India seeks comments on draft standard for plastic emulsion paints.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is seeking comments on a revised standard for plastic emulsion paints until January 10, 2024. The revised standard will tighten restrictions on lead content and introduce limits for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). 

First Standard for Plastic Emulsion Paints 

Two parts of this standard were previously issued i.e. IS 5411 ‘Plastic emulsion paint: Part 1, For interior use’ and IS 5411 ‘Plastic emulsion paint: Part 2 For exterior use’. These two parts are now included in this revised standard. 

The previous standard also included various types of finishes to bring it into line with the practices that existed at the time. Therefore, the drying time requirements for both the finish and the hard dry were adjusted according to the type of finish. Additional optional requirements such as spreading capacity and hiding power as well as spreading time were removed. Gloss value at 60° was also included for various classes. 

First Revision 

The first revision of this standard was initiated with the aim of incorporating the lead limit into the standard. It was recognised that the product, which is widely used for interior and exterior surface decoration of building, may not be feasible to manufacture with a low lead restriction. The committee therefore set a lead limit of 300 ppm for a product used in building finishes. This limit aims to prevent dangerous exposure to lead and its long-term health effects. 

Second Revision 

The second revision aims to limit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in paint products, focusing on their negative impact on human health and the environment. The limits will be set taking into account the capabilities of small, medium, and large manufacturers to produce compliant products. The ultimate goal is to eliminate VOCs by promoting advanced technologies and processes. 

Furthermore, the limit for lead has been reduced from 300 ppm in the first revision to 90 ppm. The lead content is calculated as metallic lead including the content of lead, lead compounds, or mixtures of both.    

Following surface preparation and priming, the second revision of the standard specifies the conditions and procedures for sampling and testing plastic emulsion paint, which is used for both interior and external building surface protection and decoration.  

Further conditions and requirements can be found here.