Volatile Organic Compunds (VOCs) (Solvents, Deco-Paints and Petrol Vapour Regulations

DecoPaints and Solvents Regulations

The Decorative Paints Regulations and Solvents Regulations limit the volatile organic compounds (VOC) content of widely-used paint products and solvents, as VOCs pose a risk to health and the environment.

Motor factors, vehicle refinishers, paint suppliers and dry cleaners are the main sectors that are subject to these Regulations.

The registers, for both vehicle refinishers and dry cleaners are available at the following links;

•  Dry Cleaner Register (Excel Document)
•  Vehicle Refinisher Register (Excel Document)

Kildare County Council’s main roles in this area are to issue certificates to compliant users, and to pursue non-registered or non-compliant users.

Further information is available from the EPA website at:

• Decorative Paints
• Solvents
• Volatile Organic Compound (VOCs)

Petroleum Vapour Emissions Regulations

These Regulations put controls on petroleum vapour emissions resulting from the storage and distribution of petrol which is intended for use as fuel in motor vehicles. Facility owners and operators are obliged to ensure that their facility is designed and operated in accordance with these Regulations.

All petrol station owners are required to engage the services of an independent approved assessor to carry out an assessment of the vapour recovery system at the service station, and to then apply to the Local Authority for a certificate.

Useful links to Further information in relation to VOC permits

• Search for a VOC appliation or permit website
• EPA VOC Process Explained
• Vehicle Refinishing? What you need to know (Source EPA, 2020)
• Best Practice Guidelines for Vehicle Refinishing 2013 - EPA
• Best Practice Guidelines for Dry Cleaning 2013 - EPA
• EPA Dry Cleaning leaflet - What you need to know to be compliant