COM(2002)750 - Limitation of emissions of volatile organic compounds due to the use of organic solvents in decorative paints and varnishes and vehicle refinishing products

This Directive⁹¹ is drafted by the Directorate-General Environment (ENV)⁹² of the European Commission and submitted to the Council of the European Union on December 23, 2002 and for codecision⁹³ to the European Parliament.

official title

 

Legal instrument	Directive
Decision making procedure	ordinary legislative procedure (COD)
reference by COM-number94	COM(2002)750
Additional COM-numbers	COM(2004)16
procedure number96	2002/0301(COD)
CELEX number97	52002PC0750

This page is also available in a full version containing the latest state of affairs, the summary of the European Parliament Legislative Observatory, the legal basis, the legal context, other dossiers related to the dossier at hand, the stakeholders involved (e.g. European Commission directorates-general, European Parliament committees, Council configurations and even individual EU Commissioners and Members of the European Parliament) and finally documents of the European Parliament, the Council of Ministers and the European Commission.

• 1. 

  OJ L 242, 10.9.2002, p. 1.
  
   
• 2. 

  COM(2001)245, 4.5.2001.
  
   
• 3. 

  A substantial reduction in VOC emissions will be necessary if the interim environmental objectives set out in Article 5 of the Directive on national emission ceilings for certain pollutants are to be met by 2010. In view of this, the Environmental Council strongly urges the Commission to propose Community rules on products, so as to reduce VOC emissions. These rules would have to be in force by 2004 in order to take this reduction into account in the evaluation of the directive on national emission ceilings (Council Declaration in Annex 4 from the report on the 2278th meeting of the 'Environment' Council, Luxembourg, 22 June 2000).
  
   
• 4. 

  OJ L 297, 13.10.1992, p. 1.
  
   
• 5. 

  OJ L 67, 9.3.2002, p. 14.
  
   
• 6. 

  OJ L 67, 9.3.2002, p. 14.
  
   
• 7. 

  OJ L 257, 10.10.1996, p. 26.
  
   
• 8. 

  OJ L 85, 29.3.1999, p. 1.
  
   
• 9. 

  Directive 98/69/EC (OJ L 350, 28.12.1998, p. 1) relating to measures to be taken against air pollution by emissions from motor vehicles.
  
   
• 10. 

  Directive 98/70/EC (OJ L 350, 28.12.1998, p. 58) on the quality of petrol and diesel fuels. Amended by Commission Directive 2000/71/EC (OJ L 287, 28.11.2000, p. 46) to adapt the measuring methods.
  
   
• 11. 

  OJ L 365, 31.12.1994, p. 24.
  
   
• 12. 

  Cost-effective control of acidification and ground-level ozone (reports 1 to 8, IIASA)
  
   
• 13. 

  Directive 2001/81/EC on national emission ceilings for certain air pollutants, OJ L 309, 27.11.1999, p. 22.
  
   
• 14. 

  'The Council invites the Commission to present, as an alternative for controlling sector 6 of Annex IIA to this directive as a first step, its proposal for a regulation through a product based approach within the shortest possible time and consequently the adaptation or removal of this sector from the scope of this Directive.' - Addendum to the minutes of the 2165th Council meeting on the environment held in Brussels on 11 March 1999.
  
   
• 15. 

  Study on the potential for reducing emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) due to the use of decorative paints and varnishes for professional and non-professional use (Chemiewinkel, Enterprise Ireland and Wetenschappelijk instituut voor milieu-management, June 2000).
  
   
• 16. 

  Reducing VOC emissions from the vehicle-refinishing sector (Entec UK Limited and the paint research Association, August 2000).
  
   
• 17. 

  Study to identify reductions in VOC emissions due to restrictions in the VOC content of products (Bipro, AFC consult and DFIU-IFARE, February 2002).
  
   
• 18. 

