Fact-sheet: Organic tin compounds

This fact sheet explains the most important points about organic tin compounds in the Ministry of Environment's Statutory Order on limiting the sale and use of certain dangerous chemical substances and products for special purposes. Please note that only the rules in the Statutory Order apply, this fact sheet is merely a guide.

What is the purpose of the legislation?

The rules are made to limit the amount of organic tin compounds in the environment. The compounds are slowly released, for example, from the bottom paint of ships to the aquatic environment, where they are toxic even in very small concentrations. The release is less when the organic tin compounds are chemically bound or polymerized with the other components of the paint.

What does the legislation say?

Paint It is prohibited to market chemical substances and products that contain organic tin compounds, where the compounds act as biocides in paint and are not chemically bound or polymerized with the other components of the paint.

In addition, it is prohibited to sell and use chemical substances and products that contain organic tin compounds that act as biocides to treat:

All vessels regardless of length, intended for use at sea, along the coasts, in estuaries and on inland waterways and lakes cages, rafts and nets in fish farming or shellfish farming, and devices or equipment that are fully or partially submerged in water. It is also prohibited to treat industrial water with chemical substances and products that contain organic tin compounds.

Who is responsible?

Anyone who sells or uses chemical substances and products that contain organic tin compounds is responsible for complying with the rules, as appears from the announcements. 

Control

The EPA Chemical Inspection Service supervises the implementation of the legislation and is authorised to issue injunctions and bans. If the legislation is violated, this may lead to a fine or imprisonment.