The new version of the GB 30981 series of standards was officially released on May 30, 2025, and has been formally implemented on June 1, 2026. The implementation of these new standards will have a profound impact on the coatings industry. Below are the key updates you need to know:

1. Replacement of Previous Standards

The following standards will be replaced by GB 30981.1-2025 "Limit of Hazardous Substances in Coatings – Part 1: Architectural Coatings":

• GB 18582-2020 "Limit of Harmful Substances of Architectural Wall Coatings"
• GB 38468-2019 "Limit of Harmful Substances of Indoor Floor Coatings"

The following standards will be replaced by GB 30981.2-2025 "Limit of Hazardous Substances in Coatings – Part 2: Industrial Coatings":

• GB 18581-2020 "Limit of Harmful Substances of Woodware Coatings"
• GB 24409-2020 "Limit of Harmful Substances of Vehicle Coatings"
• GB 24613-2009 "Limit of Harmful Substances of Toys Coatings"
• GB 30981-2020 "Limit of Harmful Substances of Industrial Protective Coatings"
• GB 38469-2019 "Limit of Harmful Substances of Marine Coatings"

2. Significant Expansion of Scope

Auxiliary materials such as putties, hardeners, and paint strippers are now included. This means that more types of coating products will be subject to the requirements and regulations of these standards.

3. Stricter VOC Limits

VOC limits have been tightened. New VOC restrictions have been introduced for certain specific types of coatings, and the VOC limits for some coating categories have been revised.

4. New Limits for Multiple Hazardous Substances

4.1 First Introduction of SVOC Limits

The concept of SVOCs (Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds) has been introduced into the coatings industry for the first time. SVOC solvents are widely used in coatings and persist longer in the air, are more difficult to degrade, and have a more lasting impact on human health and the environment. This revision fills a regulatory gap and further improves the control system for hazardous substances in coatings.

4.2 Biocide Limit Controls

Limits for the types of biocides have been expanded, promoting the development of low-toxicity and non-toxic biocides. This will help reduce the potential harm of coatings to human health and the ecological environment during use, and improve the safety of coating products.

4.3 Limits on Other Hazardous Substances

For auxiliary materials, new limits have been added for total benzene series compounds, toluene, and formaldehyde. This reflects the comprehensiveness and stringency of the control over hazardous substances in coatings.

5. Specific Limits for Specific Coating Types

Stricter controls have been established for specific coatings used in consumer goods that come into frequent contact with the human body, such as restrictions on phthalates and heavy metals. These measures further ensure the environmental safety of coating products from multiple perspectives and reduce risks to human health and the environment.

In addition to controlling lead limits in coatings based on application scenarios, the new standards have been further refined based on the "List of Key Controlled New Pollutants (2023 Edition)", international trends in SVOC control, and feedback received from the implementation of mandatory national standards.

CIRS Services

Since the launch of the Blue Sky Protection Campaign, China has issued a series of mandatory national standards. CIRS has been continuously tracking market hotspots, proactively identifying industry needs, and developing supporting service solutions. We are now fully equipped with testing capabilities for the new GB 30981 series of standards. Our comprehensive testing services help enterprises accurately measure VOCs and other hazardous substances in their products, ensuring full compliance.

At CIRS Testing, we help you navigate complex regulatory landscapes and ensure your products are safe and reliable. If you need any assistance or have any questions, please feel free to contact us at test@cirs-group.com.