Voluntary Consensus Standards

Using Standards for Lead Paint Analysis to Prevent Lead Exposure

EPA has been working with international partners through the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint (Alliance) to promote international standards for lead paint sampling and analysis in developing countries.

Learn how EPA is Using Standards for Lead Paint Analysis to Prevent Lead Exposure
Using Standards to Assess Greenhouse Gases from Transportation

This standard, when completed, will provide a global framework for rigorous calculation and evaluation of transportation-related climate pollutants.

Learn How EPA is Using Standards to Assess Greenhouse Gases from Transportation
Using Standards to Protect Building Occupants from Wildfire Smoke

In 2020, EPA helped develop a guideline for protecting building occupants from smoke during wildfire and prescribed burn events.

Learn How EPA is Using Standards to Protect Building Occupants from Wildfire Smoke
Using Standards to Promote the Reuse of Rare Earth Materials

Reusing rare earths can help reduce the impacts of mining as well as increase the resiliency and security of the United States by ensuring access to these materials for new products.

Learn How EPA is Using Standards to Promote the Reuse of Rare Earths

EPA has a continuing commitment to using and participating in Voluntary Consensus Standards (VCS) and other private sector standards as directed by the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA) and other federal policies. Use of standards in regulation, voluntary programs, research, and other activities helps the agency achieve robust engagement with industry, academia, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and others. This also helps harness partnerships that enhance public trust and lead to durable policies that enjoy broad consensus and buy-in.

Please see OMB A-119 Section 5D (PDF) for a complete definition of VCS.

EPA Use of VCS and other Private Sector Standards

EPA uses VCS and other private sector standards in regulation, procurement, voluntary programs, research, policies and other activities. As of 2015, EPA’s regulations contained over 4500 references to VCS and other private sector standards. Learn more.

Key Laws and Policies

Additional Information

Learn more about Voluntary Consensus Standards (VCS)
Contact the Agency Standards Executive with questions regarding EPA’s use of and participation in VCS and other private sector standards
View summary of EPA participation in VCS and other private sector standards

Voluntary Consensus Standards

Using Standards for Lead Paint Analysis to Prevent Lead Exposure

Using Standards to Assess Greenhouse Gases from Transportation

Using Standards to Protect Building Occupants from Wildfire Smoke

Using Standards to Promote the Reuse of Rare Earth Materials

Please see OMB A-119 Section 5D (PDF) for a complete definition of VCS.

What's New?

EPA Use of VCS and other Private Sector Standards

Key Laws and Policies

Additional Information