Simple terms explainer

Councils must ensure that certain consumer products containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particularly paints, varnishes and vehicle refinishing products, comply with legal limits on VOC content. VOCs are chemicals that evaporate into the air and can contribute to air pollution and pose risks to human health. Trading Standards teams can inspect products, check labelling, investigate complaints, arrange testing, and take enforcement action where products exceed permitted VOC limits or fail to meet regulatory requirements.