Federal Immission Control Ordinance (Germany)

The Federal Immission Control Ordinance (31st BImSchV) is a legal framework in Germany that aims to regulate emissions of air pollutants and odors from various industrial facilities, including those in surface technology. The main objective of this regulation is to promote environmental protection by establishing measures to limit and control emissions into the atmosphere.

In the specific context of surface technology, the 31st BImSchV concerns plants that carry out processes such as coating, electroplating or printing. The ordinance sets emission limit values to ensure that the release of harmful air pollutants into the environment is reduced to an acceptable level. The application of best available techniques (BAT) and the obligation to submit regular emission reports are also important aspects of this.

Plant operators in the surface technology sector are obliged to ensure that their production processes comply with the specified emission limits. This often requires the implementation of specific technologies and processes to minimize the environmental impact. The 31st BImSchV thus promotes sustainable and environmentally friendly production in the surface technology sector by setting clear guidelines for the protection of air quality and the environment.

The ordinance is subject to regular reviews and updates to ensure that it reflects the latest scientific and technological findings. It is therefore crucial for operators of surface technology plants to keep abreast of any changes and adapt their processes accordingly in order to continue to meet the legal requirements.