Low-VOC Regs in the UK

UK restricts VOCs
New legislation in the United Kingdom that imposes limits on solvent levels officially took effect November 1. The rules regulate fumes from paints and varnishes in an attempt to curb volatile organic compound emissions. Restrictions on solvents in paint will come into force January 2007, and even more stringent limits will debut January 2010.

The UK rules were brought about under the EC Paints Directive, known more formally as EC Directive 2004/42/EC, which aims to limit VOC emissions from solvents in paints, varnishes and vehicle refinish compounds. The regulations will help to eliminate 280,000 tons of VOC output across Europe by 2010.

More information can be obtained from the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs at www.defra.gov.uk.