Recently, the European Commission completed and published the draft amendment COM(2008)80 final of Directive 76/769/EEC, which provides detailed explanations and descriptions regarding the restriction on the use of paint strippers containing dichloromethane (DCM), and notified the draft to all WTO member countries. The draft is expected to officially take effect in January 2009. At that time, domestic manufacturers of dichloromethane and paint strippers will be affected to some extent.

In the regulation 793/93 issued by the EU in March 1993 regarding the assessment and control of risks of existing substances, dichloromethane was not included in the regulatory scope, and ordinary consumers could purchase it in stores. However, the harmful effects of dichloromethane vapor on the central nervous system, along with recent accidents, have forced the EU to take corresponding measures.

The draft adds relevant restrictions on dichloromethane in Annex I of Directive 76/769/EEC, with the main content being: consumers are prohibited from using paint strippers containing 0.1% or more dichloromethane, and the sale of this product to consumers is also prohibited; in principle, professional users are similarly prohibited from using paint strippers containing 0.1% or more dichloromethane; however, member states may authorize qualified trained professionals to continue using such paint strippers under strict protective measures; the use of paint strippers containing 0.1% or more dichloromethane is allowed in industry, provided that adequate protective measures are in place; paint strippers containing 0.1% or more dichloromethane must be clearly labeled: for industrial and professional use only.

The inspection and quarantine department reminds relevant enterprises to improve protective designs (such as reducing the opening of barrels to minimize the volatilization of dichloromethane) to ensure the market for products in industrial and professional fields; on the other hand, they should accelerate the research and development of environmentally friendly and non-toxic alternative paint strippers to regain the ordinary consumer market.