Limitation of emissions of volatile organic compounds due to the use of organic solvents incertain paints and varnishes and vehicle refinishing products

PURPOSE : to present a new proposal to reduce the content of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in a series of decorative paints and varnishes. CONTENT : the proposal aims to reduce VOCs emissions by setting the maximum values for the VOC content in certain categories of decorative paints and vehicle refinishing products, limits that have to be respected for the marketing of these products within the EU. However, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, some flexibility is provided, for example by allowing Member States discretion in the development and implementation of market surveillance systems. The proposal will for the first time set EU-wide limits on solvent content in paints, varnishes and vehicle refinishing products to come into effect in two phases: 2007 and 2010. More specifically, as regards a two-phase approach, this will give the sectors affected adequate time to adapt without compromising the long-term environmental benefits. The first phase will apply from 1 January 2007 while the second will apply from 1 January 2010. For vehicle refinishing products, there will be only one phase, which will apply from 1 January 2007. �