Guide to VOC testing: regulations, methods, and standards

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are carbon-containing chemicals that, according to the EU Paints Directive definition, have an initial boiling point of 250 °C or less under standard atmospheric pressure.¹ Common examples include formaldehyde, methane, benzene, xylene, propane, and butane. As many VOCs have detrimental health and environmental effects, several EU directives and regulations limit their presence and release from various materials.

VOC testing is typically performed using gas chromatography techniques, such as GC-MS and GC-FID, with standard methods tailored to specific sample types. This article highlights some of the most common situations where testing is required, along with Measurlabs’ recommended analysis options, based on our experience providing testing services to companies across multiple industries.

VOCs in construction materials

Organic solvents are used widely in the production of paints, varnishes, and wood preservatives, making building materials that contain them high-risk in terms of VOC release. EU-wide legal limits for maximum VOC content in paints and varnishes are set in the Paints Directive, with maximum content ranging from 30 g/L in water-based primers and matte interior paints to 850 g/L in preparatory coatings for vehicle refinishing.² For products to be eligible for an environmental certification, such as the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, VOC content must typically be even lower.³ The standard test method ISO 11890-2 can be used to evaluate compliance against both the Paints Directive and Nordic Swan Ecolabel criteria.

VOC emissions from other construction materials are addressed under the EU Construction Products Regulation, with product-specific limits specified in the applicable harmonized standards or European assessment documents.⁴ Currently, EU-wide limit values typically apply to formaldehyde emissions only, but Member States’ national laws and regulations can cover additional VOCs. Standard emission test methods include EN 16516, which is applied to a wide range of products, and EN 717-1, which is primarily used for wood-based panels.

Formaldehyde was also recently added to the REACH Regulation's Annex XVII as a restricted substance, with restrictions taking effect on August 6, 2026.⁵ After that date, furniture and wood-based articles must not release formaldehyde in concentrations above 0.062 mg/m³, and other articles in concentrations above 0.080 mg/m³. The compliance testing procedure is similar to that described in the EN 717-1 standard.

VOCs in health tech

In medical device biocompatibility testing, the ISO 10993-18 standard is followed to identify the chemical composition of the device and to generate data for estimating the associated risks. This chemical characterization covers a wide variety of substances that may be released during clinical use, including VOCs.

Devices with a breathing gas pathway, such as ventilators, require additional testing to measure VOC emissions that the patient may be exposed to through the gas stream. These tests are typically performed according to Part 3 of the ISO 18562 standard.

VOC testing of toys and consumer products

Toys and consumer products can also be a source of volatile organic compounds. The Toy Safety Directive specifies migration, emission, and content limits for the VOC formaldehyde, with testing conducted in accordance with European standards EN 71-9, EN 71-10, and EN 71-11.⁶ The analytical approach will depend on the type of product: migration testing is used for polymeric toy materials, and extraction tests for textiles, leather, and paper. 

Beyond toys and formaldehyde, VOC emissions from consumer products can be measured using test chambers and adsorption cartridges to trap volatile compounds, after which they are quantified using thermal desorption gas chromatography. ISO 16000-6 is a commonly applied standard method for this type of measurement.

VOCs in food contact materials

Although materials that release VOCs are not typically used in the food industry intentionally, they may inadvertently end up in food contact materials. Regulations (EC) No 1935/2004 and (EU) No 10/2011 require manufacturers to conduct a risk assessment of non-intentionally added substances (NIAS), including VOCs.⁷ The initial NIAS screening is usually performed using the GC-MS technique.

If there is reason to suspect that specific VOCs may be present at levels below the detection limit of the screening method, targeted analyses can also be performed. One example is low-LOD residual toluene analysis of packaging materials.

As the risk of contamination is higher when recycled plastic or paper is used, these materials require a particularly thorough risk assessment. An extended VOC screening should be performed as part of this to evaluate the decontamination efficacy of the recycling process.

Fuel testing

In the EU, Directive 2009/30/EC establishes the technical specifications for gasoline, including the maximum concentrations of several VOCs, such as benzene and methanol.⁸ Compliance testing is performed using methods outlined in the EN 228 standard. VOC content is also routinely measured in other fuels, including biogas and natural gas. Such samples must be collected in gas bags using pumps and adsorbent tubes, which can complicate the process; however, Measurlabs provides the required support for gas sampling and shipping to ensure that everything goes smoothly.

Environmental VOC testing

Water, soil, and other environmental samples can also be tested for VOCs. Commonly applied standards include EPA 8260 for broad GC-MS screening of water and waste materials, ISO 11423-1 for headspace-GC analysis of benzene and its derivatives in water, and EPA 8015 for measuring nonhalogenated organics using GC-FID.

If you need VOC testing for any of the applications described above, do not hesitate to request a quote using the form below. One of our experts will review your request and get back to you within one business day.