# Commission Decision of 28 May 2014 establishing the ecological criteria for the award of the EU Ecolabel for indoor and outdoor            paints and varnishes (notified under document C(2014) 3429) (Text with EEA relevance) (2014/312/EU)         

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U.K.

# Commission Decision

# of 28 May 2014

# establishing the ecological criteria for the award of the EU Ecolabel for indoor and outdoor paints and varnishes

# *(notified under document C(2014) 3429)*

# (Text with EEA relevance)

# (2014/312/EU)

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Regulation (EC) No 66/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2009 on the EU Ecolabel(1), and in particular Article 8(2) thereof,                        

After consulting the European Union Eco-labelling Board,

Whereas:

(1)Under Regulation (EC) No 66/2010, the EU Ecolabel may be awarded to products which have a reduced environmental impact during                              their entire life cycle.

(2)Regulation (EC) No 66/2010 provides that specific EU Ecolabel criteria are to be established according to product groups.

(3)In order to better reflect the state of the art of the market for this product group and take into account the innovation                              of the last years, it is considered appropriate to modify the scope of the product group and establish a revised set of ecological                              criteria.

(4)Commission Decision 2009/543/EC(2) and Commission Decision 2009/544/EC(3) addressed separately indoor and outdoor paints. These have been amalgamated into one criteria document in order to reduce                              the administrative burden for competent bodies and applicants. Moreover, the revised criteria reflect new requirements on                              hazardous substances that were introduced subsequent to the previous decisions by Regulation (EC) No 66/2010.

(5)The criteria aim, in particular, at promoting products that have a lower environmental impact along their life cycle, are                              of high quality, have good performance and long durability, products which contain a limited amount of hazardous substances(4) and a limited amount of volatile organic compounds. Products with improved performance in relation to these aspects should                              be promoted via the Ecolabel. It is therefore appropriate to establish EU Ecolabel criteria for the product group ‘paints                              and varnishes’.

(6)The revised criteria, as well as the related assessment and verification requirements should be valid for four years from                              the date of adoption of this Decision, taking into account the innovation cycle for this product group.

(7)Decisions 2009/543/EC and 2009/544/EC should therefore be replaced by this Decision.

(8)A transitional period should be allowed for producers whose products have been awarded the EU Ecolabel for indoor and outdoor                              paints and varnishes on the basis of the criteria set out in Decisions 2009/543/EC and 2009/544/EC, so that they have sufficient                              time to adapt their products to comply with the revised criteria and requirements.

(9)The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee established by Article 16 of                              Regulation (EC) No 66/2010,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

# Article 1U.K.

1.The product group of ‘indoor and outdoor paints and varnishes’ shall comprise indoor and outdoor decorative paints and varnishes,                        woodstains and related products intended for use by consumers and professional users falling under the scope of Directive                        2004/42/CE of the European Parliament and of the Council(5).                  

2.The product group of ‘indoor and outdoor paints and varnishes’ shall comprise: floor coatings and floor paints; paint products                        which are tinted by distributors at the request of consumer (non-professional) or professional decorators, tinting systems,                        decorative paints in liquid or paste formulas which may have been pre-conditioned, tinted or prepared by the manufacturer                        to meet consumer's needs, including wood paints, wood and decking stains, masonry coatings and metal finishes primers and                        undercoats of such product systems as defined in Annex I to Directive 2004/42/CE.                  

3.The product group shall not comprise the following products:                  

(a)anti-fouling coatings;                  

(b)preservation products for wood impregnation;                  

(c)coatings for particular industrial and professional uses, including heavy-duty coatings;                  

(d)powder coatings;                  

(e)UV curable paint systems;                  

(f)paints primarily intended for vehicles;                  

(g)product which primary function is not to form a film over the substrate, e.g. oils and waxes;                  

(h)fillers as defined by EN ISO 4618;                  

(i)road-marking paints.                  

# Article 2U.K.

For the purpose of this Decision, the following definitions shall apply:

‘Paint’ means a pigmented coating material, supplied in a liquid paste or powder form, which, when applied to a substrate,                              forms an opaque film having protective, decorative or specific technical properties and after application dries to a solid,                              adherent and protective coating;                           

‘Varnish’ means a clear coating material which, when applied to a substrate forms a solid transparent film having protective,                              decorative or specific technical properties and after application dries to a solid, adherent and protective coating;                           

‘Decorative paints and varnishes’ means paints and varnishes that are applied in-situ to buildings, their trim and fittings,                              for decorative and protective purposes;                           

‘Lasure’ means coatings producing a transparent or semi-transparent film for decoration and protection of wood against weathering,                              which enables maintenance to be carried out easily;                           

‘Tinting system’ means a method for preparing coloured paints by mixing a ‘base’ with coloured tints;

‘Masonry coating’ means a coating that produce a decorative and protective film for use on concrete, paintable brickwork,                              blockwork, rendering, calcium silicate board or fibre-reinforced cement;                           

