The EPA has appointed a new panel of approved assessors to replace the existing AIC inspection body system in connection with the revised regulations on vehicle refinishing activities (S.I. No. 564 of 2012). These Approved Assessors will, from September 26th 2013, be the inspection bodies for the purposes of carrying out inspections under the regulations. 

The organisations on the new panel are:

• Enviroguide Consulting, Phone: 01 2711896, Web: www.enviroguide.ie, e-mail: info@enviroguide.ie;
• NMU Auditing and Inspection Services, Phone: 087 9277799, Web: www.nmu.ie, e-mail: info@nmu.ie.
• Certification Europe, Phone: 01 6429300, Web: www.certificationeurope.com, e-mail: inspection@certificationeurope.com;

From September 26th vehicle refinishers will be free to use any of these assessors for the purposes of getting their premises inspected, with a view to securing a certificate of compliance from their local authority.

The EPA also reminds all vehicle refinishers that it is illegal for any uncertified operator to carry out an activity for which a certificate of compliance is required under these Regulations. Any such operators should arrange for an inspection immediately. Similarly, any paint suppliers supplying non-compliant paints are also committing an offence. The EPA in conjunction with the Local Authorities will be carrying out enforcement activities during 2013. It is also expected that new legislation will be introduced shortly which will allow for fixed payment notices (i.e. ‘on-the-spot fines’) to be issued for any offences specified in the regulations. 

For further news, updates and information visit www.decopaints.ie