Cabinet Regulation No. 186 validating the Procedure for limiting emissions of volatile organic compounds from equipment using organic solvents.

This Cabinet Regulation primarily addresses the regulation of emissions from facilities that emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Its objectives include establishing emission limit values and target emission limits for VOCs, as outlined in the annexes of the regulations. The broader legal context is framed by the Pollution Law, which mandates compliance with specific thresholds for organic solvent consumption in various activities. The document emphasizes the importance of reducing VOC emissions to protect environmental and public health, aligning with EU regulations on chemical substances. The document specifies that facilities must adhere to emission limit values or develop target emission limits based on the prescribed requirements. It outlines that for activities involving coatings, varnishes, binders, or printing inks, the target emission limit must ensure that VOC emissions are reduced to levels equivalent to or lower than those set by the emission limit values. Additionally, it states that if alternative solvents with reduced organic solvent content are not available, the timeline for achieving the target emission limit will be extended until such alternatives are accessible. The implementation plan requires operators to submit applications for A or B category permits based on their organic solvent consumption levels, as defined in the regulations. The document also details the annual monitoring of solvent consumption to ensure compliance with the target emission limits. Other themes include the necessity for operators to maintain records and report emissions, as well as the involvement of regulatory authorities in overseeing compliance and enforcement of the established limits.