Regulations for opening a car mechanic and body shop business in Bulgaria

The issues related to accounting and the license for car service in Bulgaria arouse considerable interest among our clients. They often ask: “What are the Riokoz requirements for a car service?”, “What documents are needed for a car service?”, “What are the requirements for a janitor?”, “What is the fine for an illegal car service?” and “How to get a car service license?”. The answers to these questions are essential for the successful start and management of a car workshop, especially when it comes to meeting the requirements for distance to a car service and complying with the Car Service Act.

In the process of opening a tire shop or car service, customers often face a number of challenges associated with registering a car workshop and drawing up a car service project that meets all legal requirements. Our main goal at Elan Consulting is to provide comprehensive assistance and first-class accounting services to our clients, guiding them step by step through all the necessary procedures. Our team of professionals is always ready to provide advice and assistance in the city of Sofia, as well as in Burgas, Pomorie, Karnobat, Sunny Beach, Aytos, Nessebar, Sozopol, Primorsko and throughout Bulgaria.

Frequently asked questions include: “What are the requirements for a car service?”, “What is the registration process for a car workshop?”, “What are the requirements for a car service station?” and “What are the risks and fines for an illegal car service?”. We at Elan Consulting understand that every detail is important for the successful development of your business, so we are here to provide full and professional support at every step of the process. Our mission is to facilitate our customers by providing them with comprehensive information and effective solutions for all their needs related to the accounting and licensing of car repair shops in Bulgaria.

Do I need a license to open a body shop in Bulgaria?

In order to open a car service in Bulgaria, you must comply with numerous legal requirements and obtain the appropriate licenses and permits depending on the type of activities you are going to carry out. Here is a detailed description of the procedures and required documents, based on the latest documents and laws.

First of all, the performance of car service and car repair and maintenance services is considered a commercial activity under the Commercial Law and the Law on the Commercial Register and the Register of Non-Profit Legal Entities (ZTRRULNC) and accordingly it is mandatory for the person engaged in this activity to have a registered company or to be registered as a sole trader a man. According to Art. 1, para. 1, item 3 of the Commercial Law, any person who carries out commercial activities, including car repair and maintenance services, must be registered as a sole trader or legal entity. R

Car repair shops carry out commercial transactions by providing services such as engine repairs, oil changes, and the sale of automotive parts. Commercial transactions include any form of commercial activity related to the sale or provision of goods and services for payment. According to Art. 286 of the Commercial Law, a commercial transaction is any agreement that has as its subject a commercial service or sale of goods carried out by a trader in the course of his activity.

Failure to comply with the registration requirements entails penalties provided for in the ZTRRULNC. According to Art. 40, para. 1, a person who is obliged, but does not declare registration of a circumstance under Art. 4 or does not submit an act under Art. 5 within the time limit determined by law, shall be punished with a fine of 1000 to 5000 BGN. If, after being fined, the obligated person does not request an entry or does not submit the acts within the prescribed period, he shall be punished by the fines referred to in paragraph 1 every month until the execution of the acts.

Secondly, auto repair shops that deal with car repairs and maintenance, such as painting, changing oils and filters, and repairing the undercarriage, must meet the requirements of health and safety working conditions. According to Ordinance No. 12 of December 27, 2004, the minimum requirements for health and safety at work when working with cars are determined. Employers are obliged to provide adequate ventilation, lighting, sanitary facilities and other conditions that ensure the health and safety of workers.

Thirdly, the law provides for mandatory registration with the Regional Inspectorate for Environment and Water (RIESW) for car repair shops that carry out activities related to the formation and/or treatment of production and/or hazardous waste. This includes workshops that carry out oil and filter changes, painting, undercarriage repairs and other activities that generate waste classified as hazardous or production. According to the Waste Management Act, Art. 35, para. 1, these workshops are obliged to keep accounting books for waste certified by the RIESV.

