Pack-based
Start from EPA / EU-EEA / Custom, then expand the registry later.
VOC Regional Compliance Checker for Architectural Coatings
Enter the country or region, coating category, VOC value, and basis to check the regulation that applies to the market.
EPA architectural coatings and EU/EEA decorative paints are bundled as the initial packs for a fast architectural coatings review.
Region pack
Category
VOC
Limit
Sources
Key points
Built for fast first-pass checks before quotes, specs, and export work.
Basis-aware
If the VOC basis does not match, the tool falls back to review instead of guessing.
Copy-ready
Copy the result or share the current URL for quotes, handoffs, and spec checks.
How to use
Use the panel below to move from market selection to a regulation check in one pass.
- 1. Choose a country or region pack.
- 2. Choose a coating category and add 60° gloss or product form if needed.
- 3. Enter the VOC value and basis such as ready-to-use or thinned-to-max-recommendation.
- 4. Review the status, limit, margin, and label notes.
- 5. Copy the result or share the current URL if needed.
Samples
EPA architectural coating quick check
Input
Country/region = United States (EPA), category = Flat coatings, VOC = 180 g/L, basis = thinned to max recommendation, product form = liquid
Output
Status = likely compliant, limit = 250 g/L, margin = +70 g/L, note = compare after excluding water, exempt compounds, and tint base colorant
EU/EEA decorative paint quick check
Input
Country/region = EU/EEA (Decopaint), category = Interior matt walls and ceilings (WB), VOC = 42 g/L, basis = ready-to-use, 60° gloss = 12, product form = liquid
Output
Status = likely over limit, limit = 30 g/L, margin = -12 g/L, note = confirm the subcategory and ready-to-use g/L on the label
Custom / other region quick check
Input
Country/region = Custom / other region, category = Custom / special case, VOC = 45 g/L, basis = ready-to-use, custom limit = 50 g/L
Output
Status = likely compliant, limit = 50 g/L, margin = +5 g/L, note = show the custom note as entered
Notes
- This tool is for preliminary checks only. Final compliance must follow the destination market's law, local rules, product labels, SDS, and the latest manufacturer specifications.
- EPA and EU use different VOC bases. If the basis does not match, the tool falls back to review instead of guessing.
- Aerosols and specialty industrial coatings may be out of scope for the architectural packs.
- The pack registry is versioned so legal updates can bump the version and trigger review.
Glossary
VOC
Volatile organic compounds. Regulations often use a g/L limit.
ready-to-use
Value in the use-ready condition, including the required additions.
thinned-to-max-recommendation
Value after the manufacturer's maximum recommended thinning.
WB / SB
WB means waterborne and SB means solventborne.
subcategory
The product subcategory shown on EU labels.
overlay
Add-on rules from a state or province.
manual review
A state where the tool does not make a definitive machine decision because data is missing or the basis does not match.
Logic
normalizedVOC = convert(vocValue, vocUnit -> packUnit)margin = limit - normalizedVOCusageRatio = normalizedVOC / limitpass = normalizedVOC <= limitwarn = pass and usageRatio >= warningThresholdreview = missing required data / basis mismatch / unresolved category
FAQ
Why do EPA and EU give different results for the same VOC value?
The bases differ. EPA uses thinned-to-max-recommendation, while EU uses ready-to-use.
Why is 60° gloss needed?
It helps split EU matt vs glossy categories and the EPA flat/nonflat fallback.
Can aerosols be checked?
They are out of scope for the architectural packs. Use a custom pack or another pack if needed.
What if my market is not listed yet?
Use Custom / other region for a first-pass check and add an official pack later.
Is this legal advice?
No. It is a preliminary check helper only. Final confirmation should follow the local law and product label.