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What is a Volatile Organic Compound?
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a group of carbon-based chemicals that evaporate easily at room temperature. They’re found in many everyday and industrial products—like cleaning sprays, air fresheners, paints, adhesives, and personal care items. While VOCs are useful in these applications, they can negatively impact air quality and human health. When released into the air, VOCs contribute to smog formation and can trigger respiratory problems. Due to these risks, regulatory agencies in both the United States and Canada have established strict guidelines to control the amount of VOCs in various products.
Regulations for Product Compliance (USA & Canada)
In the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets national rules under 40 CFR Part 59 to limit VOCs in consumer products. These federal standards apply to a broad range of items like cleaning agents, personal care products, and sealants. However, states such as California, New York, and those in the Ozone Transport Commission (OTC) often go beyond federal rules. For example, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) enforces tighter VOC limits under its own consumer product regulations.
In Canada, the federal government regulates VOCs through Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. Volatile Organic Compound Concentration Limits for Certain Products Regulations (SOR/2021-268) sets VOC concentration limits for over 130 product categories. These rules apply to both consumer and commercial products and aim to reduce emissions that contribute to air pollution and health issues.
Implementation Dates
Canada’s updated VOC regulations for most affected products took effect on January 1, 2024. Some product types, including disinfectants, had a delayed enforcement date of January 1, 2025; the regulation is now fully in force.
In the U.S., the EPA’s national VOC limits have been active since December 10, 1998. However, many states continue to update their own VOC rules. For instance, New York introduced new limits for several product types beginning in 2022, with additional changes for sanitizing products enforced starting in 2023. Compliance requirements may vary significantly depending on the state.
What Products Need to Comply
Products regulated for VOC content span a wide range of consumer and commercial uses. These include:
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Personal hygiene products such as hair sprays and deodorants
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Household cleaners like all-purpose sprays and glass cleaners
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Automotive products including engine degreasers and windshield washer fluids
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Adhesives, sealants, and construction materials
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Specialty items like air fresheners and insecticides
Any product that releases VOCs into the air is likely subject to compliance standards. Businesses that manufacture, distribute, or import these items must ensure they meet the limits set by the jurisdictions where the products are sold.
What Product Information is Required?
To accurately evaluate VOC compliance, detailed product data must be provided. This includes:
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The full formulation, listing each ingredient by Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number and exact percentage
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A clear identification of the product’s function and intended application
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Label and marketing content, especially any claims made on packaging or advertising
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Information on where the product is sold (specific U.S. states or Canadian provinces)
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Existing lab tests or certifications, if available
Providing complete and specific details helps streamline the compliance review and avoids delays. Using ranges for ingredient percentages is discouraged, as even small variations can affect regulatory outcomes.
Determining Applicability & Obtaining a VOC Content Report
Not sure if your product falls under the scope of the US or Canadian VOC regulations? Nexreg can help determine applicability by reviewing your product’s label claims, marketing materials, and technical documentation.
If your products do require analysis for VOC content, Nexreg can utilize our team of regulatory compliance experts to review your product details and confirm the level of VOCs present in your product. The applicable VOC product category is determined by reviewing the promotional information and product artwork. A determination if the product is compliant in the requested jurisdiction(s) will be made.
A report is generated detailing the VOC product category that applies, the total VOC content, compliance details, and relevant notes. If necessary, the report will detail possible ways to bring the product into compliance such as amendment of label claims, addition of dilution instructions, and in extreme cases recommendations to re-formulate the product (this may increase the consulting time needed to complete the service).
Guaranteed Compliance in USA & Canada
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