U.S. National AIM Rule
• In 1999, the EPA issued a nationwide Architectural and Industrial Maintenance (AIM) Coatings Rule to
regulate the VOC of AIM coatings nationwide.
• Implements several requirements and programs to further these regulatory controls:
• Manufacturer Registration
• Sales Literature Requirements
• Certain Exemptions |
• Labeling
• Alternative Compliance Provisions |
• A much more stringent revision of National AIM VOC guidelines, based on OTC regulations, has been
suspended indefinitely.
• Requires products manufactured on or after implementation date to meet VOC limits for 63 Architectural
and Industrial Maintenance (AIM) coating categories.
• US National AIM Rule Exemptions
• Small Container Allows the sale coatings above maximum VOC limits if packages in containers of one liter or less.
• Grandfather
An unlimited sell through provision allowing non-compliant products, manufactured prior to the
rule’s effective date of September 13, 1999.
• www.epa.gov
NOTE: All VOC Limits are per EPA Method 24 & reported in grams / liter (g/L) of coating
Coating Category
Flat |
Current National AIM
250 |
Proposed January 2010 National AIM
100 |
Proposed Canadian AIM
250 |
Non-Flat
Non-Flat High Gloss
Industrial Maintenance General
Industrial Maintenance High Temp
Primer |
380
380
450
650
350 |
150
250
340
420
200 |
380
380
450
650
350 |
Quick Dry Primer
Specialty Primer
Quick Dry Enamel
Floor
Rust Preventative
Stains |
450
350
450
400
400
550 |
200
350
250
250
400
250 |
450
350
450
400
400
550 |
Dry Fog
Varnish
Waterproof – Wood
Waterproof – Concrete |
400
450
600
600 |
400
350
250
400 |
400
450
600
600 |