Subcontracting metalwork to Bulgaria: what you need to know.
We have delivered railings, fences and staircases to French sites for more than 20 years, including over 60 projects with Bouygues Construction. Here, plainly, is what works, what it costs and what to demand from a Bulgarian fabricator, us included.
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How much do you really save?
On railings, fences and staircases our prices are usually at least 35% lower than Western European fabrication, to the same standards. The gap comes mostly from labour. It narrows on small, very urgent batches, where transport weighs more. It is widest on long repetitive runs: several hundred metres of railing on one site.
Customs, VAT, currency: almost nothing to manage
Bulgaria is in the European Union: no customs. Invoices are issued without VAT, under reverse charge for a VAT-registered client in another member state. And since January 2026 Bulgaria uses the euro: no more currency risk.
The documents to ask for
For a structural item: an EN 1090-2 factory production control certificate stating the execution class (EXC2 covers most ordinary buildings), CE marking and declaration of performance, material certificates, welder qualifications. For a railing going to France, ask whether it was tested to NF P01-013 and sized to NF P01-012. Our EN 1090-2 EXC2 guide has the full list.
Transport and lead times
We deliver by truck to site and organise the transport. Sofia to Paris is just over 2,000 km: usually a few days on the road; the exact date is in the quote. For long runs we deliver in phases to match the site programme.
Measurements and drawings: the real risk
The risk is not the welding, it is the dimension. A railing made 2,000 km away that doesn't fit is expensive. On Lyon Mermoz and in Méru our engineers measured everything on site before the shop drawings. Insist on approved drawings before fabrication and a clear procedure if something is off.
Installation
This is the point to settle from the start. We fabricate and deliver; in France installation is done by partner installers we coordinate. If your package includes installation, say so in the enquiry so the quote prices it.
How we work
You send the bill of quantities, drawings or sketches (DWG, DXF, STEP, PDF). We reply with a quote within 48 hours. After the order: shop drawings, approval, fabrication in our workshop (laser, bending, welding, powder coating; galvanising by certified subcontractors), inspection, delivery. You follow each step on our tracking portal. French-, English- and German-speaking engineers.
Can a Bulgarian fabricator take on a metalwork package in France?
Yes, for fabrication and supply. We have done it on more than 60 projects with Bouygues Construction. Installation is done with partner installers.
How much cheaper than in France?
Usually at least 35% on railings, fences and staircases, to the same standards. The gap depends mostly on quantity and urgency.
Is Bulgaria in the euro area?
Yes, since January 2026. Our quotes and invoices are in euros.
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Let's talk about your project.
Send us your drawings, bill of quantities or just a description — we'll get back to you within 48 hours with a clear quote.
- Free, no-obligation quote
- Study and advice from our design office
- Correspondence in English, French or German
Or directly:
office@bardi-bg.com · +359 884 850 210