Biocidal paints require approval
Antifouling paints that prevent fouling chemically count as biocides and must be approved by Kemikalieinspektionen (Swedish Chemicals Agency). Approved does not mean eco-friendly. Paints that work only physically, with a slippery surface, need no approval.
Around 700,000 litres of antifouling paint are applied to Swedish leisure boats every year, according to Transportstyrelsen.
The general rules of consideration in Miljöbalken (the Swedish Environmental Code) apply to you
When you paint your boat's bottom, you count as an operator under miljöbalken (the Swedish Environmental Code). This means the general rules of consideration apply, including:
- Knowledge requirement: find out which rules and paints apply where your boat is kept.
- Precautionary principle: avoid spills and protect soil and water.
- Product choice principle: choose the least harmful method or product that works.
Where can the paint be used?
| Area | Rule |
|---|---|
| West coast (Trelleborg–Norwegian border) | Paints approved for the west coast |
| East coast (Örskär–Trelleborg) | Paints approved for the east coast |
| Lakes and the Gulf of Bothnia | Biocide-free paints or alternative methods only |
Approvals for leisure boats apply to boats with an unladen weight over 200 kg. The boat's main mooring location is what counts. Check the approval in Kemikalieinspektionen's register.
Alternative: washing instead of painting
- Brush wash: the boat is driven into a wash with rotating brushes. According to Transportstyrelsen, if you wash 1–3 times per season you don't need to apply antifouling.
- Manual: scrubbing brush or pressure washer.
- Dry: boat lift or floating dock between trips.
In Bottenviken (the Bothnian Bay) fouling is light and soft – washing the boat when it's hauled out is often enough there.
Brush washes should have a collection basin that catches what is scraped off so it doesn't end up in the water.
TBT and old paint layers
TBT has been banned for leisure boats since 1989 but remains in old paint layers. If you're removing old paint, use a recommended method:
- Sanding or dry scraping connected to a vacuum cleaner.
- Gel stripper with a scraper.
- Blasting – preferably by a professional.
Protect the ground with plastic sheeting and work in calm, dry weather. With the right method, more than 98% of the paint particles are captured.
Because TBT is still entering the environment from old paint layers, boat owners, boat clubs and other operators must take action to prevent further spread.
Let a boatyard handle it
Antifouling removal and bottom painting can be ordered from a boatyard. Ask for a quote that states the method and waste handling.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use biocidal antifouling in Mälaren?
No. For boats mainly moored in a lake or in the Gulf of Bothnia, only biocide-free paints or alternative methods may be used.
How do I know if an antifouling paint is approved?
Search for the product in Kemikalieinspektionen's (Swedish Chemicals Agency) register of approved biocides and check which area the approval covers.
Do I need antifouling if I use a brush wash?
Transportstyrelsen states that if you wash the hull 1–3 times per season, while the fouling is fresh, you don't need to apply antifouling paint.
How do I remove old antifouling?
By sanding or dry scraping connected to a vacuum, gel stripping or blasting, with the ground protected. Old paint may contain banned TBT.
Sources
- Regler om båtbottenfärg, Transportstyrelsen transportstyrelsen.se
- Olika färger för ostkusten respektive västkusten, Transportstyrelsen transportstyrelsen.se
- Färger för båtar i insjöar och Bottniska viken, Transportstyrelsen transportstyrelsen.se
- Ren båtbotten utan färg, Transportstyrelsen transportstyrelsen.se
- Sanering av båtbotten, Transportstyrelsen transportstyrelsen.se
- Register över godkända bekämpningsmedel, Kemikalieinspektionen kemi.se