Consumer Products: National Volatile Organic Compound Emission Standards

Rule Summary

This action promulgates national volatile organic compound (VOC) emission standards for certain categories of consumer products pursuant to section 183(e) of the Clean Air Act (Act).

This final rule is based on the Administrator’s determination that VOC emissions from the use of consumer products can cause or contribute to ozone levels that violate the national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for ozone. Ozone is a major component of smog which causes negative health and environmental impacts when present in high concentrations at ground level.

The final rule is estimated to reduce VOC emissions by 90,000 tons per year (tpy) by requiring manufacturers, importers, and distributors to limit the VOC content of consumer products.