PCBs are man-made organic compounds which were used in components
of various products, including electrical equipment, before they
were banned in 1986 under the UN Stockholm Convention.
PCBs are subject to ‘The Environmental Protection (Disposal of
Polychlorinated Biphenyls and other Dangerous Substances)
Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000'.
The Regulations have now been amended by ‘The Environmental
Protection (Disposal of Polychlorinated Biphenyls and other
Dangerous Substances) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland)
2025' which came into effect on 17th June 2025.
Under the amended legislation, equipment containing higher than
the new threshold limits of 0.005% PCBs by weight and a total
volume of 0.05 dm3 (50 millilitres) must be registered with NIEA
before 31st October 2025 and subsequently removed from use by
31st December 2025.
Existing closed uses of PCBs include, but are not limited to,
heat exchange fluids such as coolants and insulating fluids
(transformer oil) for transformers and capacitors manufactured
prior to 1987.
PCBs have been recognised globally as harmful to human health and
the environment. Businesses are required to register relevant
equipment annually using the PCB registration database
see: https://digitalapps2.daera-ni.gov.uk/PCBEquipmentRegister/StartHere
Associated guidance and fees for registration are available
at: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/registration-and-disposal-polychlorinated-biphenyls-pcbs
Further information can be sought by contacting the NIEA
Chemicals Compliance Team via: NIEAChemicals@daera-ni.gov.uk
