Vehicle refinish

Vehicle Refinish

As the trade association representing the vehicle refinish (VR) paint manufacturers in the UK, the British Coatings Federation is campaigning to combat illegal sales of non-compliant solvent-based basecoats to repair cars, which are in breach of Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) regulations.

The aim of the campaign is for Trading Standards Officers in Local Authorities, the regulators responsible for the Directive, to be able to confidently inspect distributors and identify the sale of non-compliant VR paint.

This matters in terms of improving air quality by reducing unnecessary VOC emissions, and also to create a level playing field where the rules are uniformly adhered to, not broken to save money or achieve a certain finish.

This page seeks to clarify the legitimate applications for solvent-based basecoats and the areas where the Directive is being abused.

You can download the BCF identifying non-compliant vehicle repair basecoat poster here and the BCF guide on VR paints and VOC compliance here.

In April 2016, a letter was sent to distributors/bodyshops reminding them of the VOC Paint Product Directive, carried over from EU to UK law, and which has now been in place for over ten years. A mystery shopping campaign exercise has also been launched, with one in four VR distributors being visited during 2016 and 2017.

To take the issue forward, the BCF met with the Defra Minister responsible for Air Quality regulations, Jo Churchill MP, in March 2022. Further information was subsequently exchanged and we look forward to continuing to make the case for greater enforcement in this area.

This page will be updated as the campaign develops. Queries in the meantime should please be addressed to BCF's Public Affairs Manager, David Park.

Key issues

UK REACH

Biocides

Titanium Dioxide

Antifouling

Lead in paint

Vehicle refinish

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Vehicle Refinish

Key issues