The objective of the following regulations is to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) into the atmosphere in order to reduce the adverse impact of VOC on human health and the environment.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are carbon-based chemicals that evaporate readily into the atmosphere. Once emitted to air, VOC are associated with several health and environmental problems
• Formation of ground-level ozone and photochemical smog
• Poor local air quality (benzene in air)
• Atmospheric warming and climate change.
What are Decorative Paints?
Many paints and varnishes available on the market today contain VOCs. Legislation was introduced to limit emissions arising from the use of VOCs in certain paints, varnishes and vehicle refinishing products, to reduce the risk to the user and the environment.
Relevant legislation
The European Union (Paints, Varnishes, Vehicle Refinishing Products and Activities) Regulations 2012 (S.I. No. 564 of 2012). These Regulations stipulates that paints, varnishes and vehicle refinishing products can only be placed on the market if their VOC content limit values are equal to or lower than the values specified in Schedule 2 of the Regulations. The sectors which fall under these regulations are as follows:
· Vehicle repair and recoating
· Manufacturers, distributors and retailers of paints and varnishes
The Regulations oblige operators using VOC containing products to hold a current certificate of compliance.
It is an offence to operate a facility using VOC containing products without a valid certificate of compliance. To obtain this certificate, operators must first arrange for an approved assessor (AA), appointed by the EPA, to review their operations and obtain an AA compliance assessment report. The resulting compliant assessment report along with a completed registration application form and registration fee must be submitted to and approved by Offaly County Council.
The application fee payable by operators to their local authority is €70 for new applications and €50 for renewals. Application for the renewal of the Certificate of Compliance should be made 28 days prior to the expiry date of the Certificate of Compliance.
Local authorities must then decide whether or not to issue a certificate of compliance, what conditions, if any, to apply and inform the operator of the decisions. Certificates of approval must be renewed by an operator every three years.
Note, an operator of a facility using VOC containing products must immediately notify the local authority on becoming aware of any breaches of the Regulations and restoration of compliance in the shortest possible time and immediately cease of any operation which is likely to endanger human health or the environment and the immediate notification of the local authority.
More information is available on the EPA website – EPA – Solvents and Decorative Paints
Below you can find a leaflet that provides guidelines for vehicle refinishing on what you need to know regarding, certificate of compliance, record keeping, product, equipment, storage, waste collection, approved assessors contact details – Vehicle Refinishing – What you need to know!
The application form for Vehicle Refinisher may be downloaded here Deco Paints – Application for Certificate of Compliance
Decorative Paints Register
Below is a list of compliant operators in Offaly:
| Register Number | Company Name | Address | Expiry Date |
| VR-OY-011(24) | Ian McDermott Autobody Repairs | Iona, Ballybought, Durrow, Tullamore, Co. Offaly | 17/10/2026 |
| VR-OY-008(06) | Tullamore Nissan Ltd. | Burlington Business Park, Clara Rd, Srah, Tullamore, Co. Offaly | 27/04/2026 |
| VR-OY-015(23) | Lewis’ Garage. | Brosna, Birr, Co. Offaly | 08/08/2025 |
Queries
If you have any queries in relation to the Deco-paints Regulations please contact the Environment & Water Services at Offaly County Council, Áras an Chontae, Charleville Road, Tullamore County Offaly, R35F893.
Email: environment@offalycoco.ie
Phone: (057) 9357403