ES · Expiry & renewal tracking
Chemical storage in Spain: five-year certificate and reviews
Every five years from commissioning, the holder of a chemical storage installation in Spain submits to the regional authority a conformity certificate from an authorised inspection body (Article 5.1 of Royal Decree 656/2017). Flammable liquid storage (ITC MIE APQ-1) also needs an annual review (Article 51).
Every five years from the commissioning of a chemical storage installation, and of its modifications or extensions, the holder submits to the regional authority a certificate from an authorised inspection body confirming conformity with the applicable complementary technical instruction (Article 5.1 of Spain's Chemical Storage Regulation, Royal Decree 656/2017). The certificate identifies the storage and states that it meets the ITCs and is operational, that its capacity has not changed and that the periodic reviews have been carried out.
Also every five years, underground tanks and pipes undergo a leak-tightness test certified by an inspection body. It is not needed for double-walled tanks or pipes with a leak detection system, but the system must be checked to be working (Article 5.2).
For storage of flammable and combustible liquids in fixed containers (ITC MIE APQ-1), the installations are also reviewed every year: cathodic protection and electrical continuity, bunds, foundations, drains, pumps, condition of tanks and pipes, vents, water and foam reserves, pumping, cooling, alarms, extinguishers, hoses and couplings (Article 51.1). Reviews are carried out by the holder's own inspector or an inspection body, with a certificate (Article 51.3). Other ITCs of the regulation set their own periodic reviews.
At a glance
| Inspection body certificate | Every five years from commissioning (Article 5.1) |
|---|---|
| Leak test for underground tanks and pipes | Every five years, certified by an inspection body (Article 5.2) |
| Periodic review (ITC MIE APQ-1) | Annual, by own inspector or inspection body (Articles 51.1 and 51.3) |
| Single-walled metal tanks (APQ-1) | Internal visual inspection with thickness measurement every 15 years (Article 51.2) |
| Safety showers and eyewash (APQ-1) | Tested at least once a week (Article 49.4.a) |
| Existing installations | First period runs from the last earlier periodic inspection (third transitional provision) |
Who is responsible?
The holder is responsible for complying with the regulation and its ITCs and for proper operation (Article 7.1); inspections and reviews do not release the holder from its duties on the condition and upkeep of the installations (Article 7.3). The holder's own inspector is competent technical staff designated by the holder, with the designation documented (ITC MIE APQ-0, Article 2, item 31). Each company appoints a person responsible for the maintenance plan (ITC MIE APQ-1, Article 49.4).
If the deadline passes
Breaches are penalised under Title V of Industry Act 21/1992. The regional authority may also order a temporary total or partial shutdown of the activity until the deficiencies are corrected (Articles 9.1 and 9.2).
Installations from before 2017
Storage existing when Royal Decree 656/2017 came into force is reviewed against the technical requirements of the ITC under which it was built, but at the frequency of the new ITCs. The first period runs from the last periodic inspection or, failing that, from the authorisation or notice of commissioning (third transitional provision).
Tracking it with ExpirySuite
- Add each storage installation with the expiry date of its five-year certificate and, as a separate entry, the next annual review.
- Email reminders arrive 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before and on the day itself. The 60-day reminder leaves time to book the inspection body.
- The inspection body can upload the certificate through a secure link that is valid for 14 days and needs no account.
- Assign a responsible person, such as the person in charge of the maintenance plan; emails arrive in each recipient's language. If a date passes, managers get further reminders 3, 7 and 14 days later.
Frequently asked questions
- How often is the APQ certificate submitted?
- Every five years from the commissioning of the installation and of its modifications or extensions, to the regional authority (Article 5.1 of RD 656/2017).
- Who issues the certificate?
- An authorised inspection body (Article 5.1).
- Are there reviews between certificates?
- Yes. Under ITC MIE APQ-1 the periodic review is annual and is done by the holder's own inspector or an inspection body (Articles 51.1 and 51.3). Other ITCs have their own reviews.
- Is the leak test needed for double-walled tanks?
- No, if they have a leak detection system, but the system must be checked to be working properly (Article 5.2).
Sources
Last checked: Sep 30, 2026 · This page summarises official sources for general information and is not legal advice. Check the linked sources for current rules and fees.
Made for chemical storage 5-year certificate (APQ) (Spain)
A ready template for chemical storage 5-year certificate (APQ) (Spain) with sensible validity defaults, so you enter less and track more.
Reminders on time
Email alerts at 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before each chemical storage 5-year certificate (APQ) (Spain) expires, plus overdue escalation to managers.
Assign an owner
Give each chemical storage 5-year certificate (APQ) (Spain) an owner and let employees update their own via a secure link — no login needed.