Draft Philippine National Standards (DPNS) on Paints and Varnishes: Invitation for Comments and Input

The Department of Trade and Industry's Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI-BPS) has announced the release of new draft Philippine National Standards (DPNS) on paints and varnishes. These standards, which were developed by the Technical Committee on Paints and Varnishes (BPS/TC 25), are now open for public review and comments. The aim of this initiative is to ensure that industry stakeholders and concerned sectors provide their valuable feedback on these homegrown standards to ensure they are comprehensive, relevant, and up-to-date.

Draft Standards for Review

Three key draft standards are currently up for consultation:

1. DPNS 140:2023 – Paints and Varnishes: Packaging, Packing, and Marking of Paints and Other   Protective Coatings — General Requirements

a. This standard cancels and replaces PNS 140:2015.

b. It outlines the general requirements for the packaging, packing, and marking of various paints and protective coatings, including enamels, lacquers, varnishes, resins, oils, thinners, and solvents. This update aims to enhance the guidelines to ensure product safety, longevity, and usability across different industries.

2. DPNS 226:2023 – Paints and Varnishes: Alkyd-Based Gloss Enamel Paint (White and Colored for Exterior and Interior Use) — Specification

a. This standard cancels and replaces PNS 226:2015.

b. It specifies the technical requirements for alkyd-based gloss enamel paints, both white and colored, designed for both exterior and interior applications. These paints can be applied using various methods, including brushing, rolling, or airless spraying. The standard ensures that these coatings are suitable for use on wood, metal, and other architectural surfaces, delivering durability and aesthetic appeal.

3. DPNS 2123:2023 – Paints and Varnishes: Marine Epoxy Enamel (White and Colored) — Specification

a. This standard provides technical specifications for marine epoxy enamel paints, designed for application on surfaces exposed to a marine environment. It is intended for above-waterline use on properly prepared wood, metal, and other surfaces. These paints, known for their resistance to harsh environmental conditions, are crucial for maintaining the integrity of marine vessels and structures.

Importance of the Draft Standards

These DPNS are critical to standardizing the quality and safety of paint products used across various industries in the Philippines. The standards address specific aspects such as:

- Packaging and Marking: Ensuring that paints and coatings are properly labeled, packed, and marked to meet safety and usability requirements.

- Alkyd-Based Enamel Paint: Establishing the quality benchmarks for commonly used enamel paints in architectural applications.

- Marine Epoxy Enamel: Defining the standards for coatings used in challenging marine environments, ensuring protection and durability.

Each of these standards is intended to support the paint and coatings industry in producing high-quality products that meet global standards while catering to the specific needs of the Philippine market.

Stakeholder Involvement and Submission of Comments

The DTI-BPS encourages all concerned sectors, including manufacturers, retailers, contractors, and industry experts, to participate in the review process. Stakeholders are invited to thoroughly examine the draft standards and submit their comments or suggestions for revisions. Input can be as specific as providing alternative wordings for clauses, suggesting modifications, or raising concerns about particular provisions.

The digital copies of the draft standards can be accessed through the following link: DPNS Drafts for Paints and Varnishes.

Stakeholders are requested to send their comments by June 20, 2023, to bps@dti.gov.ph with a copy to bps.sdd@dti.gov.ph. If no feedback is received by the specified date, it will be assumed that the standards are accepted by the sector.

For those who find the drafts acceptable, a simple notification to the DTI-BPS is sufficient. Feedback should be submitted using the provided templates, which can be downloaded from the same link above.

Availability of Official Standards

Once finalized, the official Philippine National Standards (PNS) will be made available to the public through the BPS Standards Data Center. Interested parties can acquire copies or make inquiries by contacting bps@dti.gov.ph or standardsdatacenterbps@dti.gov.ph.

Voluntary Nature of Conformance

It is important to note that while adherence to these standards is voluntary, they are often used as references by regulatory authorities. In cases where the standards are adopted into technical regulations, compliance may become mandatory for certain products or services.

The DTI-BPS, as the official National Standards Body of the Philippines, is committed to ensuring that the PNS reflect the latest technological advancements and safety requirements. By fostering an open and transparent review process, the DTI-BPS seeks to enhance the competitiveness and reliability of Filipino-made products in the global market.

Conclusion

The DPNS on paints and varnishes represent a crucial step towards ensuring that the Philippine paint industry operates under updated and globally aligned standards. The DTI-BPS’s call for comments is an opportunity for stakeholders to contribute to the development of these standards, thereby ensuring that they meet the needs of both the industry and consumers. Through collaboration and feedback, the industry can move towards producing safer, more reliable, and higher-quality products that benefit everyone involved.

The paint and coatings sector, in particular, stands to gain from these standards, as they set the benchmark for excellence in product quality, packaging, and environmental safety. All stakeholders are encouraged to participate and have their voices heard in shaping the future of the Philippine paint industry.