After several delays caused by the pandemic, New York State is scheduled to begin enforcing updated regulations regarding VOC limits for wood flooring coatings July 1. The VOC limits will be reduced from 350 grams per liter to 275 grams per liter.
The changes were originally set to go into effect at the beginning of 2021 but were put on hold due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on New York businesses, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The VOC limits will be imposed on wood coating products manufactured on and after July 1, 2022.
Lacquers, Sanding Sealer and Varnishes categories, which include most wood flooring finishes and were previously separated, will now all be included under the “Wood Coatings” category and must have a VOC limit under 275 grams per liter. Conversion varnishes will remain unchanged at 725 grams per liter.
The updated Architectural and Industrial Maintenance Coatings regulations also include language to prevent bundling coatings sold in 1-liter (1.057 quart) containers and manufactured under the Small Container Exemption.