  Study on the potential for reducing emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) due to the use of decorative paints and varnishes for professional and non-professional use (Chemiewinkel, Enterprise Ireland and Wetenschappelijk instituut voor milieu-management, June 2000).
  
   
• 19. 

  Reducing VOC emissions from the vehicle-refinishing sector (Entec UK Limited and the paint research Association, August 2000).
  
   
• 20. 

  C(1998) 4257; OJ L 5, 9.1.1999, p. 77.
  
   
• 21. 

  Protocol to abate acidification, eutrophication and ground-level ozone adopted in Gothenburg on 30 November 1999 by the executive body to the Convention on long-range trans-boundary air pollution.
  
   
• 22. 

  OJ L 297, 13.10.1992, p. 1.
  
   
• 23. 

  OJ L 67, 9.3.2002, p. 14.
  
   
• 24. 

  COM (1999) 125 final.
  
   
• 25. 

  In the 'Economic evaluation of air quality targets for tropospheric ozone' carried out by IIASA, AEA, DNMI and RIVM, conclusions show that total estimates of benefits appear likely to exceed costs for all of the scenarios considered.
  
   
• 26. 

  For details, see 'The costs and benefits of the reduction of volatile organic compounds from paints' Prepared by Directorate-General Environment, Air and Noise Unit, 2 May 2002.
  
   
• 27. 

  The higher cost refers to a 'pessimistic' case. It is assumed that the prices of all categories of paints for exterior walls of mineral substrate, interior/exterior trim and cladding paints for wood and metal would increase because of a technology shift which would among other things increase the price of raw materials. In the 'optimistic' case the only additional cost is assumed to be increased research and development costs.
  
   
• 28. 

  These unmonetised effects are the improved health of painters (due to less solvent exposure) and the benefits to ecosystem (due to lower ozone concentrations).
  
   
• 29. 

  Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999, OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23.
  
   
• 30. 

  Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia and Turkey
  
   
• 31. 

  European Confederation of paint, printing, ink and artist's colours manufacturers association
  
   
• 32. 

  European Resin Manufacturers Association
  
   
• 33. 

  European Solvent Industry Group
  
   
• 34. 

  Union Internationale des Entrepreneurs de Peinture
  
   
• 35. 

  European Association of craft, small and medium-sized enterprises
  
   
• 36. 

  Unione nazionale piccola e media industria chimica, conciaria, materie plastiche, gomma, vetro, ceramica e prodotti affini
  
   
• 37. 

  OJ C , , p. .
  
   
• 38. 

  OJ C , , p. .
  
   
• 39. 

  Opinion of the European Parliament of ... (OJ ...) , Council Common Position of ... (OJ ...).
  
   
• 40. 

  OJ L 67, 9.3.2002, p. 14.
  
   
• 41. 

  OJ L 309, 27.11.2001, p. 22.
  
   
• 42. 

  OJ L 85, 29.3.1999, p. 1.
  
   
• 43. 

  OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23.
  
   
• 44. 

  COM(2001)245, 4.5.2001.
  
   
• 45. 

  OJ L 67, 9.3.2002, p. 14.
  
   
• 46. 

  OJ L 242, 10.9.2002, p. 1.
  
   
• 47. 

  COM(2001)245, 4.5.2001.
  
   
• 48. 

  A substantial reduction in VOC emissions will be necessary if the interim environmental objectives set out in Article 5 of the Directive on national emission ceilings for certain pollutants are to be met by 2010. In view of this, the Environmental Council strongly urges the Commission to propose Community rules on products, so as to reduce VOC emissions. These rules would have to be in force by 2004 in order to take this reduction into account in the evaluation of the directive on national emission ceilings (Council Declaration in Annex 4 from the report on the 2278th meeting of the 'Environment' Council, Luxembourg, 22 June 2000).
  
   
• 49. 

  OJ L 297, 13.10.1992, p. 1.
  
   
• 50. 

