Consultation on transposition of Directive 2004/42/CE limiting solvents in certain paints and varnishes and vehicle refinishing products

This consultation is now closed.

Defra, in collaboration with the Devolved Administrations for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, is seeking views on the Government’s proposals to transpose European Directive 2004/42/CE relating to limiting the solvent content of certain paints and varnishes and vehicle refinishing (repairs, respraying) products. The Directive also repeals the Solvent Emissions Directive (SED) 1999/13/EC for the following vehicle refinishing category:

“the coating of road vehicles as defined in Directive 70/156/EEC, or part of them, carried out as part of vehicle repair, conservation or decoration outside of manufacturing installations"

Additionally, the consultation paper proposes changes to the permitting regime for the above category of vehicle refinishers, who remain regulated by the Pollution Prevention and Control (England & Wales) Regulations 2000, and the equivalent legislation in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The proposed changes include a simplified template approach to permitting and reduced regulatory fees for those affected vehicle refinishing operators.

• Consultation letter

• List of organisations consulted

• Consultation document (175 KB)

• The VOCs in Paints, Varnishes and Vehicle Refinishing Products Regulations 2005 - draft Regulations (37 KB)

• Directive 2004/42/CE of 21 April 2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council (138 KB)

• Final regulatory impact assessment (200 KB)

• Summary of consultation responses (36 KB)

Related information is available elsewhere on the Defra web site, www.defra.gov.uk/environment/airquality/index.htm.

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