Environmental regulations governing the use of solvents

For certain industrial activities, you have to take account of the environmental regulations for the use of solvents. These are laid down in, for example, the General Rules for Establishments (Environmental Management) Decree (Besluit algemene regels voor inrichtingen milieubeheer) (known as the Activities Decree (Activiteitenbesluit)) and the Solvents Decree (Oplosmiddelenbesluit).

Solvents Decree

The Solvents Decree is intended to reduce the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and applies, for example, to:

• Shoe manufacturing
• Wood lamination and plastics
• Chemical cleaning
• Coating vehicles
• Coating and impregnating wood
• Coating leather
• Rubber processing

If your use of solvents exceeds a certain threshold value, you will be subject to the Solvent Decree and you will have to take measures to minimise emissions. Companies covered by the Solvents Decree must maintain records on the use of solvents.

Activities Decree

The rules laid down in the Activities Decree for the use of solvents apply to, for instance:

• Cleaning, gluing and coating wood, plastic and metal
• Soldering metal with flux
• Silk-screen printing
• Cleaning and washing textiles
• Supplying fuel to vehicles