‘Binding primers’ means coatings designed to stabilise loose substrate particles or impact hydrophobic properties;

‘UV curable paint system’ means the hardening of coating materials by exposure to artificial ultra-violet radiation;

‘Powder coating’ means protective or decorative coating formed by the application of a coating powder to a substrate and fusion                              to give a continuous film;                           

‘In-can preservatives’ are products used for the preservation of manufactured products during storage by the control of microbial                              deterioration to ensure their shelf life;                           

‘Dry-film preservatives’ are products used for the preservation of films or coatings by the control of microbial deterioration                              or algal growth in order to protect the initial properties of the surface of materials or objects;                           

‘Anti-skinning substances’ are additives that are added to the coating materials to prevent skinning during production or                              storage of the coating material;                           

‘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 in Directive 2004/42/EC and which, in a capillary column, are eluting                              up to and including Tetradecane (C14H30) for non-polar systems or Diethyl adipate (C10H18O4) for polar systems;                           

‘Semi volatile organic compounds’ (SVOCs) means any organic compound having a boiling point of greater than 250 °C and which,                              in a capillary column(6) are eluting with a retention range between n-Tetradecane (C14H30) and n-Docosane (C22H46) for non-polar systems and diethyl adipate (C10H18O4) and methyl palmitate (C17H34O2) for polar systems;                           

‘White and light coloured’ paints are those with a tri-stimulus (Y-value) > 70 %;

‘Gloss paints’ are those which at an angle of incidence of 60° show a reflectance of ≥ 60;

‘Mid sheen paints’ (also referred to as semi-gloss, satin, semi matt) are those which at an angle of incidence of 60° or at                              85° show a reflectance of < 60 and ≥ 10;                           

‘Matt paints’ are those which at an angle of incidence of 85° show a reflectance of < 10;

‘Dead matt paints’ are those which at an angle of incidence of 85° show a reflectance of < 5;

‘Transparent’ and ‘semi-transparent’ means a film with a contrast ratio of < 98 % at 120μ wet film thickness;

‘Opaque’ means a film with a contrast ratio of > 98 % at 120μ wet film thickness.

# Article 3U.K.

The criteria for awarding the EU Ecolabel under Regulation (EC) No 66/2010, for a product falling within the product group                     ‘paints and varnishes’ defined in Article 1 of this Decision as well as the related assessment and verification requirements                     are set out in the Annex.                  

# Article 4U.K.

The criteria and the related assessment requirements set out in the Annex, shall be valid for four years from the date of                     adoption of this Decision.                  

# Article 5U.K.

For administrative purposes, the code number assigned to the product group ‘indoor and outdoor paints and varnishes’ shall                     be ‘044’.                  

# Article 6U.K.

Decisions 2009/543/EC and 2009/544/EC are repealed.

# Article 7U.K.

1.Applications for the EU Ecolabel for products falling within the product group ‘paints and varnishes’ submitted within two                        months from the date of adoption of this Decision may be based either on the criteria set out in Decision 2009/543/EC or 2009/544/EC,                        or on the criteria set out in this Decision. Applications shall be evaluated in accordance with the criteria on which they                        are based.                  

2.EU Ecolabel licences awarded in accordance with the criteria set out in Decision 2009/543/EC or 2009/544/EC may be used for                        12 months from the date of adoption of this Decision.                  

# Article 8U.K.

This Decision is addressed to the Member States.

Done at Brussels, 28 May 2014.

*For the Commission*                            

Janez Potočnik                            

*Member of the Commission*                            

## ANNEXU.K.EU ECOLABEL CRITERIA AND ASSESSMENT AND VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Criteria for awarding the EU Ecolabel to paints and varnishes:

White pigment and wet scrub resistance

Titanium dioxide

Efficiency in use

Spreading rate

Resistance to water

Adhesion

Abrasion

Weathering

Water vapour permeability

Liquid water permeability

Fungal resistance

Crack bridging

Alkali resistance

Corrosion resistance

Volatile and Semi-volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs, SVOCs)

Restriction of hazardous substances and mixtures

Overall restrictions that apply to hazard classifications and risk phrases

Restrictions that apply to Substances of Very High Concern

Restrictions that apply to specific hazardous substances

Consumer information

Information appearing on the EU Ecolabel

The Ecolabel criteria reflect the best environmental performing products on the market of paints and varnishes. High quality                     and performance standards of the paint are required to ensure the longevity of the product and contribute that way to the                     significant reduction of the paints' overall life cycle impacts. Moreover, the criteria aim at minimizing the use of volatile                     and semi-volatile organic substances in the paint formulation.                  

Whilst the use of chemical products and release of pollutants is part of the production process, a product that bears the                     EU Ecolabel guarantees the consumer that the use of such substances has been limited to the extent technically possible without                     prejudice to its fitness for use. Moreover, the final paint or varnish product may not be classified as being an acute toxin                     or hazardous to the environment under European legislation on the labelling of products.                  

