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

The European Parliament adopted a resolution drafted by Giorgio LISI (EPP-ED, Italy) and made some amendments to the Commission's proposals. (Please refer to the document dated 09/09/03.) However, Parliament did not follow the environment committee on one important point: on the question of the boiling point of volatile organic compounds, Parliament rejected the committee's amendment of substances with a boiling point up to 280°C such as the solvent Texanol. All amendments aiming at modifying the limit values were rejected, though a single new limit value for Interior/exterior trim and cladding paints for wood and metal was inserted. Furthermore: - Parliament added a new recital stating that the purpose of the Directive is to prevent direct and indirect emissions of VOCs into the general or human environment due to the use of organic solvents in decorative paints and varnishes and vehicle refinishing products, and to prevent direct risks to human health, by limiting the maximum content of VOCs; - the exemption relating to old and treasured vehicles must not represent more than 0.5 % of total sales in the vehicle refinishing sector; - for the purpose of the restoration and maintenance of buildings designated by national authorities as being of particular historical value, Member States may licence the use of special paints which do not meet the solvent limit values. In the tri-annual reports required under the Directive, Member States must inform the Commission about the number of licences granted and the nature and volume of the special paints licensed; - no later than 2 years after entry into force of the Directive, the Commission must submit a report assessing the actual and anticipated reduction in ozone formation as a result of this Directive.