China for the first time led the formulation of an international coating standard – Paints and Varnishes - Determination of Water Content - Gas Chromatographic Method (ISO23168: 2019), which is to help China, even the world, make coatings more water-based and more environmentally friendly. China’s coating industry makes a big progress in international standardization, and is to be more influential in the world.

   Water content of coatings is mainly determined by Karl Fischer method in the world. However, China has found many advantages (e.g., simple and quick operation, good repeatability, good reproducibility, etc.) of gas chromatographic method, and proved it can be used worldwide. The international standard was issued recently, nearly two years earlier than expected.