The criteria exclude whenever possible or restrict to a minimum the concentration (required for providing specific functions                     and properties) of a number of substances identified as hazardous to human health and the environment that may be used in                     the formulation of paints and varnishes. Only where a substance is required to meet consumer performance expectations or mandated                     requirements for the product (for instance paint preservation), and where there are no applied and tested available alternatives,                     derogation for such a substance to be used in the Ecolabel is granted.                  

Derogations are evaluated on the basis of the precautionary principle and scientific and technical evidence, especially if                     safer products are available on the market.                  

Testing of the final product for the presence of restricted hazardous substances may be requested in order to provide a high                     level of assurance to consumers.                  

Where appropriate, strict conditions are also imposed on the handling of substances in manufacturing processes for paints                     and varnishes to avoid workforce exposure. The verification of compliance with the criteria is formulated in a way that provides                     a high level of assurance to consumers, reflects the practical potential for applicants to obtain information from the supply                     chain and excludes the potential for ‘free riding’ by applicants.                  

### *Assessment and verification*U.K.

Requirements

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, these may originate from the applicant and/or his supplier(s) and/or their supplier(s), as appropriate.                           

In the case of changes such as in supplier, the paint formulation or an extension of a product range that results in a change                              in how the paint or varnish complies with one or more criteria (as relevant) then the licenseholder shall, in advance of any                              change, submit information to the relevant Competent Body demonstrating the products ongoing compliance as specified in the                              relevant criteria.                           

Where appropriate, test methods other than those indicated for each criterion may be used if these are described in the user                              manual of the Ecolabel criteria application and the competent body assessing the application accepts their equivalence.                           

Competent bodies shall preferentially recognise tests which are accredited according to ISO 17025 and verifications performed                              by bodies which are accredited under the EN 45011 standard or an equivalent international standard.                           

Where appropriate, competent bodies may require supporting documentation and may carry out independent verifications.

Measurement thresholds

Unless otherwise indicated compliance with the Ecolabel criteria is required for intentionally added substances and mixtures,                              as well as for by-products and impurities from raw materials, the concentration of which equals or exceeds 0,010 % by weight                              of final formulation.                           

The exact formulation of the product, including the function and the physical form of all ingredients identified within the                              criteria, as well as any additional functional ingredients, and their ingoing concentration shall be provided to the competent                              body. The chemical name, CAS number and CLP classification according to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 shall be provided for                              each ingredient. All ingredients identified within the criteria, as well as any additional functional ingredients and known                              impurities, that are present at concentrations in the product of greater than 0,010 % shall be reported unless a lower concentration                              is required in order to comply with a derogation requirement.                           

Where ingredients are referred to in the criteria, this includes substances and preparations or mixtures. The definitions                              of ‘substances’ and ‘mixtures’ are given in Article 3 of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the                              Council(7) (‘the REACH Regulation’.                           

Safety data sheets and/or CAS numbers and CLP classifications for each ingredient shall be submitted to the competent body                              in accordance with the REACH Regulation.                           

For all criteria, apart from Criterion 4 Volatile and Semi-volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs, SVOCs), the limits shall apply                              to the paint or varnish in its packaging. In line with Directive 2004/42/EC the VOC limits relate to the ready to use product                              and so the maximum VOC content shall be measured or calculated including any recommended additions such as colorants and/or                              thinners. For this calculation or measurement, data supplied by the raw material suppliers regarding solids content, VOC content                              and product density will be required. The above is also applicable in the measurement or calculation of SVOCs. Competent bodies                              may request testing for SVOC's in order to validate calculations.                           

### **Criterion 1. White pigment and Wet Scrub Resistance**U.K.

#### 1(a)*Minimum requirement for white pigment content*U.K.

Indoor wall and ceiling paints for which Class 1 and 2 wet scrub resistance claims are made shall have a white pigment content                     (white inorganic pigments with a refractive index higher than 1,8) per m2 of dry film equal to or lower than that described in Table 1, with 98 % opacity. For tinting systems this requirement only                     applies to the base paint.                  

##### *Table 1*

**Relationship between wet scrub resistance and TiO2 content for indoor paints**

For all other paints, including limed paints, silicate paints, primers, anti-rust paints and facade paints, the white pigment                     content (white inorganic pigments with a refractive index higher than 1,8) shall not exceed 36 g/m2 for indoor products and 38 g/m2 for outdoor products. In the case of paints for both indoor and outdoor use the more stringent limit shall apply.                  

In case the above mentioned products fall under the exemption indicated in part (b) then the white pigment content (white                     inorganic pigments with a refractive index higher than 1,8) shall not exceed 25 g/m2 of dry film, with 98 % opacity.                  

#### 1(b)*Minimum requirement for Wet Scrub Resistance (for indoor paints only)*U.K.

All indoor wall and ceiling paints (finishes) shall achieve class 1 or class 2 in wet scrub resistance (WSR) according to                     EN 13300 and EN ISO 11998. This requirement only applies to tinting bases (base paints).                  

