Dry Cleaners

European Union (Paints, Varnishes, Vehicle Refinishing Products and Activities) Regulations 2012 (S.I. No. 564 of 2012) and European Union (Installations and Activities using Organic Solvents) Regulations 2012 (S.I. No. 565 of 2012

Under the European Union (Paints, Varnishes, Vehicle Refinishing Products and Activities) Regulations 2012 (S.I. No. 564 of 2012) and European Union (Installations and Activities using Organic Solvents) Regulations 2012 (S.I. No. 565 of 2012), users of solvents in the Vehicle Refinishing industry are obliged to have an assessment done on their Solvent usage by a competent person, and obtain a Certificate of Compliance from their Local Authority. The EPA has appointed Approved Assessors to be the inspection bodies for carrying out inspections under the Regulations.

• Kilkenny County Council can issue Certificates of Compliance for up to 3 years. However, certificates of a shorter duration may be issued if there are concerns about a specific installation (including failure to renew certificates in time).
• The application fee payable by operators to Kilkenny County Council is €70 for new applications and €50 for renewals of existing Certificates of Compliance. If an operator does not renew their Certificate of Compliance 28 days prior to its expiry date, they must then apply for a new certificate
• The fine for uncertified operators is €5,000 or imprisonment for up to six months, or both.
• A copy of your Certificate of Compliance must be displayed in a prominent position at your premises.

Additionally, if an operator receives non-compliant materials, they must notify the EPA or Kilkenny County Council of this fact and take appropriate steps to minimise the risk to human health and the environment. The Authorised Officer of the Local Authority may enter premises, if necessary with the assistance of An Garda Siochana, and seize prohibited paints, varnishes and vehicle refinishing products and the cost of such disposal to be borne by the person or body from whom they were seized.

EPA Best Practice Guidelines for Dry Cleaners

Information below last edited; 11th December 2015