ISO/TR 5601:2023

Paints and varnishes - Determination of volatile organic compound (VOC) and/or semi-volatile organic compound (SVOC) content - Best practices for the selection of test methods

This document aims to enable users to identify an appropriate method for the determination of volatile organic compounds (VOC) content and/or the semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOC) content of coating materials and their raw materials. This document provides a step-by-step procedure for identifying appropriate tests. This document is intended to be used in conjunction with ISO 11890-1, ISO 11890-2 and ISO 17895, to help users select an appropriate analytical method for their analytical problem.

Titre manque

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 02-Mar-2023
• ICS: 87.040 - Paints and varnishes
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 35/SC 16 - Chemical analysis
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 35/SC 16 - Chemical analysis
• Current Stage: 6060 - International Standard published
• Start Date: 03-Mar-2023
• Completion Date: 03-Mar-2023

Overview

ISO/TR 5601:2023 provides best-practice guidance for selecting analytical test methods to determine volatile organic compound (VOC) and semi-volatile organic compound (SVOC) content in paints, varnishes and their raw materials. It offers a step‑by‑step decision procedure to help users identify the most appropriate ISO method for their analytical problem and is intended to be used together with ISO 11890-1, ISO 11890-2 and ISO 17895.

Key topics and requirements

• Sampling and sample preparation
  • Representative sampling is to follow ISO 15528; samples must be prepared “ready for use” per ISO 1513.
• Method selection priority
  • Uses a clear priority list and decision flow for choosing between gravimetric, gas‑chromatographic and headspace methods.
  • ISO 11890-2 (GC method): applicable for VOC and/or SVOC in the range 0.01 % to 100 % (mass fraction); general-purpose method recommended in most cases.
  • ISO 11890-1 (difference/gravimetric method): suitable for VOC only, typically when VOC > 15 % (mass fraction). Note: results can be influenced by SVOC presence; required for multi‑pack products, radiation‑curable coatings and materials with reactive diluents.
  • ISO 17895 (headspace method): appropriate for low‑VOC systems, especially when VOC < 0.1 % (mass fraction) or when matrix clogging prevents direct GC injection.
• Comparability considerations
  • Results from different methods are not directly comparable (e.g., ISO 17895 vs ISO 11890-2) due to differing measurement principles and surrogate standards (ISO 11890-2 uses diethyl adipate; ISO 17895 uses a defined mixture).
• Scope limits
  • The report targets both finished coating materials and raw materials, and covers both VOC and SVOC content determination strategies.

Practical applications

• Selecting the right VOC/SVOC test method for regulatory compliance, product labeling, emissions reporting, or internal quality control.
• Determining whether gravimetric, gas‑chromatographic or headspace analysis is best for:
  • Low‑VOC emulsion paints (in‑can VOC)
  • High‑VOC solventborne coatings
  • Multi‑pack and radiation‑curable systems
• Helping test laboratories and manufacturers reduce method selection errors and ensure results meet customer/regulatory requirements.

Who should use this standard

• Paint and varnish manufacturers, R&D and formulation chemists
• Third‑party and in‑house testing laboratories
• Regulatory compliance officers and product certifiers
• Procurement and quality managers specifying VOC/SVOC test methods

Related standards

• ISO 11890-1 - VOC determination (difference method)
• ISO 11890-2 - VOC and SVOC determination (gas‑chromatographic method)
• ISO 17895 - Headspace method for low‑VOC paints
• ISO 15528 - Sampling
• ISO 1513 - Sample preparation
• ISO 4618 - Terms and definitions

Keywords: ISO/TR 5601:2023, VOC, SVOC, paints and varnishes, test methods, ISO 11890-2, ISO 11890-1, ISO 17895, sampling, headspace, gas chromatographic.

Standards Content (Sample)

TECHNICAL ISO/TR
REPORT 5601
First edition
2023-03
Paints and varnishes — Determination
of volatile organic compound
(VOC) and/or semi-volatile organic
compound (SVOC) content — Best
practices for the selection of test
methods
Reference number
© ISO 2023
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Published in Switzerland
ii
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Determination of the appropriate test method . 3
4.1 Sampling . 3
4.2 Selection of method . 3
Bibliography . 5
iii
Foreword
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This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 35, Paints and varnishes, Subcommittee
SC 16, Chemical analysis.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
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iv
TECHNICAL REPORT ISO/TR 5601:2023(E)
Paints and varnishes — Determination of volatile organic
compound (VOC) and/or semi-volatile organic compound
(SVOC) content — Best practices for the selection of test
methods
1 Scope
This document aims to enable users to identify an appropriate method for the determination of volatile
organic compounds (VOC) content and/or the semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOC) content of
coating materials and their raw materials. This document provides a step-by-step procedure for
identifying appropriate tests. This document is intended to be used in conjunction with ISO 11890-1,
ISO 11890-2 and ISO 17895, to help users select an appropriate analytical method for their analytical
problem.
2 Normative references
There are no normative references in this document.
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
volatile organic compound
VOC
organic liquid and/or solid that evaporates spontaneously at the prevailing temperature and pressure
of the atmosphere with which it is in contact
Note 1 to entry: As to current usage of the term VOC in the field of coating materials (3.11), see volatile organic
compound content (3.4).
Note 2 to entry: Under US government legislation, the term VOC is restricted solely to those compounds that are
photochemically active in the atmosphere (see ASTM D3960). Any other compound is then defined as being an
exempt compound.
[SOURCE: ISO 4618:2023, 3.266, modified — Note 3 to entry has been deleted]
3.2
semi-volatile organic compound
SVOC
organic liquid and/or solid that evaporates spontaneously but slower
...