Deadline for dry cleaning permit applications is approaching

Defra is reminding all dry cleaners who don't yet have a ‘permit to operate' that there are less than four months to go to the 31 October 2006 deadline when applications must reach local councils. If they miss the boat they may have to pay more for their application and could be prosecuted. Dry cleaners who have not yet submitted their application should:

• ring their council right away to talk to the environmental health pollution team
• look at the Defra guidance on dry cleaning which can be downloaded free at www.defra.gov.uk/environment/ppc then clicking on LA-PPC Process Guidance Notes and on PG6/46(04). There are versions in Greek, Turkish, Gujarati and Urdu. Paper copies cost £10 from Defra publications, Admail 6000, London SW1A 2XX, telephone 08459 556000.
• understand that while many councils are helping business with the process, it is dry cleaners' responsibility to make an adequate application in time
• remember that any dry cleaner which hasn't put in a ‘duly made' application by 31 October 2006 could potentially be prosecuted. ‘Duly made' means all the necessary information and documents are provided, so applications should be made in good time in case they are returned for being incomplete

The permits to operate are a requirement of the EU Solvent Emissions Directive, known as SED in the dry cleaning industry. SED affects a range of solvent-using industries including dry cleaners. Permits for new dry cleaners have been needed since 1 April 2001, but existing businesses have till 31 October 2006 to apply for a permit.

The fee for applying for a permit is £134. Defra has announced today proposals to increase this to £200 for any dry cleaner not putting in a complete application by 31 October 2006.

The Directive aims to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, which come from using solvents in the dry cleaning process. VOCs mix with other gases in the atmosphere and in strong sunlight can form ground level ozone, a pollutant which causes respiratory problems.

Notes to editors

1. The Solvent Emissions Directive was finalised on 11 March 1999 and has been transposed into UK law through regulations under the Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1999. The main requirement of the Directive for dry cleaners is that emissions of VOCs must be no more than 20g of solvent per kilogramme of clothing or other materials cleaned and dried.

2. The Defra guidance includes an example application form which shows the main information that Councils will want including basic business information, what machines are being operated, their capacity, date of installation and location, as well as what solvents are used, where they are stored, and maintenance procedures.

3. The guidance also shows an example permit which lists the main controls that must be put in place to minimise solvent emissions, including conditions for not exceeding the 20g per kilo emission limit, inventories of materials and solvents, operation and maintenance of equipment, disposal of solvents and cleaning of spillages. Permits have to be issued by 31 October 2007.

4. Defra is encouraging councils to help the many small and micro businesses to apply and meet the standards. But dry cleaners can't rely on this as an excuse for missing the 31 October 2006 application deadline.

5. The deadline for responses to the consultation on the proposal to increase the application fee to £200 is 24 August 2006. The consultation letter is at www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/drycleaners-pollutionfee.

6.   If dry cleaners don't apply in time they will be operating illegally, and this will continue to be the case not just till an application is made, but till it has been decided. If Councils prosecute, Magistrates could fine offenders up to £20,000 per offence or imprison them for up to 6 months.

7.   Defra produces an Update newsletter covering topical regulatory issues for the dry cleaning industry which is sent to all local authorities and is available at www.defra.gov.uk/environment/ppc.

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