SWISS VOC CERTIFICATE

The Swiss VOC certificate is a certificate of conformity required for the placing on the market and use of products containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in Switzerland. VOC is the abbreviation for Volatile Organic Compounds and refers to organic chemicals that can easily evaporate at room temperature.

Swiss VOC Regulation and the Purpose of Certification:

Switzerland has introduced strict regulations for products containing VOCs in order to reduce air pollution and VOC emissions. The main objectives of this regulation are:

• To protect human health and the environment from the harmful effects of VOCs.

• To improve air quality.

• To control and reduce VOC emissions.
  
  

Which Products Require a VOC Certificate?

The Swiss VOC regulation covers a wide range of products containing VOCs above a certain threshold and placed on the market in Switzerland. Some of these products include:

• Paints and Varnishes: Construction paints, furniture varnishes, automotive paints, etc.

• Adhesives and Sealants: Adhesives and sealants used in construction, automotive, and industrial applications.

• Cleaning Products: Solvent-based cleaners used in household and industrial cleaning.

• Inks and Printing Chemicals: Printing inks, toners, and other printing chemicals.

• Aerosol Products: Spray paints, deodorants, insecticides, etc.

• Cosmetics and Personal Care Products: Some perfumes, hair sprays, and other personal care products.

How to Obtain a VOC Certificate?

Manufacturers or importers who wish to place products containing VOCs on the market in Switzerland must have the VOC content of their products tested by an authorized testing laboratory and obtain a certificate of conformity (VOC certificate).

• Product Testing: The VOC content of the product is analyzed by an authorized testing laboratory, such as the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) or other accredited organizations, according to recognized test methods (e.g., ISO 11890-2).

• Application for Certification: An application is submitted to the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) or an authorized certification body, along with the test results and other required documents.

• Certificate Approval and Issuance: The application is reviewed, the test results are evaluated, and if the product complies with the VOC regulation, a VOC certificate is issued.

  
  

Penalties for Selling Products Without a VOC Certificate:

It is illegal to place products containing VOCs on the market in Switzerland without a VOC certificate, and it is subject to severe penalties. These penalties may include fines, product recalls, and sales bans.