- Latest available (Revised)
- Point in Time (13/08/2008)
- Original (As adopted by EU)
After exit day there will be three versions of this legislation to consult for different purposes. The legislation.gov.uk version is the version that applies in the UK. The EU Version currently on EUR-lex is the version that currently applies in the EU i.e you may need this if you operate a business in the EU.
The web archive version is the official version of this legislation item as it stood on exit day before being published to legislation.gov.uk and any subsequent UK changes and effects applied. The web archive also captured associated case law and other language formats from EUR-Lex.
Version Superseded: 02/06/2014
Point in time view as at 13/08/2008.
There are currently no known outstanding effects for the Commission Decision of 13 August 2008 establishing the ecological criteria for the award of the Community eco-label to outdoor paints and varnishes (notified under document number C(2008) 4452) (Text with EEA relevance) (2009/543/EC) (repealed).
Revised legislation carried on this site may not be fully up to date. At the current time any known changes or effects made by subsequent legislation have been applied to the text of the legislation you are viewing by the editorial team. Please see ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ for details regarding the timescales for which new effects are identified and recorded on this site.
These criteria aim in particular at:
the efficient use of the product and the minimisation of waste,
reducing the environmental and other risks (such as tropospheric ozone) by reducing solvent emissions,
reducing the discharges of toxic or otherwise polluting substances into waters. The criteria are set at levels that promote the labelling of exterior paints and varnishes which have a lower environmental impact.
The specific assessment and verification requirements are indicated within each criterion.
Where the applicant is required to provide declarations, documentation, analyses, test reports, or other evidence to show compliance with the criteria, it is understood that these may originate from the applicant and/or his supplier(s) and/or their supplier(s), etc. as appropriate.
Where appropriate, test methods other than those indicated for each criterion may be used if their equivalence is accepted by the competent body assessing the application.
Where appropriate, competent bodies may require supporting documentation and may carry out independent verifications.
The competent bodies are recommended to take into account the implementation of recognised environmental management schemes, such as EMAS or EN ISO14001, when assessing applications and monitoring compliance with the criteria (Note: it is not required to implement such management schemes).
Where ingredients are referred to in the criteria, this includes substances and preparations. The definitions of ‘substances’ and ‘preparations’ are given in the REACH Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council(1).
The exact formulation of the product should be provided to the competent body for all ingoing substances that are used by the applicant. Any substance, including impurities, present in concentrations greater than 0,01 % (m/m) should be reported unless a lower concentration is specified elsewhere in the criteria.
All criteria except criterion 3 concerning VOC limits shall apply to the paint or varnish in its packaging. In line with the Directive 2004/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council(2) the VOC limits relate to the ready-to-use product and so the maximum VOC content should be calculated based on any recommended additions such as colourants and/or thinners. For this calculation, data supplied by the raw material suppliers regarding solids content, VOC content and product density will be required.
Criteria 1 and 2 apply only to white paints and light coloured paints, (including finishes, primers, undercoats and/or intermediates).
For tinting systems, criteria 1 and 2 apply only to the white (the base containing the most TiO2). In cases where the white base is unable to achieve the requirement of at least 6 m2 per litre at a hiding power of 98 % according to criterion 7(a), the criteria shall be met after tinting to produce the standard colour RAL 9010.
Criteria 1 and 2 do not apply to transparent coatings.
White pigment content (white inorganic pigments with a refractive index higher than 1,8): Paints shall have a white pigment content lower or equal to 38 g per m2 of dry film, with 98 % opacity. This requirement does not apply to varnishes and woodstains.
Assessment and verification: The applicant shall either provide a declaration of non-use or provide the content of white pigments and the spreading rate, together with the detailed calculation showing compliance with this criterion.
Titanium dioxide: The emissions and discharges of wastes from the production of any titanium dioxide pigment used shall not exceed the following (as derived from the Reference Document on Best Available Technology for the Manufacture of Large Volume Inorganic Chemicals (BREF) (August 2007)):
SOx emissions (expressed as SO2): 266 mg per m2 of dry film (98 % opacity),
sulphate wastes: 19 g per m2 of dry film (98 % opacity),
chloride wastes: 3,9, 6,8 and 12,5 g per m2 of dry film (98 % opacity) respectively for natural rutile, synthetic rutile and slag ores.
Assessment and verification: The applicant shall either provide a declaration of non-use or provide the supporting documentation indicating the respective levels of emissions and discharges of wastes for these parameters, the titanium dioxide content of the product, the spreading rate, together with the detailed calculations showing compliance with this criterion.
