What does EFTCO mean?
EFTCO stands for the European Federation of Tank Cleaning Organisations.
It is the main European body that supports standardisation, safety, environmental responsibility, and quality improvements in the tank cleaning industry.
EFTCO is responsible for developing key industry standards such as the EFTCO Cleaning Document (ECD) and the EFTCO Tank Cleaning Codes, which are used across Europe.
What does NRTCA mean?
NRTCA stands for the National Road Tanker Cleaners Association.
It is the recognised trade association for professional road tanker cleaning stations across the UK and Ireland.
NRTCA works to improve standards, support compliance, and help ensure consistency across the industry.
What does SQAS mean?
SQAS stands for the Safety and Quality Assessment System.
It is a recognised European audit system used to assess tank cleaning stations based on:
Health & safety standards
Environmental controls
Quality systems
Operational processes
Legal compliance
SQAS is a key requirement for many chemical and transport businesses, and it is also a prerequisite for membership of the NRTCA.
What does ECD mean?
ECD stands for the EFTCO Cleaning Document.
It is a standard European document used to record tanker cleaning operations.
The ECD helps provide proof that a tank has been cleaned correctly, using recognised methods and EFTCO codes, and that cleaning was completed in line with safety, legal and environmental expectations.
What does CEFIC mean?
CEFIC stands for the European Chemical Industry Council.
CEFIC represents chemical manufacturers across Europe and plays a key role in improving standards for safety, compliance, and transport across the supply chain.
CEFIC worked alongside EFTCO and ECTA to support the development of SQAS and tanker cleaning best practice.
What does ECTA mean?
ECTA stands for the European Chemical Transport Association.
It represents chemical transport companies across Europe and supports high standards in safe transport, compliance and documentation.
ECTA works alongside EFTCO and CEFIC to support shared safety and quality standards in the tanker industry.
What does ITCO mean?
ITCO stands for the International Tank Container Organisation.
ITCO is a global organisation representing the tank container industry, supporting safe operation, best practice, and standardisation across international supply chains.
What does HSE mean?
HSE stands for the Health and Safety Executive.
It is the UK government body responsible for regulating workplace health and safety, including enforcement, inspections, and prosecutions for non-compliance.
The HSE publishes guidance and updates relevant to industries like tanker cleaning, transport, hazardous substances and confined space work.
What does RHA mean?
RHA stands for the Road Haulage Association.
It represents road transport and haulage businesses across the UK and supports the industry through guidance, standards, and policy development.
What is the Responsible Care Programme?
The Responsible Care Programme is a voluntary initiative supported by the chemical industry.
Its purpose is to improve safety, environmental responsibility, and sustainable working practices across chemical manufacturing and transport.
SQAS and EFTCO processes align closely with Responsible Care principles.
What is meant by ‘Tank Cleaning Codes’?
EFTCO Tank Cleaning Codes are standard codes used across Europe to describe cleaning processes in a consistent way.
They are used on the ECD and are translated into multiple languages, helping loading points and drivers understand what cleaning work has been completed.
What is meant by ‘the EFTCO definition of clean’?
The EFTCO definition of clean means:
“A tank shall be described as clean when there are no visible traces or odour of the last product or cleaning agent following an inspection from the man-lids.”
This is the recognised European standard used across the tanker cleaning industry.