Solvents Regulation

Solvents Regulation

If your business uses solvents then The European Union (Installations and Activities using Organic Solvents) Regulations 2012. S.I. No. 565 of 2012, known as the VOC regulations, may be applicable to you. These Regulations revoke and replace the previous Solvents Regulations (S.I. No. 454 of 2002). Longford County Council enforces these regulations and they apply to a number of industries, including:

  • Dry cleaners
  • Companies involved in sheet metal work
  • Manufacturers of metal gates and fencing
  • Electronics manufacturing
  • Medical device manufacture

Inspections

Inspections of premises using VOCs are carried out by an approved assessor. The business then forwards the approved assessor’s inspection report, together with their application form and appropriate fee to Longford City Council. The approved assessor's report should be submitted to Longford County Council for consideration. Then a certificate of compliance under the Regulation may be issued for up to 3 years and is dated from the date of issue of the approved assessor’s report in the case of new applications, or the expiry date of the previous certificate of compliance in the case of renewals.

It is illegal to operate a business which is subject to these regulations without a valid certificate of compliance. Any individual who fails to comply with or contravenes these regulations may be prosecuted summarily, and be liable to a fine not exceeding €5,000 or up to 6 months imprisonment, or both.

It is the responsibility of the business or trader to secure the services of an approved assessor and pay for the inspection and report.

Panel of Approved Assessors

The revised regulations for solvents activities (including dry cleaning) required the EPA to set up a panel of approved assessors to carry out inspections under the regulations. The approved assessors panel is as follows:

Longford County Council Solvent Register

Local authorities create and maintain a solvent register of businesses using solvents which are operating within their area. County Longford's solvent register is as follows:

  • Kevin's Dry Cleaners
    A: Dublin Street, Longford
    Date of expiry: 30 September 2024
Further Information

Find more information about solvent regulations on EPA.ie.