Ink Testing

1. Control Standards

GB 38507-2020 "Limits of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in Inks"

2. Scope of Application of the Standard

(1) According to the requirements of GB 38507-2020, ink samples submitted for testing should be in their factory state, not the adjusted or diluted state used during actual application;

(2) The standard explicitly states that it does not apply to additives, thinners, or wash solutions used to adjust ink performance during printing.

3. Ink Classification

Based on the primary diluent used in the product composition, inks are classified into solvent-based inks, water-based inks, offset inks, energy-curable inks, and intaglio engraving inks. Water-based inks, offset inks, energy-curable inks, and intaglio engraving inks are considered low volatile organic compound (VOC) ink products.

Solvent-based inks are further divided by printing method into gravure inks, flexographic inks, inkjet printing inks, and screen printing inks.

Water-based inks are further divided by printing method into gravure inks, flexographic inks, inkjet printing inks, and screen printing inks.

Offset inks are categorized by paper feed and drying method into sheet-fed offset inks, cold-set web offset inks, and heat-set web offset inks.

Energy-curable inks are classified by printing method into offset inks, flexographic inks, screen printing inks, inkjet printing inks, gravure inks, etc.

Intaglio engraving inks are not further subdivided.

Other classifications include various ink types not listed above, special process inks, or similar products not widely recognized.

4. Control Items

VOC content, prohibited solvents—halogenated hydrocarbons, prohibited solvents—17 specific VOCs.

5. Standard Content

(1) Ink products must meet the VOC limits specified in GB 38507-2020:

(2) GB 38507-2020 explicitly provides a list of prohibited solvents: halogenated hydrocarbons and the solvents listed in Appendix A shall not be intentionally added.