Waterbourne Extension Looming?

There are indications that a reprieve for conversion to low-VOC automotive refinish paints could be on the way.
At a waterborne paint information session presented by BASF in mid-November, Environment Canadas Guy Gagn said, Presently, Jan. 1, 2009, is the stop sell date (for non-compliant materials). However, weve received many comments from the industry about that deadline, so right now were examining the situation. We may grant an extension, but it is not approved yet.
The proposed regulations are currently going through Environment Canadas approval process prior to publication in Canada Gazette Part I. Publication in Gazette Part I was expected in 2007, but Gagn says January 2008 is now a more likely time frame.
Several industry organizations had voiced concerns with the Jan. 1, 2009 deadline.
Even if the implementation date of the VOC regulations is extended, shop conversions to low-VOC products must continue at a steady pace if all 7000 to 8000 shops in Canada are to be converted before the deadline.