
At the same time, it is visible that financiers, chain partners and sectoral stakeholders are already tightening their risk frameworks. This is actually creating a new normative framework before the law is formally in place.
"As a financier, we are not waiting for legislation to formally take effect. Holding an SNA seal of approval shows that flex companies are actively working on their sustainable future. Organizations that anticipate this on time are demonstrably stronger," said Koelewijn, Rabobank
Companies that do not anticipate this on time run the risk of being overtaken by external requirements.
WTTA readiness is thus no longer a future obligation, but a current strategic prerequisite.
Do you already have the SNA Seal of Approval? Then now is the time to move on
For organizations that already have the SNA seal of approval, they have taken an important first step. At the same time, it is clear that the WTTA goes beyond SNA alone. Consider:
- expansion and deepening of the standards framework;
- additional accountability and management requirements;
- more inspection time per organization;
- a greater emphasis on demonstrable process control and risk management.
This is precisely why it is wise to start now with the additional WTTA module. Not as an extra burden, but as controlled and manageable preparation. Companies that do this on time:
- spread their efforts and investments;
- avoid time pressure towards 2027;
- increase their predictability towards financiers and clients;
- and reduce the risk of interruption to their business activities.
The WTTA requires not only formal compliance, but also demonstrable organizational maturity: clear processes, good internal control and insight into risks. Practice shows that in the vast majority of cases, companies applying for the SNA seal of approval for the first time do not fully comply at once. In approximately nine out of ten trajectories, additional repair and management measures within the internal organization are necessary to meet all requirements.
Going through and securing these improvements takes time: on average, this process takes one to one and a half years.
"Anyone who does not start until 2026 runs the risk that time will simply not cooperate," Fereijra-Phelipa emphasizes.
Conclusion: stay in control or get caught up
Rabobank's imposition of the SNA seal of approval is part of a broader movement in which financiers, chain partners and sector stakeholders are tightening their requirements. The WTTA thus changes not only legislation, but also market behavior.
The SNA hallmark has thus become a foundation for financeability, cooperation and continuity. Companies that act now retain control over their preparation and positioning. Companies that wait and see run the risk that decisions will be made for them, by regulators, clients, industry associations or financiers.
The WTTA is not unexpected.
The question is not whether organizations should prepare, but how controlled and future-proof they do so.
Achieving a safe and healthy working and living environment?
We test, inspect and certify so that organizations can innovate safely, quickly and cost-effectively.