  OJ L 67, 9.3.2002, p. 14.
  
   
• 51. 

  OJ L 67, 9.3.2002, p. 14.
  
   
• 52. 

  OJ L 257, 10.10.1996, p. 26.
  
   
• 53. 

  OJ L 85, 29.3.1999, p. 1.
  
   
• 54. 

  Directive 98/69/EC (OJ L 350, 28.12.1998, p.
  
  1) relating to measures to be taken against air pollution by emissions from motor vehicles.
  
   
• 55. 

  Directive 98/70/EC (OJ L 350, 28.12.1998, p. 58) on the quality of petrol and diesel fuels. Amended by Commission Directive 2000/71/EC (OJ L 287, 28.11.2000, p. 46) to adapt the measuring methods.
  
   
• 56. 

  OJ L 365, 31.12.1994, p. 24.
  
   
• 57. 

  Cost-effective control of acidification and ground-level ozone (reports 1 to 8, IIASA)
  
   
• 58. 

  Directive 2001/81/EC on national emission ceilings for certain air pollutants, OJ L 309, 27.11.1999, p. 22.
  
   
• 59. 

  'The Council invites the Commission to present, as an alternative for controlling sector 6 of Annex IIA to this directive as a first step, its proposal for a regulation through a product based approach within the shortest possible time and consequently the adaptation or removal of this sector from the scope of this Directive.' - Addendum to the minutes of the 2165th Council meeting on the environment held in Brussels on 11 March 1999.
  
   
• 60. 

  Study on the potential for reducing emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) due to the use of decorative paints and varnishes for professional and non-professional use (Chemiewinkel, Enterprise Ireland and Wetenschappelijk instituut voor milieu-management, June 2000).
  
   
• 61. 

  Reducing VOC emissions from the vehicle-refinishing sector (Entec UK Limited and the paint research Association, August 2000).
  
   
• 62. 

  Study to identify reductions in VOC emissions due to restrictions in the VOC content of products (Bipro, AFC consult and DFIU-IFARE, February 2002).
  
   
• 63. 

  Study on the potential for reducing emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) due to the use of decorative paints and varnishes for professional and non-professional use (Chemiewinkel, Enterprise Ireland and Wetenschappelijk instituut voor milieu-management, June 2000).
  
   
• 64. 

  Reducing VOC emissions from the vehicle-refinishing sector (Entec UK Limited and the paint research Association, August 2000).
  
   
• 65. 

  C(1998) 4257; OJ L 5, 9.1.1999, p. 77.
  
   
• 66. 

  Protocol to abate acidification, eutrophication and ground-level ozone adopted in Gothenburg on 30 November 1999 by the executive body to the Convention on long-range trans-boundary air pollution.
  
   
• 67. 

  OJ L 297, 13.10.1992, p. 1.
  
   
• 68. 

  OJ L 67, 9.3.2002, p. 14.
  
   
• 69. 

  COM (1999) 125 final.
  
   
• 70. 

  In the 'Economic evaluation of air quality targets for tropospheric ozone' carried out by IIASA, AEA, DNMI and RIVM, conclusions show that total estimates of benefits appear likely to exceed costs for all of the scenarios considered.
  
   
• 71. 

  For details, see 'The costs and benefits of the reduction of volatile organic compounds from paints' Prepared by Directorate-General Environment, Air and Noise Unit, 2 May 2002.
  
   
• 72. 

  The higher cost refers to a 'pessimistic' case. It is assumed that the prices of all categories of paints for exterior walls of mineral substrate, interior/exterior trim and cladding paints for wood and metal would increase because of a technology shift which would among other things increase the price of raw materials. In the 'optimistic' case the only additional cost is assumed to be increased research and development costs.
  
   
• 73. 

  These unmonetised effects are the improved health of painters (due to less solvent exposure) and the benefits to ecosystem (due to lower ozone concentrations).
  
   
• 74. 

  Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999, OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23.
  
