EU Paint and Products Directive

The EU Paint and Products Directive (PPD) came into law on November 1st 2005 and comes into effect on 1st January 2007. The amended legislation has been enacted under UK PG6/34 regulations that also withdraws vehicle repairers from the Solvent Emissions Directive SED.

The new law restricts the sale of non-compliant paint products and will have a major effect on the motor and industrial paint finishing market. However, following a period of consultation there have been some allowances made for paint and materials already in the system and as a result of this consultation there is now no fixed period for bodyshops to use up their existing non-compliant stocks by a specific date. This will help the industry by enabling distributors to continue to supply from existing stocks and users to use the paint etc. until supplies run out or the shelf life expires. It is expected that this will result in all stocks of non-compliant products disappearing by the end of 2007 after which only VOC compliant products will be in circulation.

One exception to the new legislation is for the classic and vintage vehicle market where licensed restorers will be able to purchase and use existing ‘non-compliant materials’ for the foreseeable future. This anomaly is still under discussion but a decision from DEFRA as to how the scheme will work is expected shortly.

One outcome of the relaxation of the directive is that some bodyshops are seeing it as a reason to delay the implementation of the new water based paint technology. However the team at Automotive Paint Systems adds a word of warning to those who may be considering delaying their conversion. “Existing supplies of popular paints and colours are bound to run short, this could directly affect the ability of a workshop to complete work on time and in some cases may lead to work having to be relocated to compliant-ready bodyshops”.

Automotive Paint Supplies has been actively working with the affected suppliers, such as PPG Industries and is ready to help customers with their conversion. To find out more about the new water-based systems and for advice on changes to equipment and processes call or email your nearest Automotive Paint Supplies trade counter.

For further information go to www.hse.gov.uk/biocides/factsheets

Click here to download legislation document

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