Consultation on Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Concentration Limits for Certain Products

The proposed Volatile Organic Compound Concentration Limits for Certain Products Regulations was recently published in Canada Gazette Part 1 Vol.153 for consultation on the proposed changes to the regulations.  The proposed changes to the Regulations would apply to Canadian manufacturers and importers. Provide your feedback and comments on the proposed changes by closing date September 19, 2019.

The objective of the proposed Regulations is to reduce VOC emissions by setting VOC concentration limits on products being imported or manufactured in Canada to protect the environment and health of Canadians from adverse impacts associated with these emissions.

The proposed Regulations would establish VOC concentration limits for products in approximately 130 product categories and subcategories. These categories and subcategories cover a wide range of products used by consumers, or in institutional, industrial or commercial applications and would include personal care products; automotive and household maintenance products; adhesives, adhesive removers, sealants and caulks; and other miscellaneous products.

The manufacture or import of a product that has a VOC concentration or VOC emission potential that is greater than the applicable limit set out in the Schedule may make an application for a permit authorizing them to manufacture or import that product if it is not technically or economically feasible for them at the time of the application to reduce its VOC concentration or VOC emission potential to a level that is less than or equal to that limit. Schedule 1 and 2 lists the VOC concentration limits for each product category and subcategory.

Learn more on VOC Organic Compounds in consumer and commercial products.