Exempted from this requirement are indoor wall and ceiling paints with a white pigment content (white inorganic pigments with                     a refractive index higher than 1,8) that is equal or lower to 25 g/m2of dry film, with 98 % opacity.                  

Only WSR class 1 and 2 ecolabelled paints may claim wet scrub resistance on the label or other marketing documentation.

*Assessment and verification:* the requirements of both 1(a) and 1(b) shall be fulfilled. the applicant shall provide documentation showing that the content                     of white pigments is compliant with this criterion.                  

The applicant shall provide a test report according to EN 13300 using the method EN ISO 11998 (Test for cleanability and scrub                     resistance). For ceiling paints and indoor wall paints the labelling for the packaging, including the accompanying text, shall                     be provided as evidence regarding claims of wet scrub resistance.                  

### **Criterion 2. Titanium Dioxide pigment**U.K.

If the product contains more than 3,0 % w/w of titanium dioxide, the emissions and discharges of wastes from the production                     of any titanium dioxide pigment used shall not exceed the following(8):                  

For the sulphate process:
          -  SOx calculated as SO2 : 7,0 kg/tonne TiO2 pigment                         
          -  Sulphate waste: 500 kg/tonne TiO2 pigment                         

For the chloride process:
          -  If natural rutile ore is used, 103 kg chloride waste/tonne TiO2 pigment                         
          -  If synthetic rutile ore is used: 179 kg chloride waste/tonne TiO2 pigment                         
          -  If slag ore is used: 329 kg chloride waste/tonne TiO2 pigment                         

If more than one type of ore is used, the values will apply in proportion to the quantity of the individual ore types used.

#### *Note:*U.K.

SOx emissions only apply to the sulphate process.U.K.                  

The Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council(9), Article 3 shall be used for the definition of waste. If the TiO2 producer can satisfy Article 5 (by-product production) of the Waste Framework Directive for its solid wastes then, the wastes                     shall be exempted.U.K.                  

*Assessment and verification:* the applicant shall submit supporting documentation showing compliance by the titanium dioxide producer manufacturing the                     raw material for the paint product either in the form of a declaration of non-use or a declaration supported by data indicating                     that the respective levels of process emissions and waste discharges of wastes are met.                  

### **Criterion 3. Efficiency in use**U.K.

In order to demonstrate the efficiency in use of paints and varnishes the following tests per type of paint and/or varnish,                     as indicated in Table 2, shall be undertaken:                  

#### *Table 2*

**Performance requirements for different kind of paints and varnishes**

#### 3(a)*Spreading rate*U.K.

Spreading rate requirement shall apply to white and light coloured paint products. For paints that are available in more colours                     the spreading rate shall apply to the lightest colour.                  

White paints and light-coloured paints (including finishes and intermediates) shall have a spreading rate (at a hiding power                     of 98 %) of at least 8 m2 per litre of product for indoor paints and 6 m2 for outdoor paints. Products marketed for both — indoor and outdoor shall have a spreading rate (at a hiding power of 98                     %) of at least 8 m2 per litre.                  

For tinting systems, this criterion applies only to the white base (the base containing the most TiO2). In cases where the white base is unable to achieve this requirement, the criterion shall be met after tinting the white                     base to produce the standard colour RAL 9010.                  

For paints that are a part of a tinting system, the applicant must advise the end-user on the product packaging and POS which                     shade or primer/undercoat (if possible bearing the Community Eco-label) should be used as a basecoat before applying the darker                     shade.                  

Transparent and semi-transparent primers and undercoats shall have a spreading rate of at least 6 m2 and those with opacity at least 8 m2. Opaque primers with specific blocking/sealing, penetrating/binding properties and primers with special adhesion properties                     shall have a spreading rate of at least 6 m2 per litre of product.                  

Thick decorative coatings (paints that are specially designed to give a three-dimensional decorative effect and are therefore                     characterised by a very thick coat) shall alternatively have a spreading rate of 1 m2 per kg of product.                  

Opaque elastomeric paints shall have a spreading rate of at least 4 m2 per litre of product.                  

This requirement does not apply to varnishes, lasures, transparent adhesion primers or any other transparent coatings.

*Assessment and verification:* the applicant shall provide a test report using the method ISO 6504/1 (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. For bases used to produce tinted products not evaluated                     according to the abovementioned requirements, the applicant shall produce evidence of how the end-user will be advised to                     use a primer and/or grey (or other relevant shade) of undercoat before application of the product.                  

#### 3(b)*Resistance to water*U.K.

All varnishes, floor coatings and floor paints shall have resistance to water, as determined by ISO 2812-3 such that after                     24 hours' exposure and 16 hours' recovery no change of gloss or of colour occurs.                  

*Assessment and verification:* the applicant shall provide a test report using the method ISO 2812-3.                  