The procedure for registration in the RIESV involves several steps. First, the car service must submit an application for entry in the public register. This application must contain information such as the name of the person, the unique identification code (EIC), the trade marks, the correspondence address, the contact person and the type of waste to be treated. The application must be submitted to the relevant regional environmental and water inspectorate, which has jurisdiction over the territory where the car service is located.

The required documents for registration include:

A copy of the company's registration in the Commercial Register.
Description of the activities that will be carried out in the car service.
Waste management plan, which includes information on the types and quantities of waste, methods of their collection, storage and treatment.
Documentation of equipment and technology used for waste management.
Certificates of qualification of personnel who will work with hazardous waste.
Evidence of the availability of the necessary conditions for the storage of waste, such as storage facilities and containers.

After submitting the application and the necessary documents, the RIOSV reviews the submitted information and carries out an on-site inspection to ensure that the car service meets all waste management requirements. If everything is in order, the inspection issues a permit and enters the car service in the public register under Art. 45, para. 1, item 4 of the Waste Management Act.

Failure to comply with the requirements for registration in the RIESV can lead to serious penalties. According to the Waste Management Act, Art. 145, para. 1, a sole trader or legal entity that is not entered in the register under Art. 45, para. 1, item 10, is subject to a property penalty in the amount of BGN 3000 to BGN 10,000. In case of repeated violation, the penalty can be significantly increased.

Other violations related to waste management, such as carrying out activities without the necessary authorization, failure to submit reporting documents or not providing access to control bodies, are also subject to high fines. For these violations, the penalties can range from BGN 15,000 to BGN 50,000, depending on the specific violation and its seriousness.

In addition, car repair shops must comply with the requirements of Ordinance No. 7 of 1999 on the minimum requirements for health and safety at work places and when using work equipment. This regulation includes specific requirements for various types of work, such as painting and car repair, that must be performed.

According to Ordinance No. 32 of December 29, 1999 on fire safety of objects in operation, measures must be taken to prevent fires and accidents in car repair shops. This includes the provision of fire extinguishing agents, proper storage of combustible materials and training of personnel in fire action.

If the car service carries out annual technical inspections (GTP) of cars, it is necessary to obtain an additional permit. According to Ordinance No. H-32 of December 16, 2011 on the requirements for the points for conducting annual technical inspections of road vehicles, car repair shops must meet specific technical and administrative requirements, including the availability of appropriate equipment and certified personnel.

What are the requirements for health and safety working conditions in car repair shops?

The requirements for health and safety working conditions in car repair shops are strictly regulated by Ordinance No. 12 of December 27, 2004. This regulation defines the minimum requirements for ensuring healthy and safe working conditions when working with cars. The regulation applies to all workplaces where work with cars is carried out, including by persons who independently carry out labor activity.

When working with cars, the requirements of the Ordinance are met in conjunction with the requirements of the Road Traffic Act, Ordinance No. 7 of 1999 on the minimum requirements for health and safety conditions at work places and when using work equipment and Ordinance No. 3 of 1997 on fire safety of objects in operation. In addition, when operating vehicles equipped with automotive gas systems (AGU), the requirements of the Ordinance of 2004 on the arrangement and safe operation of gas transmission and distribution pipelines and natural gas facilities, installations and appliances must also be met.

Workplaces where work is carried out on and/or with vehicles must be designed, constructed, equipped, commissioned, operated, controlled, maintained and decommissioned in such a way that workers carry out the work assigned to them without endangering their safety and health or the safety and health of others. The employer is obliged to have a plan for the prevention and eradication of accidents and fires, including protection against accidents when working with cars, as well as in activities with hazardous chemicals and preparations.

When using work equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), products and substances, the manufacturer's instructions and/or instructions for safe operation must be followed. The employer shall ensure the availability of decontamination, washing and cleaning equipment, means and materials, keeping them always in working order and suitable for use in the places where necessary. For their correct use, the employer draws up instructions.

In the premises where vehicles are operated, it is not allowed to carry out other non-proprietary works or activities, the presence of uninvolved persons, to carry out maneuvers with vehicles by persons without a driving license for the relevant category of vehicles, and the use of flammable or combustible materials for the washing and/or cleaning of cars. It is forbidden to feed and store food products and drinking water in painting rooms and warehouses for painting materials.