VOC content shall not exceed:
Product Classification (Directive 2004/42/EC) | VOC limits (g/l including water) |
---|---|
Coatings for exterior walls of mineral substrate | 40 |
Exterior trim and cladding paints for wood and metal including undercoats | 90 |
Exterior trim varnishes and wood-stains, including opaque woodstains | 90 |
Exterior minimum build woodstains | 75 |
Primers (for exterior use) | 15 |
Binding Primers (for exterior use) | 15 |
1 Pack performance coatings | 100 |
Two-pack reactive performance coatings for specific end use such as floors | 100 |
In this context volatile organic compounds (VOC) means any organic compounds having an initial boiling point less than or equal to 250 °C measured at a standard pressure of 101,3 kPa as defined Directive 2004/42/EC. The subcategories for paints and varnishes of the Directive are used for defining VOC limits. Only the categories relevant to outdoor coatings are displayed here.
Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance with this criterion. For all products the applicant shall indicate the VOC content.
Volatile aromatic hydrocarbons shall not be directly added to the product before or during tinting (where applicable); however ingredients containing VAH may be added up to such a limit that the VAH content in the end product will not exceed 0,1 % (m/m).
In this context volatile aromatic hydrocarbon (VAH) means any organic compound, as defined in Directive 2004/42/EC, having an initial boiling point less than or equal to 250 °C measured at a standard pressure of 101,3kPa and having at least one aromatic nucleus in its developed structural formula.
Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance with this criterion stating that VAH has not been added other than in prefabricated ingredients and where applicable declarations from the suppliers of the ingredient confirming their VAH content.
The following heavy metals or their compounds shall not be used as an ingredient of the product or tint (as applicable) (whether as a substance or as part of any preparation used): cadmium, lead, chromium VI, mercury, arsenic, barium (excluding barium sulphate), selenium, antimony.
Cobalt shall also not be added as an ingredient with the exception of cobalt salts used as a siccative in alkyd paints. These may be used up to a concentration not exceeding 0,05 % (m/m) in the end product, measured as cobalt metal. Cobalt in pigments is also exempted from this requirement.
It is accepted that ingredients may contain traces of these metals up to 0,01 % (m/m) deriving from impurities in the raw materials.
Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance with this criterion as well as declarations from ingredient suppliers (where applicable).
Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance with this criterion, together with a product material safety data sheet meeting the requirements of Annex II to REACH Regulation.
R23 (toxic by inhalation),
R24 (toxic in contact with skin),
R25 (toxic if swallowed),
R26 (very toxic by inhalation),
R27 (very toxic in contact with skin),
R28 (very toxic if swallowed),
R33 (danger of cumulative effects),
R39 (danger of very serious irreversible effects),
R40 (limited evidence of carcinogenic effect),
R42 (may cause sensitisation by inhalation),
R45 (may cause cancer),
R46 (may cause heritable genetic damage),
R48 (danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure),
R49 (may cause cancer by inhalation),
R60 (may impair fertility),
R61 (may cause harm to the unborn child),
R62 (possible risk of impaired fertility),
R63 (possible risk of harm to the unborn child),
R68 (possible risk of irreversible effects),
as laid down in Council Directive 67/548/EEC(4), and its subsequent amendments. Active ingredients used as preservatives in the formula and that are assigned any of the risk phrases R23, R24, R25, R26, R27, R28, R39 R40 or R48 (or combinations thereof) may nevertheless be used up to a limit of 0,1 % (m/m) of the total paint formulation.
Alternatively, the Globally Harmonised System (GHS) of classification may be considered(5). In this case the ingredients, including those used in tinting (if applicable), classified as the following (or combinations thereof) shall not be used:
Acute Toxicity (oral) — Category I, II, III,
Acute Toxicity (dermal) — Category I, II, III,
Acute Toxicity (inhalation) — Category I, II, III,
Respiratory Sensitisation — Category I,
Mutagenic Substances — Category I, II,
Carcinogenic Substances — Category I, II,
Substances Toxic for Reproduction — Category I, II,
Specific Target Organ Systemic Toxicity (single exposure) — Category I, II,
Specific Target Organ Systemic Toxicity (repeated exposure) — Category I, II,
as laid down in ST/SG/AC.10/30(6) and revised in ST/SG/AC.10/34/Add.3 on the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. Active ingredients used as preservers in the formula and that are assigned any of the following GHS categories may nevertheless be used up to a limit of 0,1 % (m/m) of the total paint formulation:
Acute Toxicity (oral, dermal, inhalation) — I, II, III (only oral and dermal),
Specific Target Organ Systemic Toxicity (single and/or repeated exposure) — I, II (or combinations thereof) and,
Carcinogenicity category II.
Methyl Ethyl Ketoxime may be used in alkyd paints up to a limit of 0,3 % (m/m).
Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance with this criterion, together with a product material safety data sheet meeting the requirements of Annex II to REACH Regulation.
N R50 (very toxic to aquatic organisms),
N R50/53 (very toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment),
N R51/53 (toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment),
N R52/53 (harmful to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment),
R51 (toxic to aquatic organisms),
R52 (harmful to aquatic organisms),
R53 (may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment),
as laid down in Directive 67/548/EEC or Directive 1999/45/EC.
Alternatively, the Globally Harmonised System (GHS) of classification may be considered(7). In this case no ingredient shall exceed 2 % (m/m), including those used in tinting (if applicable), that is assigned or may be assigned at the time of application any of the following classifications:
Aquatic Toxicity categories (and combinations thereof):
Acute I, II, III,
Chronic I, II, III, IV,
as laid down in ST/SG/AC.10/30 and revised in ST/SG/AC.10/34/Add.3 on the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals.
In either case, the sum total of all ingredients that are assigned or may be assigned at the time of application any of these risk phrases (or combinations thereof) or GHS classifications shall not exceed 4 % (m/m).
This requirement does not apply to ammonia or akyl ammonia.
This requirement does not affect the obligation to fulfil the requirement set out in criterion 6(a) above.
Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance with this criterion, together with a list of ingredients and material safety data sheets of each ingredient meeting the requirements of Annex II to REACH Regulation.
Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance with this criterion.
Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance with this criterion, indicating the amounts (if used).
Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance with this criterion.
Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance with this criterion. In addition the applicant shall provide test results from raw materials suppliers using the VdL-RL 03 test method (VdL Guide-line03) ‘In-can concentration of formaldehyde determined by the acetyl-acetone method’ and calculations relating the data from these tests to the final product in order to indicate that the final maximum possible concentration of formaldehyde released by formaldehyde releasing substances is not higher than 0,001 % (m/m). Alternatively, formaldehyde resulting from formaldehyde donors can be measured in the end product based on High-performance liquid chromatography, by using a national standard or validated method as described in ISO/IEC 17025.
Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance with this criterion.
Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance with this criterion.
For tinting systems, this criterion applies only to the white base (the base containing the most TiO2). In case the white base is unable to achieve the requirement of at least 6 m2 per litre at a hiding power of 98 %, the criterion shall be met after tinting the white base to produce the standard colour RAL 9010. For all other bases used to produce tinted products — these are bases which as a rule contain less TiO2, which are unable to achieve the requirement of at least 6 m2 per litre of product at a hiding power of 98 % — the criterion shall not apply. For paints that are a part of a tinting system, the applicant must advise the end-user on the product packaging and/or POS which shade or primer/undercoat (if possible carrying the European Eco-label) should be used as a basecoat before applying the darker shade.
Primers with specific blocking/sealing, penetrating/binding properties and primers with special adhesion properties for aluminium and galvanised surfaces shall have a spreading rate (at a hiding power of 98 %) of at least 6 m2 per litre of product.
Elastomeric paints shall have a spreading rate (at a hiding power of 98 %) of at least 4 m2 per litre of product.
This requirement does not apply to varnishes, woodstains, floor coatings, floor paints, undercoats, other adhesion primers or any other transparent coatings.
Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide a test report using the method ISO6504/1 (Paints and varnishes — determination of hiding power — Part 1: Kubelka-Munk method for white and light-coloured paints) or 6504/3 (Part 3: determination of contrast ratio (opacity) of light-coloured paints at a fixed spreading rate), or (for paints specially designed to give a three-dimensional decorative effect and characterised by a very thick coat) the method NF T 30 073 (or equivalent). For bases used to produce tinted products not evaluated according to the abovementioned requirements, the applicant shall produce evidence that the end-user is advised to use a primer and/or grey (or other relevant shade) of undercoat before application of the product.
Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide a test report using the method ISO 2812-3 (Paints and varnishes — determination of resistance to liquids — Part 3: Method using an absorbent medium).
The applicant shall evaluate the primer and/or finish alone or both as part of a system (the system when tested shall concern products if possible labelled with the European Eco-label (with the exception of systems designed for metal surfaces)). When testing the finish alone this shall be considered the worst case scenario concerning adhesion.
Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide a test report using the method EN ISO 2409 or EN 24624 (ISO 4624) as applicable.
Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide a test report showing compliance with this criterion using the method EN ISO 7784-2:2006.
Alternatively, wood finishes and wood varnishes may be exposed to weathering for 500 hours in the QUV accelerated weathering apparatus with cyclic exposure with UV(A) radiation and spraying according to EN 927-6.
