Research and analysis

The Volatile Organic Compounds in Paints, Varnishes and Vehicle Refinishing Products Regulations 2012: post-implementation review - RPC opinion (green-rated)

Regulatory Policy Committee opinion on Defra's PIR of The Volatile Organic Compounds in Paints, Varnishes and Vehicle Refinishing Products Regulations 2012

• From: Regulatory Policy Committee
• Published: 11 March 2025

Documents

RPC Opinion: Volatile Organic Compounds in Paints, Varnishes and Vehicle Refinishing Products Regulations PIR

PDF, 114 KB, 7 pages

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Details

The original measure transposed the requirements of the Paints Directive 2004/42/EC into UK law, requiring that specified paints, varnishes and vehicle refinishing products can only be marketed if they contain less than specified amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It also introduced labelling requirements for these products.

This PIR provides sufficient support for its recommendation to keep the core provisions of the regulation. The Department has also considered a sufficient range of changes to improve the regulation, taking into account proportionality and the impact on small businesses.

The Department plans to follow the EU’s lead by eliminating the obligation to maintain a complex monitoring system, thereby reducing the burden on local authorities and businesses. However, the Department should consider the impact that removing the requirement to monitor would have on local authorities’ ability to enforce the regulation, and the Department’s ability to ensure adequate enforcement is being carried out.

The PIR is green-rated; fit for purpose.

Published 11 March 2025