When working with fuels and antifreeze, the employer shall approve an OSH instruction, including measures for the safe handling of fuels, the disposal and cleaning of vessels and vehicles in which fuels are stored and/or transported, as well as for the disposal and cleaning of workplaces and tools in case of spills, splashes or spills with fuels. Places where fuels are operated on the territory of the enterprise are indicated by signs and/or signs indicating the danger and ways of disposal and cleaning and obliging the use of safe working methods and personal protective equipment.

Accounting of car repair shops, tire mechanics and mechanics with Elan Consulting

By trusting Elan Consulting for accounting services of car repair shops and car repair shops, payroll and taxation, you receive professional service in accordance with the highest standards and requirements in the industry. Our team of experienced and qualified accountants has in-depth knowledge and extensive experience in the field of accounting and taxation, which ensures accuracy and reliability in keeping your financial statements and documents. This includes specialist knowledge in the field of car repair and tire repair, which allows us to provide optimized solutions tailored to your specific needs and requirements.

Elan Consulting offers a comprehensive suite of accounting services that covers all aspects of the financial management of your business. From keeping current accounting and preparing monthly and annual financial reports, to full payroll management and processing of your employees' salaries. We take care of all this so that you can concentrate on the core business of your business without worrying about administrative and accounting tasks.

In the field of taxation, Elan Consulting provides expert advice and assistance to optimize your tax obligations. We closely monitor all changes in tax legislation and inform you in a timely manner about all important innovations that may affect your business. We also offer assistance in the preparation and filing of tax returns, ensuring compliance with all legal requirements and deadlines.

In addition, our services also include advice on issues related to waste management and compliance with environmental requirements, which is essential for car repairers and tire handlers. We are familiar with all the regulations and requirements of the RIEHR and can help you register and maintain the necessary reporting to avoid penalties and ensure the lawful operation of your business.

By choosing Elan Consulting, you get not only professional accounting service, but also a partner who cares about your success. We understand the challenges faced by auto repair shops and tire dealers, and we are here to offer you solutions that will make it easier to run your business and help you grow sustainably and successfully. Our commitment to high quality services and individual approach to each client makes Elan Consulting a reliable and preferred partner in the field of accounting and taxation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the minimum health and safety requirements in car repair shops?

The minimum requirements for health and safety working conditions in car repair shops are regulated in Ordinance No. 12 of December 27, 2004. This regulation covers all workplaces where work with cars is carried out. The main requirements include the provision of adequate ventilation, lighting, sanitary facilities and other conditions that ensure the health and safety of workers. Employers must have a plan to prevent and eradicate accidents and fires, as well as provide personal protective equipment and equipment for safe work. The specific requirements for various types of work such as painting, repair and oil change are described in detail in the annexes to the ordinance.

What documents are needed for registration of a car service in RIOSV?

In order to register a car service in the Regional Inspectorate for Environment and Water (RIESW), you must submit an application for entry in the public register under Art. 45, para. 1, item 4 of the Waste Management Act. The required documents include a copy of the company's registration in the Commercial Register, a description of the activities that will be carried out in the car service, a waste management plan, documentation on the equipment and technologies used for waste management, certificates of qualification of the personnel who will work with hazardous waste, and evidence of the availability of the necessary conditions for waste storage. After submitting the application, the RIESV carries out an on-site inspection and issues a permit in compliance with all requirements.

What are the requirements for the distance of a car service from residential buildings?

The requirements for the distance of a car service station from residential buildings are regulated in order to minimize the impact on the environment and ensure the safety and health of residents. According to the Law on Territorial Planning (ZT), car repair shops must be located at a certain minimum distance from residential areas in order to prevent noise pollution, air pollution and other negative effects. The exact requirements may vary depending on the specific municipality and local regulations, but usually include a distance of at least 50 to 100 meters. These regulations are important to comply with in the design and construction of a car service.