In every PaintCare state, a fee must be applied to the wholesale price of architectural paint sold in the state. This fee, called the PaintCare Fee, pays for all aspects of running the paint stewardship program. Manufacturers pay the fee to PaintCare and then pass the cost to dealers. Retailers see the PaintCare Fee on invoices from suppliers starting on the first day of the program.
The law also requires that manufacturers and distributors pass on the fee to retailers. Retailers in turn pass the fee to their customers. The fee paid by the customer to the retailer offsets the fee charged by the manufacturer or distributor to the retailer. All retailers, distributors, and manufacturers selling architectural paint in the state must pay and pass on the fee, ensuring a level playing field for all parties.