The Environment Agency has released a regulatory position statement regarding Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) in order to clarify the use of SIC codes on hazardous waste consignment notes.
The Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations SI 2005/894 state that when hazardous waste is removed from any premises, a consignment note must be completed. Part B of those consignment notes requires a SIC code for the process which produces the waste in question. However, it would appear there is some confusion over which SIC codes to use, as there was a 2003 publication of codes and a 2007 publication.
The Agency statement clarifies that the Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations SI 2005/894 requires the 2003 SIC codes to be used. However, the statement announces a relaxation to the use of SIC codes on a hazardous waste consignment note.
It states: "We will not pursue breaches of the requirement to include the SIC code on a hazardous waste consignment note. We will also not pursue any corrections of the SIC code if, for example, the 2007 publication of the SIC is provided on a consignment note". However, when a premises registration is made online, by telephone, electronically or on a paper form, the Agency requires the SIC from the 2003 publication of codes.
Despite the relaxation of SIC codes for hazardous waste consignment notes, the Agency states that all other provisions of the Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations SI 2005/894 still apply to hazardous waste. In addition, it is important to note that the 2007 SIC codes should be used on all waste transfer notes.
The Agency regulatory position statement can be viewed at http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk.
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