#### 3(c)*Adhesion*U.K.

Pigmented masonry primers for exterior uses shall score a pass in the EN 24624 (ISO 4624) pull-off test where the cohesive                     strength of the substrate is less than the adhesive strength of the paint, otherwise the adhesion of the paint must be in                     excess of a pass value of 1,5 MPa.                  

Floor coatings, floor paints, floor undercoats, interior masonry primers, metal and wood undercoats shall score 2 or less                     in the EN 2409 test for adhesion.                  

Transparent primers are not included in this requirement.

The applicant shall evaluate the primer and/or finish alone or both applied together. 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.                  

#### 3(d)*Abrasion*U.K.

Floor coatings and floor paints shall have an abrasion resistance not exceeding 70 mg weight loss after 1000 test cycles with                     a 1000 g load and a CS10 wheel according to EN ISO 7784-2.                  

*Assessment and verification:* the applicant shall provide a test report showing compliance with this criterion using the method EN ISO 7784-2.                  

#### 3(e)*Weathering (for outdoor paints and varnishes)*U.K.

Masonry finish paints and wood and metal finishes including varnishes shall be exposed to artificial weathering in apparatus                     including fluorescent UV lamps and condensation or water spray according to ISO 11507. They shall be exposed to test conditions                     for 1000 hours. Test conditions are: UVA 4 h/60 °C + humidity 4 h/50 °C.                  

Alternatively, outdoor wood finishes and wood varnishes shall be exposed to weathering for 1000 hours in the QUV accelerated                     weathering apparatus with cyclic exposure with UV(A) radiation and spraying according to EN 927-6.                  

According to ISO 7724 3, the colour change of samples exposed to weathering shall not be greater than ΔΕ * = 4. It is not                     applicable to varnishes and bases.                  

Decrease of gloss for gloss paints and varnishes exposed to weathering shall not be greater than 30 % of its initial value                     and shall be measured using ISO 2813. This requirement is not applicable to mid sheen and matt-finishes(10)which have an initial gloss value less than 60 % at 60o angle of incidence.                  

Chalking shall be tested using method EN ISO 4628-6 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; flake density 2 or less, flake size 2 or less 
          -  Cracking according to ISO 4628-4; crack quantity 2 or less, crack size 3 or less 
          -  Blistering according to ISO 4628-2; blister density 3 or less, blister size 3 or less. 

Tests should be performed on the tinting base.

*Assessment and verification:* the applicant shall provide test reports using either ISO 11507 according to the specified parameters or EN 927-6, or both.                     The applicant shall provide test reports using EN ISO 4628-2, 4, 5, 6 and a test report in conformance ISO 7724-3 where applicable.                  

#### 3(f)*Water vapour permeability*U.K.

Where claims are made that exterior masonry and concrete paints are breathable the paint shall be classified according to                     EN1062-1 as class II (medium vapour permeability) or better according to the test method EN ISO 7783.                  

Due to the large number of potential tinting colours, this criterion will be restricted to testing of the base paint.

*Assessment and verification:* the applicant shall provide a test report using methodology EN ISO 7783 and classification according EN1062-1.                  

#### 3(g)*Liquid water permeability*U.K.

Where claims are made that exterior masonry and concrete paints are water repellent or elastomeric, the coating shall be classified                     according to EN1062-1 as class III (low liquid permeability) according to method EN 1062-3.                  

Due to the large number of potential tinting colours, this criterion will be restricted to the testing of the base paint.

All other masonry paints shall be classified according to EN1062-1 as class II (medium liquid permeability) or better according                     to the test method EN 1062-3.                  

*Assessment and verification:* the applicant shall provide a test report using methodology EN 1062-3 and classification according EN1062-1.                  

#### 3(h)*Fungal and algal resistance*U.K.

Where claims are made that exterior masonry finish and wood paints have anti-fungal and algal properties, and in accordance                     with PT7 of the Biocide Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council(11), the following requirements shall be determined using EN 15457 and EN 15458.                  

Masonry paints shall have a score of class 1 or lower (1 or 0) for fungal resistance, (i.e. less than 10 % fungal coverage)                     and a score of class 1 or lower for algal resistance.                  

Wood paints shall have a score of 0 for fungal resistance and 0 for algal resistance.

Due to the large number of possible tinting colours, this criterion will be restricted to the testing of the base paint.

*Assessment and verification:* the applicant shall provide a test report using the methodology in EN 15457 and EN 15458.                  

#### 3(i)*Crack bridging*U.K.

Where claims are made that masonry (or concrete) paint has elastomeric properties, the paint shall be at least classified                     as A1 at 23 °C according to EN 1062.                  

Due to the large number of potential tinting colours, this criterion will be restricted to the testing of the base paint.

*Assessment and verification:* the applicant shall provide a test report using methodology DIN EN 1062-7.                  

