Defra

Paints and varnishes (indoor)

Purchase of paints/varnishes with low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) content, to reduce toxic emissions and waste

2008 MINIMUM Mandatory Specification(s)

1.  Must use the British Coatings Federation VOC labelling scale

2.  Wall paints must have a ‘Low’ VOC content of 7.99% or less

3.  Other paints and all other products (varnishes, etc.) must have a ‘Medium’ VOC content of 24.99% or less

2008 BEST PRACTICE Specification(s)

Complies with the EU Green Public Procurement comprehensive criteria (see pages 18 to 19)

The following products shall not be used:

Indoor paints and varnishes with a content of solvents (VOCs with a boiling point of 250oC maximum) higher than:

- For wall paints (according to EN 13300): 30g/l (minus water)
- For other paints with a spreading rate of at least 15 m2/l at a hiding power of 98% opacity: 250g/l (minus water)
- For all other products (including paints that are not wall paints and that have a spreading rate of less than 15 m2/l, varnishes wood stains, floor coatings and floor paints, and related products): 180g/l (minus water)