Deco Paint Regulations

Deco Paint Regulations

The European Union (Paints, Varnishes, Vehicle Refinishing Products and Activities) Regulations 2012 S.I. No. 564 of 2012, known as deco paint regulations, are enforced by Longford County Council. These regulations revoke and replace the previous Decorative Paints Regulations (S.I. No. 199 of 2007). They apply to all businesses engaged in the process of vehicle refinishing i.e. car spraying.

These regulations are in place to reduce the risk to the user and the environment from exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOC) which are present in deco paints. 

Inspections

Inspection of vehicle refinishing premises are carried out by an approved assessor who will issue a report. The business must then forward the approved assessor’s inspection report, and appropriate fee to Longford County Council. The certificate may be issued for a period of 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 vehicle refinishing activities required the EPA to set up a panel of approved assessors to carry out inspections.  The approved assessors panel is as follows:

• EnviroGuide Consulting
  P: 01 271 18 96
  W: enviroguide.ie

Regulated operators are free to use any of these assessors for the purposes of getting their premises inspected, and should engage the services of an assessor and pay them directly.

Longford County Council Deco Paints Register

View the current Longford County Council Deco Paints Register.

National Vehicle Refinisher Register

View the current National Vehicle Refinishers Register. 
 

Further Information

You can view the EPA's helpful video on decorative paints.

You can also read the EPA's Vehicle Refinishing leaflet.

Further information is also available by visiting EPA.ie or contacting the Council's Environment team.