EU VOC paints directive deadlines looming

Citation

(2006), "EU VOC paints directive deadlines looming", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 53 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/acmm.2006.12853eab.022

EU VOC paints directive deadlines looming

EU VOC paints directive deadlines looming

Keywords: Laws and legislation, Solvents, Paints

The European Union Directive 2004/ 42/EC (the so-called VOC Paints Directive) limits emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) from the use of organic solvents in certain paints and varnishes and vehicle refinishing products by establishing limit values for the maximum VOC content in covered products (specifically the products covered by the directive include paints for use on buildings, their trims and fittings and structures associated with buildings (decorative paints), as well as products for vehicle refinishing).

For the decorative paints, the directive creates two sets of limit values for the maximum content of VOCs in grams per litre of the product (ready for use). The first set of limit values applies from January 1, 2007. The second, and stricter, set of limit values apply from January 1, 2010. For vehicle refinishing products there is only one set of limit values for the VOC content, which applies from January 1, 2007. These looming deadlines are expected to create a flurry of compliance related activity in the EU, however, the basic VOC restrictions have been communicated previously (2004) and industry planning for compliance is advanced.

According to Article 4 of the Directive the products must carry a special label when they are placed on the market. The label must indicate:

• •

  the category of the product;

• •

  the legal limit value for VOC content (in g/l); and

• •

  the maximum content of VOC (in g/l) of the product in its ready to use condition.

EU Member States must set up a monitoring program to verifying industry compliance with the Directive and, at regular intervals, report the results of the monitoring to the commission.

More information is available at: http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/pri/en/oj/dat/2004/l_143/l_14320040430en00870096.pdf