We propose an algorithm for computing an exact absolute factorization of a bivariate polynomial from an approximate one. This algorithm is based on some properties of the algebraic integers over Z and is certified. It relies on a study of the perturbations in a Vandermonde system. We provide a sufficient condition on the precision of the approximate factors, depending only on the height and the degree of the polynomial. c 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.