In November 2023, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) published the Draft Indian Standard: Paint, Plastic Emulsion-Specification (Second Revision of IS 15489). Public comments on the draft standard can be submitted before January 10, 2024. The revised standard is formulated to enable manufacturers to maintain the quality and assist the consumers in selecting material of an acceptable performance. It also introduces limits for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
This standard was earlier published in the following two parts:
- IS 5411 ‘Plastic emulsion paint: Part 1, For interior use’; and
- IS 5411 ‘Plastic emulsion paint: Part 2 For exterior use’.
In these two standards, the drying time for various types of paintings is adjusted and additional requirements such as spreading and hiding power are removed.
First Revision
The first revision of this standard was to limit the lead content. In view of plastic emulsion paints cannot be produced with low lead content but are widely used for the decoration of interior and exterior buildings, the Committee adjusts the lead content to 300 ppm. This revision aims to prevent its hazard exposure from human.
Second Revision
The second revision gives four classes of products:
- Matt finish;
- Egg shell/satin finish;
- Semi-glossy finish, and
- Glossy finish.
This standard prescribes the requirements and methods of sampling and test for plastic emulsion paint used for interior and exterior protection and decoration of building surfaces after surface preparation and priming. Manufacturers offering products in different sizes were given different VOCs content limits. The second revision also eliminates VOCs by promoting advanced technologies and processes. Furthermore, the lead restriction limit has been decreased from 300 ppm to 90 ppm.
These initiatives demonstrate that BIS is holding its commitment to safeguarding human health and the environment, and its support for the manufacturing industry. BIS welcomes public participation in providing comments to build a sound and sustainable future.
