Final draft of the BAT study for updating the general emission limit values for substances of concern is available online
The final draft of the BAT study for updating the general emission limit values for substances of concern is available online.
Chapter 4.4.2 and Annex 4.4.2 of VLAREM II lay down the general conditions and emission limit values for air emissions. These emission limit values apply to all classified installations, unless different sectoral emission limit values are set. The study examines whether adjustments are needed to the existing general emission limit values for substances of concern, whether substances need to be added, and what changes are required for the general emission limit values and related general environmental conditions so that they align with the latest knowledge regarding substance properties and the current state of the art.
Due to the large number of substances of concern, the study combines a targeted and a generic analysis. Based on the targeted analysis, it is proposed to revise the general emission limit values for various substances of concern, including various metal compounds and organic substances, and to add other substances of concern to the list of general emission limit values, such as dioxins, furans, dioxin-like PCBs, and various PAHs. For PFAS, the recommendations of the BAT study on PFAS air emissions were re-evaluated based on new information, and three options for the regulatory framework are described.
In addition, there are generic recommendations for general emission limit values and environmental conditions, such as the inventory and risk assessment of emission sources, adjustments to the regulations for substances not on the list, retention of a sum provision for substances belonging to the same group, an emission ceiling as a limit value or guidance value for substances of concern, a mandatory environmental risk assessment, and measurement obligations.
Further research is needed into measurement methods, the significance of general emission limit values for various substances of concern, uniform criteria and methodology for prioritization and standard derivation, combined effects, an appropriate regulation for carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic substances of category 2, achievable levels for persistent and endocrine-disrupting substances, and new reduction techniques.
The members of the steering committee and the BBT/EMIS/EP steering group have until October 7, 2026, to approve the final draft or submit comments. Subsequently, the BAT study will be supplemented with any comments, and the final report will be published on EMIS. Finally, this study will also appear in the BAT database.
For more information or questions, please contact BBT-helpdesk.