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Volatile Organic Compounds

Answer

The implications of the interpretation of ““placing on the market”” have been part of the consideration throughout negotiations on the proposal that became Directive 2004/42/EC and in relation to the regulations transposing that directive into UK national law. Industry has been aware of the provisions of the directive in respect of the timetable for meeting their obligations since it was adopted in April 2004. The directive includes provisions that allow for stock manufactured before 1 January 2007 to be sold until 31 December 2007. My officials are discussing options with representatives from the paint industry but we do not accept that disposal as waste is the only option for compliance. The industry tells us that 85 per cent to 90 per cent of products expected to be in the supply chain after 31 December 2007 will comply with the directive's requirements on solvent content. These products could be sold by adding a label with the information needed by the regulations. The industry already has experience of undertaking such an exercise when it introduced a voluntary solvent-content labelling scheme for its products. It would be a commercial decision for those holding these stocks to treat them as waste. My officials will continue to work with the industry to help them find the best environmental outcome to meet their obligations arising from the requirements.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

684 c58-9WA; 6615

Session

2005-06

Subjects

Air pollution Environment protection EU law Pollution control Paint Solvents Volatile organic compounds

Legislation

Volatile Organic Compounds in Paints Varnishes and Vehicle Refinishing Products Regulations 2005

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk