The Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) conducted inspections in 2025 to verify whether paint strippers containing dichloromethane (DCM) comply with applicable laws and regulations. The outcome is predominantly positive; most products tested comply with the rules and contain little to no hazardous chemicals.
Paint strippers are chemical substances used to remove paint or coatings from surfaces. They are often potent and can dissolve various types of paint, lacquer, and varnish. Paint strippers may contain hazardous chemicals such as dichloromethane (DCM), which can be harmful to health and the environment. Due to the risks involved, there are strict European rules and guidelines for the use, labeling, and sale of these products.
Inspection by the Inspectorate
The ILT inspected 25 companies and 50 products mainly used professionally. Mainly wholesalers, online sellers and their suppliers, and manufacturers of paint strippers were visited. The focus was on compliance with the European REACH regulation, which restricts the use of DCM, and the CLP regulation. The latter governs how hazardous substances must be classified, labeled, and packaged, so users are clearly warned about potential risks and receive information about which personal protective equipment they need when using the products.
Identified shortcomings
The inspection found shortcomings in a small number of products. These involved incomplete or incorrect information on labels and safety data sheets and products that were not or incorrectly reported to the National Poisons Information Centre (NVIC). In one case, a product was offered via a web shop without the required authorization; this product has since been removed from the market.
Increased awareness among companies
The inspectorate sees that companies are becoming increasingly aware of their obligations. Products are increasingly correctly reported and provided with a so-called UFI code. With this unique code, the NVIC can quickly identify which substances are in a product in case of poisoning, enabling emergency services and medical personnel to act appropriately.
The NVIC supports doctors and emergency services with information about toxic substances and poisonings. This information is crucial for quick and safe assistance in incidents involving hazardous substances.
Supervision
The ILT continues to monitor compliance with the rules. Regular inspections are necessary to limit risks for consumers and workers and to ensure that hazardous substances are used responsibly.