#### 3(j)*Alkali resistance*U.K.

Masonry paints and primers shall show no noticeable damage when the coating is spotted for 24 hours with 10 % NaOH solution                     according to method ISO 2812-4. The evaluation is done after 24 hours drying-recovery.                  

*Assessment and verification:* the applicant shall provide a test report using methodology ISO 2812-4.                  

#### 3(k)*Corrosion resistance*U.K.

Simulated corrosion stresses shall be applied to a substrate for the purpose of rating according to the appropriate atmospheric                     corrosivity category or categories in EN ISO 12944-2 and the accompanying test procedures specified in EN ISO 12944-6. Anti-rust                     paints for steel substrates shall be tested after 240 h salt spray following ISO 9227. The results shall be rated using ISO                     4628-2 for blistering and ISO 4628-3 for rusting. The paint shall achieve result not worse than size 3 and density 3 in blistering                     and not worse than Ri2 in rusting test.                  

*Assessment and verification:* the applicant shall provide testing and rating reports to confirm compliance with this criterion.                  

### **Criterion 4. Content of Volatile and Semi-volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs, SVOCs)**U.K.

The maximum content of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs) shall not exceed the                     limits given in Table 3.                  

The content of VOCs and SVOCs shall be determined for the ready to use product and shall include any recommended additions                     prior to application such as colourants and/or thinners.                  

Products with a VOC content that is in accordance with the limits in Table 3 may display the text ‘reduced VOC content’ and                     the VOC content in g/l next to the Ecolabel.                  

#### *Table 3*

**VOC and SVOC content limits**

The VOC content shall be determined either by calculation based on the ingredients and raw materials or by using the methods                     given in ISO 11890-2 or, alternatively for products with a VOC content of less than 1.0 g/l, the methods given in ISO 17895.                     The SVOC content shall be determined using the method given in ISO 11890-2. The markers given in Table 4 shall be used as                     the basis for delimiting the Gas Chromatography results for SVOC's. In the case of products used both indoors and outdoors                     the strictest SVOC limit value for indoor paints shall prevail.                  

#### *Table 4*

**Marker compounds to be used in the determination of SVOC content**

*Assessment and verification:* the applicant shall provide for the VOC content of the ready to use product either a test report using the methods given                     in ISO 11890-2 or ISO 17895 that demonstrates compliance or a declaration of compliance supported by calculations based on                     the paint ingredients and raw materials.                  

The applicant shall provide for the SVOC content of the ready to use product either a test report using the method given in                     ISO 11890-2 or a declaration of compliance supported by calculations based on the paint ingredients and raw materials. The                     test should be carried out with reference to the markers specified in Table 4 and the Criteria User Manual. At the request                     of a Competent Body applicants may be required to validate calculations using the specified test method.                  

### **Criterion 5. Restriction of hazardous substances and mixtures**U.K.

The final product shall not contain hazardous substances and mixtures in accordance with the rules set out in the following                     sub-criteria which apply to:                  
          -  Hazard classifications and risk phrases 
          -  Substances of Very High Concern 
          -  Specific other listed substances 

Applicants are required to evidence that the final product formulation complies with the overall assessment and verification                     requirements together with any additional requirements contained within the Appendix.                  

#### 5(a)*Overall restrictions to hazard classifications and risk phrases*U.K.

The final product formulation, including all intentionally added ingredients present at a concentration of greater than 0,010                     %, shall not, unless expressly derogated in the Appendix, contain substances or mixtures classified as toxic, hazardous to                     the environment, respiratory or skin sensitisers, or carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction in accordance with                     Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 or Council Directive 67/548/EC(12) and as interpreted according to the hazard statements and risk phrases listed in Table 5 of this criteria.                  

##### *Table 5*

**Restricted hazard classifications and their categorisation**

The most recent classification rules adopted by the Union shall take precedence over the listed hazard classifications and                     risk phrases. In accordance with Article 15 of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 applicants shall therefore ensure that classifications                     are based on the most recent rules on the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures.                  

Applicants are required to calculate the hazard classification of the final paint product in order to demonstrate compliance.                     This shall be in accordance with the methodologies for the classification of mixtures contained in Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008                     and all amending legislation. Equivalence between mixture classifications according to the Dangerous Substances Directive                     67/548/EEC (referred to as DSD) and those made according to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (the CLP Regulation) can be found                     in Table 6.                  

The final product shall not be classified and labelled as being acutely toxic, a specific target organ toxicant, a respiratory                     or skin sensitiser, or carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction hazardous to the environment, in accordance with                     Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 or Directive 67/548/EEC.                  

