Solvents | Regulatory Information

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Product	European Solvents Directive (1999/13/EC)	EU: Deco Paint Directive (2004/42/EC)	EU Eco Label for "Indoor Paints and Varnishes" (2002/739/EC)
Product	Vapor pressure ≤ 0.01 kPa @ 293.15 K	Initial boiling point ≥ 250°C @ standard pressure of 101.3 kPa
Eastman DB acetate	Non-VOC	VOC	VOC
Eastman DB solvent	Non-VOC	VOC	VOC
Eastman DE acetate	Non-VOC	VOC	VOC
Eastman DE solvent	Non-VOC	VOC	VOC
Eastman EEH solvent	Non-VOC	VOC	VOC
Optifilm™ enhancer 300	Non-VOC	Non-VOC	Non-VOC
Optifilm™ enhancer 400	Non-VOC	Non-VOC	Non-VOC
Texanol™ ester alcohol	Non-VOC	Non-VOC	Non-VOC
Velate™ 368 coalescent	Non-VOC	Non-VOC	Non-VOC
Velate™ 375 coalescent	Non-VOC	Non-VOC	Non-VOC

LVP-VOC (United States)

View Eastman’s qualifying LVP-VOC solvents:

Alcohols
Esters
Glycol ether esters
Glycol ethers

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Regulatory authority

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have regulatory authority for consumer products and set product VOC limits. These products include adhesives; household, institutional, brake and electronic cleaners; degreasers; some personal care products; multipurpose lubricants; paint thinners; and multipurpose solvents.

Definition

The CARB definition for LBP substances is VOCs that have a vapor pressure less than 0.1 mmHG at 20°C or a boiling point greater or equal to 216°C.
The EPA definition is VOCs that have a vapor pressure < 0.1 mmHg at 20°C or a melting point > 20°C and do not sublimate if the vapor pressure is not known.

LVP exclusion

If a substance qualifies for LVP exclusion, it is not counted as a VOC, and VOC limits do not apply to its use for most product categories regulated under consumer product rules.

Consumer product rules

Consumer product rules allow an LVP exclusion based on low volatility for most product categories.

_{Note: Coatings and industrial applications are not regulated under these rules, and the LVP-VOC exclusion does not apply to these products.}

Inert ingredients

In the United States, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act rule (FIFRA) 2(m) defines an inert ingredient as "an ingredient which is not active." Inert ingredients may be solvents, carriers, perfumes, dyes and surfactants. They include any substance, or group of structurally similar substances, other than the active ingredient(s) intentionally included in a pesticide product. Inert ingredients are regulated under both FIFRA and U.S. Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.

Food use comparison tool

Food use is use in, on or around something that may come into contact with food, including water for human consumption; feed, including water for animal consumption; or livestock unless a data review shows the use will not result in residues in the food (including water for human consumption) or feed (including water for animal consumption).

Solvents (food)*

_{*Food (limitations) based on EPA InertFinder, November 2024. For details on status and specific permissions for food use, visit epa.gov.}

Nonfood use

Nonfood use is permitted solely for use in pesticide products applied to nonfood use sites, such as ornamental plants, highway right-of-ways and rodent control. Food use is not permitted.

Note: Pesticide formulations must be identified to and registered with the EPA. Pesticide formulation manufacturers should consult the EPA to get product registrations.

Solvents (nonfood)*

_{*Food (limitations) based on EPA InertFinder, November 2024. For details on status and specific permissions for food use, visit epa.gov.}

Solvent regulations worldwide

Solvent portfolio

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Europe, Middle East and Africa

Asia Pacific and Latin America

North America