China Standard for Fugitive Volatile Organic Compound Emission Control (GB 37822-2019)
ENFORCEMENT TIMELINE
Enforcement strengthened from 2025
Overview
The "Standard for Fugitive Volatile Organic Compound Emission Control" (GB 37822-2019) is a mandatory national standard aimed at preventing air pollution in China. It sets management requirements to prevent fugitive (uncontrolled) emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) across the entire manufacturing, storage, transport, and use process. It applies broadly to manufacturing industries with VOC-emitting processes (e.g., companies with painting, printing, adhesive bonding, cleaning, or surface-treatment processes), and specifies concrete technical requirements including equipment management, sealing, and leak detection and repair (LDAR). It is further implemented in conjunction with the installation of continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS) for major emission sources and strict compliance audits by authorities, under China's comprehensive VOC management strengthening policy.
Enforcement Timeline
- May 23, 2019: The standard was promulgated.
- July 1, 2019: The standard took effect, with management requirements applying to new construction projects and existing emission sources.
- From 2020: Local governments began integrating and strengthening the standard at the local level; leak detection and repair (LDAR) programs became mandatory in key regions under the "Comprehensive VOC Control Plan."
- Present: Continuous monitoring and regular compliance audits based on emissions-reduction targets have become established practice nationwide as part of the 14th Five-Year Plan.
Business Impact
Covered companies: manufacturing industries with VOC-emitting processes (e.g., companies with painting, printing, adhesive bonding, cleaning, or surface-treatment processes). Practical impact on companies -- manufacturing process and equipment management: VOC emissions management, environmental data reporting, and compliance with CEMS automated monitoring; installation and improvement of exhaust gas treatment equipment (concentration/deodorization, RTO, membrane separation, etc.); switching to low-VOC materials (water-based paints, environmentally friendly inks, low-volatility adhesives, etc.); reducing emissions through process improvements (sealing emission sources, leak detection and repair (LDAR), installing recovery equipment). Supply chain audit impact: upgrading exhaust treatment equipment and maintaining/submitting management records at China-based plants; responding to unannounced sampling inspections and environmental audits by local authorities; verifying suppliers' environmental management capability and aligning with global compliance requirements.