The EPA has set up a National Refinishers Register to provide details of all officially certified bodyshops that are compliant with environmental regulations and registered with their local authority.

Under the European Union (Paints, Varnishes, Vehicle Refinishing Products and Activities) Regulations 2012 (S.I.No 564 of 2012) it is illegal for any uncertified vehicle refinishing operator to carry out any vehicle refinishing activity for which a certificate of compliance is required. This means that only certified operators who are listed should be painting vehicles.

The register comes in the form of a page on the dedicated EPA refinisher website, decopaints.ie. It provides links to all Local Authority listings of certified refinishers with addresses and valid certification dates.

The register is designed to provide the public, insurance assessors, insurance companies, fleet operators and other work providers with a convenient listing of all officially certified refinishers by county. It is hoped that this will aid compliance and make it easier for everyone to identify bodyshops that conform to safe and environmentally friendly refinishing practices.

Uncertified bodyshops are advised to contact their Local Authority in order to engage in the certification process as soon as possible to avoid penalties.

The new register forms part of a number of measures being implemented by the EPA designed to promote regulation compliance. This includes discussions with the insurance companies and the insurance assessor body, the Institute of Automotive Engineer Assessors (IAEA) to promote compliance, as well as the imminent introduction of fixed payment notices for non compliant operators. Administrative details of this programme are currently being finalised and Local Authorities should be in a position to issue penalties for non compliance within the next two months.