1. Air Pollution Control Division
The Swiss VOC incentive tax: an example of price-based instrument to abate diffuse VOC emissions
Dr Richard Ballaman

2. The ozone control strategy of Switzerland
Reductions of 70 to 80% of ozone precursors (NOx and VOC) versus their maximum emission level in the mid-80’s for achievements of ozone air quality standards (similar to WHO guidelines).
Current reduction approx. 65% for VOC and 50% NOx.
Target 80’000 tons VOC emission.

3. VOC emissions per sectors before introduction of incentive tax

4. A price-based instrument to abate VOC diffuse emissions additional to current regulations
Since 1. January 2000 with an amount of CHF 2.-/kg VOC and 3.-/kg since 1. January 2003.
Applied to a positive list of 80 compounds (vapor pressure >0.1 mbar or a boiling point <240°C);
And to a positive list of products (50 groups).
Tax demand by customs authorities by import of VOC or at the moment the goods leave the manufacturer in CH.

5. Exemptions from tax
in cases of negligible quantities and for products with a VOC content <3% (w/w) or
if the measures taken resulted in the annual VOC emission from stationary installation being reduced by at least 50% from the ELV set in the OAPC (e.g. recycling, adsorption on filter, thermal decomposition, etc.).
could be requested by a company on the presentation of a VOC balance sheet to the cantonal authorities to prove that the taxed VOC were not emitted in the atmosphere.

6. Redistribution of the tax revenue
144 millions CHF for 2005 (90 mio EURO) redistributed to the population in (19 CHF per capita and year).
Through the 80 insurance companies which provide the mandatory health insurance in CH.

8. Most important emission reductions by sectors between 1998 and 2004
Cover 24’740 tons (or 92%) of the 26’900 tons achieved

9. Lessons learned after 6 years of implementation
Effective to reduce the solvents emission in the sectors industry and crafts
Less effective by households.
Regulations are still necessary:
for stationary sources (e.g. combustion installations, petrol station or chemical plants)
and mobile sources (EURO standards).