##### *Table 6*

**Final product classification: CLP versus DSD equivalence**

#### 5(a)(i)*Derogations applying to substance groups*U.K.

For the purpose of this product group, derogations have been granted for defined groups of substances that may be contained                     within the final product. These derogations stipulate the hazard classifications that are derogated for each specific substance                     group and the associated derogation conditions and concentration limits that apply. The derogations are set out in the Appendix                     and apply to the following substance groups:                  

Preservatives added to colourants, binders and the final product

In-can preservatives

Tinting machine preservatives

Dry film preservatives

Preservative stabilisers

Drying and anti-skinning agents

Drying agents

Anti-skinning agents

Corrosion inhibitors

Corrosion inhibitors

Verdigris prevention

Surfactants

General purpose surfactants

Alkylphenolethoxylates (APEOs)

Perfluorinated surfactants

Miscellaneous functional substances with general application

Silicon resin emulsion in white paints, colourant and tinting bases

Metals and their compounds

Mineral raw materials including fillers

Neutralising agents

Optical brighteners

Pigments

Miscellaneous functional substances with specialist applications

UV protectors and stabilisers

Plasticisers

Residual substances that may be present in the final product

Formaldehyde

Solvents

Unreacted monomers

Volatile Aromatic Compounds and halogenated compounds

#### 5(a)(ii)*Derogation conditions applying to production sites*U.K.

Additional conditions relating to production of paints and varnishes shall apply in the case of derogations for acute toxins                     or specific target organ toxins. In this case applicants shall submit evidence that they have met the following requirements:                  
          -  Substances to which an acute toxic or specific target organ toxins classification applies shall demonstrate compliance with                           relevant European indicative Occupational Exposure Limit Values (OELV's) or Member State OELV's for the substance(s), with                           the strictest applying;                         
          -  Where there is no reference OELV then the applicant shall demonstrate how health and safety procedures for the handling of                           the ingoing substance(s) at production sites for the final ecolabelled paint product minimise exposure;                         
          -  Substances to which a classification applies as an aerosol or vapour shall demonstrate that workers are not exposed in this                           form;                         
          -  Substances to which the classification applies to in their dry form shall demonstrate that workers cannot come into contact                           with the substance in this form during manufacturing.                         

*Assessment and verification:* the applicant shall demonstrate compliance with this criterion by providing a declaration of the classification and/or non-classification                     for:                  
          -  The final paint or varnish product based on the methodologies for the classification of mixtures contained in Regulation (EC)                           No 1272/2008 and all amending legislation                         
          -  Paint or varnish formula ingredients that fall within the groups of substances listed in 5(a)(i) and that are present at concentrations                           of more than 0,010 %                         

This declaration shall be based on information collected according to the requirements in the Appendix.

Active ingredients to which specific concentration limits may apply under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 and which may fall                     below the cut-off value of 0,010 % shall also be identified.                  

The following technical information shall be provided to support the declaration of the classification or non-classification                     of ingredients:                  

For substances that have not been registered under the REACH Regulation or which do not yet have a harmonised CLP classification:                              Information meeting the requirements listed in Annex VII to the REACH Regulation;                           

For substances that have been registered under the REACH Regulation and which do not meet the requirements for CLP classification:                              Information based on the REACH registration dossier confirming the non-classified status of the substance;                           

For substances that have a harmonised classification or are self-classified: safety data sheets where available. If these                              are not available or the substance is self-classified then information shall be provided relevant to the substances hazard                              classification according to Annex II to the REACH Regulation;                           

In the case of mixtures: Safety data sheets where available. If these are not available then calculation of the mixture classification                              shall be provided according to the rules under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 together with information relevant to the mixtures                              hazard classification according to Annex II to the REACH Regulation;                           

Substances and mixtures shall be characterised in accordance with sections 10, 11 and 12 of Annex II to the REACH Regulation                     (Requirements for the Compilation of Safety Data Sheets). This shall include information on the physical form and state of                     the ingredients and shall include identification of manufactured nanomaterial ingredients for which 50 % or more of the particles                     in the number size distribution have one or more external dimensions in the size range 1 nm-100 nm.                  

The applicant shall also identify substances and mixtures used in the paint formulation which fall under the specific requirements                     for derogation as set out in the Appendix. For each derogated substance or mixture supporting information shall be provided                     showing how the derogation requirements have been met.                  

#### 5(b)*Restrictions that apply to Substances of Very High Concern*U.K.

In accordance with Article 6(7) of Regulation (EC) No 66/2010 the final product and any ingredients or raw materials, shall                     not, unless specifically derogated, contain substances that:                  
          -  Meet the criteria in Article 57 of the REACH Regulation; 
          -  Have been identified according to the procedure described in Article 59(1) of the REACH Regulation which establishes the Candidate                           List for Substances of Very High Concern.                         

No derogation shall be given concerning substances that meet one or both of these conditions, and which are present in a paint                     or varnish product at concentrations higher than 0.10 % (weight by weight).                  

*Assessment and verification:* the applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance with this criterion, supported by declarations of compliance signed                     by their suppliers. Applicants shall demonstrate that they have carried out a screening of ingoing substances against the                     current Candidate List for Substances of Very High Concern and the criteria in Article 57 of the REACH Regulation.                  

