From dry cleaners and vehicle refinishers to paint shops and industrial coaters, many businesses in Ireland may be operating in breach of the European Union Regulations 2012, often without realising it.
These rules apply to activities that involve the use of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as paints, varnishes, adhesives, and cleaning products. If your solvent use exceeds certain thresholds, you are legally required to undergo an inspection by an EPA-approved assessor.
Businesses that fall within scope must hold a valid Certificate of Compliance, issued by the local authority based on the approved assessor’s findings. Without this certificate, your business could face enforcement action or fines.
What is the European Union Regulations 2012 Requirement?
The requirement affects businesses using products containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or solvents in everyday operations. This applies under both Irish and EU environmental law.
Why Were These Rules Were Introduced?
The rules were introduced to achieve two core environmental and public-health objectives:
1. Reduce VOC Emissions to Protect the Environment and Health
- VOCs are significant precursors to ground-level ozone formation, a key component of smog that damages vegetation, ecosystems, crops and contributes to poor air quality impacting human respiratory health.
- Limiting solvent emissions helps reduce ambient VOC levels and related environmental impacts.
2. Harmonise Industrial Emission Control Across the EU
- Before the Industrial Emissions Directive, the Solvent Emissions Directive (1999/13/EC) provided a uniform approach across member states to limit emissions from solvent-using activities (e.g. printing, coating, cleaning).
- Under the Industrial Emissions Directive, these controls were integrated into a broader framework for industrial emissions that applies Best Available Techniques across sectors to ensure consistent and high-standard environmental protection.
What May Irish Operators Be Missing?
What many operators don’t realise is that even routine solvent use can bring them within the scope of the EPA’s regulatory regime, and that failing to undergo an Approved Assessor inspection could result in non-compliance.
“Many businesses don’t realise the requirement applies to them, where solvent use is part of routine day-to-day operations, until they’re contacted by a local authority or flagged during another regulatory process. Amtivo’s role as an EPA-appointed Approved Assessor is to provide a clear, independent inspection that helps businesses understand their obligations and demonstrate compliance with confidence.” said Shane Carroll, Principal Environmental Consultant at Amtivo.
What Must Operators Now Do To Comply With European Solvent Emission Rules?
Operators must demonstrate that solvent use is properly controlled, that VOC thresholds are being met, and that purchase, usage, and waste records are kept up to date. Certificates are typically issued for a fixed period and must be renewed to remain valid.
How Could Amtivo Help Your Business?
Amtivo in Ireland has been appointed by the EPA to carry out these solvent and VOC inspections. Our assessors operate independently under the Approved Assessor scheme, with inspections forming part of the evidence used by local authorities to determine compliance.
Businesses can book an inspection through Amtivo’s online portal, and multi-site operators can contact the team directly to coordinate assessments across locations.
For more information and to request an inspection, visit our Approved Assessor Inspections webpage.