The colour change of samples exposed to weathering shall not be greater than ΔΕ * = 4 and decrease in gloss for varnishes shall not be greater than 30 % of its initial value. The gloss shall be measured using ISO 2813. The criterion for colour change is not applicable to transparent varnishes and bases.
Chalking shall be tested using method EN ISO 4628-6:2007 on masonry finish coats and wood and metal finishes (where applicable) after the samples have been exposed to weathering. Coatings shall achieve a score of 1,5 or better (0,5 or 1,0) in this test. In the standard there are illustrated references.
The following parameters shall also be evaluated on masonry finish coats and wood and metal finishes after the samples have been exposed to weathering:
Flaking according to ISO 4628-5:2003; flake density 2 or less, flake size 2 or less,
Cracking according to ISO 4628-4:2003; crack quantity 2 or less, crack size 3 or less,
Blistering according to ISO 4628-2:2003; blister density 3 or less, blister size 3 or less.
Due to the large number of possible tinting colours, these tests will be restricted to the base paint used.
Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide test reports using either ISO11507:2007 according to the specified parameters or EN 927-6, or both (if relevant). Additionally the applicant shall provide test reports using EN ISO 4628-2, 4, 5, 6 where applicable. The applicant shall also provide a declaration that (where applicable) the colour change of the coating is within the parameter set in this document.
Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide a test report using methodology EN ISO 7783-2.
Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide a test report using methodology DIN EN 1062-3:1999.
Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide a test report using methodology BS 3900:G6.
Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide a test report using methodology DIN EN 1062-7:2004.
Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide a test report using methodology ISO 2812-4:2007.
The following information shall appear on the packaging or attached to the packaging:
the use, substrate and conditions of use for which the product is intended. This shall include advice on preparatory work, etc., such as correct substrate preparation, advice on outdoor use (where appropriate), or temperature,
recommendations for cleaning tools and appropriate waste management (in order to limit water pollution). These recommendations shall be adapted to the type of product in question and field of application in question and may make use of pictograms if appropriate,
recommendations concerning product storage conditions after opening (in order to limit solid waste), including safety advice if appropriate,
for darker coatings for which criterion 7(a) does not apply, advice is given concerning the use of the correct primer or base paint (if possible carrying the European Ecolabel),
text advising that unused paint requires specialist handling for safe environmental disposal and that it should not therefore be thrown away with household refuse or poured away. Advice regarding disposal and collection should be sought from the local authority,
recommendations on preventive protection measures for the painter. The following text (or equivalent text): shall appear on the packaging or attached to the packaging:
For more information as to why this product has been awarded the Flower please visit the web-site: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel.
Assessment and verification: A sample of the product packaging shall be provided on application, together with a corresponding declaration of compliance with these criteria, as appropriate.
Box 2 of the eco-label shall contain the following text:
good performance for outdoor use,
hazardous substances restricted,
low solvent content.
Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide a sample of the product packaging showing the label, together with a declaration of compliance with this criterion.
On 27 June 2007, the European Commission adopted the ‘Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures, and amending Directive 67/548/EEC and Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006’ (COM(2007) 355 final). For further information relating to the overlap between the existing system and GHS refer to Annex VII to Volume III of the proposal that has been adopted: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/reach/docs/ghs/ghs_prop_vol_iii_en.pdf
United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods and on the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals: http://www.unece.org/trans/main/dgdb/dgcomm/ac10rep.html
See footnote 5.
Latest Available (revised):The latest available updated version of the legislation incorporating changes made by subsequent legislation and applied by our editorial team. Changes we have not yet applied to the text, can be found in the ‘Changes to Legislation’ area.
Original (As adopted by EU): The original version of the legislation as it stood when it was first adopted in the EU. No changes have been applied to the text.
Point in Time: This becomes available after navigating to view revised legislation as it stood at a certain point in time via Advanced Features > Show Timeline of Changes or via a point in time advanced search.
Geographical Extent: Indicates the geographical area that this provision applies to. For further information see ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.
Show Timeline of Changes: See how this legislation has or could change over time. Turning this feature on will show extra navigation options to go to these specific points in time. Return to the latest available version by using the controls above in the What Version box.
Access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item from this tab. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:
This timeline shows the different versions taken from EUR-Lex before exit day and during the implementation period as well as any subsequent versions created after the implementation period as a result of changes made by UK legislation.
The dates for the EU versions are taken from the document dates on EUR-Lex and may not always coincide with when the changes came into force for the document.
For any versions created after the implementation period as a result of changes made by UK legislation the date will coincide with the earliest date on which the change (e.g an insertion, a repeal or a substitution) that was applied came into force. For further information see our guide to revised legislation on Understanding Legislation.
Use this menu to access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:
Click 'View More' or select 'More Resources' tab for additional information including: