With international standards tightening and US policy in flux, regulatory compliance in the paint industry is no longer just a formality. It’s become a real driver of change, reshaping how manufacturers source, formulate, and finish their products. 

From VOC limits to hexavalent chrome restrictions, US companies are facing growing pressure to align with policies already in place across the EU and UK. For many, this isn’t just about avoiding penalties—it’s about staying competitive in a rapidly changing market.

Here, we’ll examine the latest regulatory changes in the paint industry and explore how compliance is shifting from a to-do line item to a supply-chain-wide priority.

VOC Reduction: The Shift Toward Powder Coatings

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are closely watched within the global paint and coatings industry. Found in many traditional liquid paints, these compounds contribute to ground-level ozone and pose significant health risks with long-term exposure.

In an effort to reduce these impacts, the EU and UK have largely shifted to powder coatings—VOC-free alternatives that have become standard across European manufacturing. In contrast, the US paint supply chain has been slower to transition. Liquid coatings still dominate the domestic market, in part due to legacy infrastructure and cost concerns. 

However, regulatory changes in the paint industry, including stricter local and federal air quality regulations, are leading many US-based manufacturers to shift from liquid finishes toward powder-based systems. In January 2025, for instance, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized amendments to the National Volatile Organic Compound Emission Standards for Aerosol Coatings. These amendments encourage the use of less-reactive VOC ingredients in formulations by updating product-weighted reactivity limits and reactivity factors.

For those who haven’t begun the transition, now is the time to start evaluating where and how powder coatings can fit into future product lines and finishing operations. Even with uncertainty around environmental regulations under the current administration, aligning with international standards is a long-term best practice—one that will allow your company to stay competitive, retain global customers, and future-proof your operations.

Chrome in Pretreatment and Primers: A Phase-Out in Progress

Chromium-based compounds are often used in paints and primers to prevent corrosion and achieve certain finishes, but they come with serious health and environmental risks. As a result, hexavalent chromium, or Cr(VI), is now under tight regulatory scrutiny around the world.

The EU has begun phasing out Cr(VI) with broad restrictions posed by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), while the UK now requires government authorization for the use of Cr(VI) and other “substances of very high concern.” Although chromium isn’t banned at the federal level in the US, it’s increasingly monitored and regulated under both OSHA and EPA guidance. OSHA regulates worker exposure to Cr(VI) under its Chromium (VI) standard, 29 CFR 1910.1026, while the EPA enforces strict rules around the monitoring and concentration of the compound in water. The EPA also released an updated assessment of Cr(VI)’s health effects in late 2024 that could inform future regulatory policies.

With that said, US regulations may remain uncertain. Unlike the EU and UK, which have taken similar actions to restrict Cr(VI), US policy depends largely on shifting political priorities. The EPA has even signaled plans to revisit how it reviews chemicals already in commerce in hopes of aligning with the current administration’s policies. This has raised questions about how far regulations could go—either forward or backward.

Given this unpredictability, manufacturers are taking matters into their own hands. Many have voluntarily switched formulations to chrome-free alternatives, such as zirconium- or titanium-based pretreatments and modern primers that deliver corrosion resistance without the risks of Cr(VI). 

This signals a broader shift: US manufacturers are increasingly taking cues from international policy, rather than waiting on state or federal laws to catch up. They’re proactively updating their formulations and processes not just to meet export requirements, but to guide smarter, forward-looking decisions at home and in the global market.

Looking Ahead: What to Watch

While VOCs and chromium are currently at the forefront of regulatory changes, they’re just two parts of a bigger picture. As new chemical safety laws are enacted and frameworks in the fisheries and medical field evolve, regulations are largely expected to tighten. Proactive monitoring, testing, and substitution will all be essential to a modern industry analysis.

At the same time, the push for sustainability and circular practices is reshaping the larger chemical industry outlook. Paint producers who invest now in cleaner formulas and more agile supply chains today will be better positioned to navigate whatever changes come next.

Global Regulatory Trends and Competitive Pressure

Europe’s more aggressive push to phase out hazardous substances has raised the bar for paint makers worldwide. US manufacturers that sell to the EU or UK already have to meet these stricter standards, making domestic-only compliance less viable as a long-term strategy. Ultimately, regulatory compliance in the paint industry is increasingly global in scope. As global expectations shift, falling behind can mean losing access to key markets.

But compliance isn’t just about staying in good standing. Companies that move early toward safer, more sustainable coatings often gain an edge, whether in branding, customer trust, or investor appeal. With environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors playing a more central role in business decisions, businesses that align themselves with global standards may find themselves more attractive to both customers and capital.

Implications for the Paint Supply Chain

These regulatory changes impact more than just what happens on the factory floor. Paint manufacturers now need to work more closely with upstream suppliers to find compliant materials, while downstream partners—including applicators and finishers—may need new training and tools to work with updated coating systems. As a result, paint supply chain planning has become more complex, with greater emphasis on traceability, alternative sources, and safer substitutions.

For many companies, partnering with a chemical manufacturing supply chain consultant can help make sense of it all and provide a clear path forward. From navigating regulations to aligning suppliers, the right support can keep operations running smoothly while staying fully compliant—both at home and abroad.

Stay Competitive and Compliant With FP360

Now more than ever, companies in the paint and other industries must remain vigilant and adaptable. Manufacturers will need to monitor regulatory updates and take proactive measures to align with both current and potential future standards.

That said, managing a manufacturing operation while keeping up with changing regulations is no small task. An expert partner can help you stay compliant and avoid costly missteps, so you can focus on running your business—not reading the fine print.

Want to learn more about how regulatory changes may affect your business?

Schedule a consultation with FP360 today.