#### 5(c)*Restrictions that apply to specific hazardous substances*U.K.

The final product shall not contain the hazardous substances that are specifically identified in the Appendix at or above                     the specified concentration limits. The restrictions on substances in the Appendix apply to the following paint and varnish                     ingredients and residues:                  

Dry film preservatives

Tinting machine preservatives

In-can preservatives

Preservative stabilisers

Alkylphenolethoxylates (APEOs) surfactants

Perfluorinated surfactants

Metals and their compounds

Pigments

Plasticisers

Free formaldehyde

*Assessment and verification:* verification and testing requirements are as specified in the Appendix for each substance and as relevant to specific forms                     of paint and varnish.                  

### **Criterion 6. Consumer information**U.K.

#### 6(a)The following texts shall appear on or be attached to the packaging:U.K.

          -  ‘Minimise paint wastage by estimating how much paint you will need’ 
          -  ‘Recover unused paint for re-use’. 
          -  ‘Reuse of paint can effectively minimise the products' life cycle environmental impact’ 

#### 6(b)The following general information and advice shall be provided on or be attached to the packaging:U.K.

          -  How to estimate the amount of paint needed prior to purchase in order to minimise paint wastage and a recommended amount as                           a guideline (e.g. for 1 m2 of wall x litres of paint is needed).                         
          -  How to deal with the ‘unused paint’ together with, where available, a web-link or contact details from which the consumer                           can find more detailed information.                         

#### 6(c)The following advice and recommendations on how to handle the paint shall be provided on or be attached to the packaging:U.K.

          -  Safety measures for the user. This shall include basic recommendation on personal protective equipment that should be worn.                           It shall also include additional measures that should be taken when using spray equipment.                         
          -  The use of cleaning equipment and appropriate waste management (in order to limit water and soil pollution). For example,                           text advising that unused paint requires specialist handling for safe environmental disposal and therefore it should not be                           thrown away with household or commercial waste (e.g. ‘Do not put residual paint down the kitchen sink or toilet, or into a                           waste bin’).                         
          -  Storage of the paint in appropriate conditions (before and after opening), including, where appropriate, safety advice. 

*Assessment and verification:* the applicant shall declare that the product complies with the requirement and provide the competent body with the artwork                     or samples of the user information and/or a link to a manufacturer's website containing this information as part of the application.                     The recommended amount of paint given as a guideline shall be provided.                  

### **Criterion 7. Information appearing on the EU Ecolabel**U.K.

The optional label with text box shall contain, where relevant, the following texts:
          -  Minimised content of hazardous substances 
          -  Reduced content of volatile organic compounds (VOCs): x g/l 
          -  Good performance for indoor use *(where indoor criteria have been met)* or                         
          -  Good performance for outdoor use *(where outdoor criteria have been met)* or                         
          -  Good performance for both indoor and outdoor use *(where both indoor and outdoor criteria have been met)*                          

The guidelines for the use of the optional label with text box can be found in the ‘Guidelines for use of the Ecolabel logo’                     on the website:                  

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/documents/logo_guidelines.pdf

*Assessment and verification:* the applicant shall provide a sample of the product label or an artwork of the packaging where the EU Ecolabel is placed,                     together with a declaration of compliance with this criterion.                  

### AppendixHAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE RESTRICTION AND DEROGATION LIST

1

OJ L 27, 30.1.2010, p. 1.                           

2

Commission Decision 2009/543/EC of 13 August 2008 establishing the ecological criteria for the award of the Community eco-label                              to outdoor paints and varnishes (OJ L 181, 14.7.2009, p. 27).                           

3

Commission Decision 2009/544/EC of 13 August 2008 establishing the ecological criteria for the award of the Community eco-label                              to indoor paints and varnishes (OJ L 181, 14.7.2009, p. 39).                           

4

Substances with hazard classifications established under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the                              Council (the CLP Regulation) (OJ L 353, 31.12.2008, p. 1).                           

5

Directive 2004/42/CE of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 April 2004 on the limitation of emissions of volatile                              organic compounds due to the use of organic solvents in certain paints and varnishes and vehicle refinishing products and                              amending Directive 1999/13/EC (OJ L 143, 30.4.2004, p. 87).                           

6

As specified in 8.2.2 of FprCEN/TS 16516.

7

Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Registration,                              Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), establishing a European Chemicals Agency (OJ L 396, 30.12.2006, p. 1).                           

8

As derived from the Reference Document on Best Available Technology for the Manufacture of Large Volume Inorganic Chemicals                              (BREF), August 2007.                           

9

Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 on waste and repealing certain Directives                              (OJ L 312, 22.11.2008, p. 3).                           

10

EN ISO 2813.

11

Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 May 2012 concerning the making available on                              the market and use of biocidal products (OJ L 167, 27/06/2012, p. 1).                           

12

Council Directive 67/548/EEC of 27 June 1967 on the approximation of laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating                              to the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous substances (OJ 196, 16.8.1967, p. 1).