   
• 75. 

  Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia and Turkey
  
   
• 76. 

  European Confederation of paint, printing, ink and artist's colours manufacturers association
  
   
• 77. 

  European Resin Manufacturers Association
  
   
• 78. 

  European Solvent Industry Group
  
   
• 79. 

  Union Internationale des Entrepreneurs de Peinture
  
   
• 80. 

  European Association of craft, small and medium-sized enterprises
  
   
• 81. 

  Unione nazionale piccola e media industria chimica, conciaria, materie plastiche, gomma, vetro, ceramica e prodotti affini
  
   
• 82. 

  OJ C , , p. .
  
   
• 83. 

  OJ C , , p. .
  
   
• 84. 

  Opinion of the European Parliament of ... (OJ ...) , Council Common Position of ... (OJ ...).
  
   
• 85. 

  OJ L 67, 9.3.2002, p. 14.
  
   
• 86. 

  OJ L 309, 27.11.2001, p. 22.
  
   
• 87. 

  OJ L 85, 29.3.1999, p. 1.
  
   
• 88. 

  OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23.
  
   
• 89. 

  COM(2001)245, 4.5.2001.
  
   
• 90. 

  OJ L 67, 9.3.2002, p. 14.
  
   
• 91. 

  This legally binding act of the European Union establishes a set of objectives which all member states of the European Union must fulfil. The member states are required to implement directives. The member states are free to choose the manner they see fit to fulfil the required objectives.
   
• 92. 

  This Directorate-General proposes new environmental laws and monitors the implementation of the new measures by the member states. The main goal is to protect the environment for future generations and to encourage sustainable development.
   
• 93. 

  This procedure is the standard decision-making procedure used in the European Union, unless the treaties specifically state one of the special legislative procedures is to be applied to a particular subject. Before the Treaty of Lisbon came into force late 2009 it was referred to as the co-decision procedure. The essential characteristic of this procedure is that both the Council of Ministers as well as the European Parliament have a deciding vote in the legislative process, and both institutions may amend a proposal.
   
• 94. 

  De Europese Commissie kent nummers toe aan officiële documenten van de Europese Unie. De Commissie maakt onderscheid in een aantal typen documenten door middel van het toekennen van verschillende nummerseries. Het onderscheid is gebaseerd op het soort document en/of de instelling van de Unie van wie het document afkomstig is.
   
• 95. 

  De Raad van de Europese Unie kent aan wetgevingsdossiers een uniek toe. Dit nummer bestaat uit een vijfcijferig volgnummer gevolgd door een schuine streep met de laatste twee cijfers van het jaartal, bijvoorbeeld 12345/00 - een document met nummer 12345 uit het jaar 2000.
   
• 96. 

  Het interinstitutionele nummer is een nummerreeks die binnen de Europese Unie toegekend wordt aan voorstellen voor regelgeving van de Europese Commissie.
  Binnen de Europese Unie worden nog een aantal andere nummerseries gebruikt. Iedere instelling heeft één of meerdere sets documenten met ieder een eigen nummering. Die reeksen komen niet overeen met elkaar of het interinstitutioneel nummer.
   
• 97. 

  Deze databank van de Europese Unie biedt de mogelijkheid de actuele werkzaamheden (workflow) van de Europese instellingen (Europees Parlement, Raad, ESC, Comité van de Regio's, Europese Centrale Bank, Hof van Justitie enz.) te volgen. EURlex volgt alle voorstellen (zoals wetgevende en begrotingsdossiers) en mededelingen van de Commissie, vanaf het moment dat ze aan de Raad of het Europees Parlement worden voorgelegd.
   
• 98. 

  Als dag van bekendmaking van een Europees besluit geldt de dag waarop het besluit in het Publicatieblad wordt bekendgemaakt, en daardoor in alle officiële talen van de Europese Unie bij het Publicatiebureau beschikbaar is.