Restrictions and risk management measures for using antifouling products and products designed for handling fishing nets

Antifouling products, paints for ships and boats and products designed for handling fishing nets are substances classified as dangerous to health and environment. In order to protect the environment and health, Tukes has set restrictions and risk management measures for these products.

Requirements, instructions and necessary measures for using the products safely are included in their user instructions, label markings and safety data sheets. The user must always read the instructions carefully before using the product.  The user of the product is ultimately responsible for compliance with the risk management measures.

General restrictions on the use

  • In Finland, antifouling products and fishing net products can be used only in marine areas. Use of these products is prohibited in freshwater areas and inland waters.  
  • In Finland, only products approved by Tukes can be used, sold or imported.
  • It is prohibited to use the products for painting, paint removal or cleaning fishing nets, for example, in a way that causes environmental pollution.
  • Any other use than that mentioned in the product authorisation decision, or any violation of the instructions for use, is forbidden.

Restrictions and risk management measures for using antifouling products

Antifouling products are divided in two categories:

  • products for consumer and professional use
  • products for professional use only.

Products for consumer and professional use are intended for pleasure boats. The rate for copper dissolution from pleasure boat products may not exceed 15 µg/cm2/day, which is a 14-day average during the service life of the product.

People purchasing antifouling products for consumer use must be given chemical-proof safety gloves at the time of purchase. Safety gloves must be used.

Products for professional use only are intended for painting large vessels in shipyards. In professional use, the expectations for risk management measures are higher than in consumer use. This includes suitable facilities for painting, waste treatment and personnel protection.

Restrictions per category

Pleasure boat products, products for consumer and professional use

  • The rate of copper dissolution from the products may not exceed 15 µg/cm2/day, which is a 14-day average during the service life of the product.
  • Use is prohibited in freshwater areas or inland waters.
  • Use is allowed only in marine areas.
  • Use on fish farming equipment is prohibited.
  • Spray painting is prohibited for consumers. The products can be painted on with a brush or a paint roller only.
  • When using the products or removing them, the product or paint waste must not be released on the ground or in water bodies.
  • For painting, protect the soil from splashing paint with a cover, tarpaulin or impenetrable mat.
  • When finished, dispose of any paint waste, dirty covers and painting tools properly as hazardous or mixed waste.
  • Follow painting instructions when painting.
  • If possible, consider repair painting or use less paint.
  • Avoid using a pressure washer for cleaning a painted boat hull.
  • Chemical-proof safety gloves must be provided to consumers with the sales package of the product.
  • Paint only in a space that has proper ventilation.
  • Remove any old paint by wet grinding.
  • Keep children away from the boat painting area until the treated surfaces have dried.

Boat paints, products for professional use only

  • Use on fish farming equipment is prohibited.
  • The minimum size of a sales package is 20 L.
  • Ensure when using or removing the product that no product or paint waste is released to the ground or to water bodies.
  • For painting, protect the soil from splashing paint with a cover, tarpaulin or impenetrable mat.
  • When finished, dispose of any paint waste, dirty covers and painting tools properly as hazardous or mixed waste.
  • Follow painting instructions when painting.
  • If possible, consider repair painting or use less paint.
  • Avoid using a pressure washer for cleaning a painted boat hull.

Restrictions and risk management measures for using fishing net products, for professional use only

  • Use is prohibited in freshwater areas or inland waters.
  • Use is allowed only in marine areas.
  • The minimum size of a sales package is 20 L.
  • When using or removing the product, the product must not be released to the ground or to water bodies.