Paints directive (2004/42/EC)

Directive 2004/42/EC on the limitation of emissions of volatile organic compounds due to the use of organic solvents in certain paints and varnishes and vehicle refinishing products and amending Directive 1999/13/EC.

What is the purpose of the Paints Directive?

The Paints Directive aims to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs, solvents) across the UK and Europe. VOCs are precursors to the formation of ground level ozone (summer smog) and reductions resulting from implementation of this Directive will lead to improvements in air quality and public health.

How does the Paints Directive reduce emissions?

The Paints Directive applies a product based approach to control emissions by setting:

  • Maximum content limits for solvents (VOCs) in decorative paints, varnishes and vehicle refinishing products, from 01 January 2007 (Phase I);
  • More stringent limits for the maximum content limits of solvents of decorative paints and varnishes, from 01 January 2010 (Phase II).

UK implementation

The Directive has been implemented in the UK by the Volatile Organic Compounds in Paints, Varnishes and Vehicle Refinishing Products Regulations 2005 (Statutory Instrument 2005, No. 2773):

Consultations

Licensing scheme for the sale and purchase of non-compliant paints for use on historic buildings and vintage vehicles

In September 2007, Defra published a consultation paper (PDF 80 KB) on proposals for a licensing scheme which would implement the derogation for historic buildings and vintage vehicles.

The licensing scheme would have allowed individuals and businesses to obtain non-compliant paint products for exclusive use in the restoration and maintenance of historic buildings and vintage vehicles.  

The consultation closed in December 2007 and a summary of responses (PDF 50 KB) was published in April 2008. The licensing scheme was found to be disproportionately complex and we have now proposed an alternative approach without licensing.

Implementation of the Paint Products Regulations 2005 addressing monitoring and enforcement issues

Defra issued a further consultation on monitoring and enforcement issues in relation to the 2005 Regulations and setting out the proposed alternative to licensing. The consultation was issued on 6 January 2009 and closes on 31 March.

Links

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Page published 7 January 2009