Abstract: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are some of the core air pollutants for comprehensive control of PM_2.5 and ozone. However, the control of VOCs is still in the exploration period, so the effectiveness of control strategies needs to be summarized and studied. In order to further improve the control of VOCs more effectively and scientifically, the current status of definition, characterization, emission standard, whole-process control technology and corresponding regulation systems of VOCs were investigated, the existing problems were analyzed and some comments and suggestions were made. The results demonstrated that: (1) The national and local definitions for VOCs are not consistent which result in the unclear control scope of VOCs. Thus, it is proposed that the control scope of VOCs should be determined based on physical properties of VOCs including boiling points and vapor pressures, coordinately control together with odorant, air toxics to study and formulate the exemption and priority list of pollutants. (2) By comparing the differences in the characterization and detection methods of VOCs, some defects in stability and reliability of non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC) were found. Therefore, it is recommended to set up a monitoring method through combining total hydrocarbon (THC) with NMHC. (3) Based on the concept of the whole-process control, some shortcomings such as imbalance of input-output, difficult matching emission standard were discussed for implementation of source control, process control and end-pipe treatment. The best technology screening method was proposed based on evaluation of comprehensive life-cycle environmental benefit analysis. (4) Because the total emissions quantity control policy hasn't been inter-connected effectively with policies such as emission permits and emission taxes, it is necessary to unify the methods for the estimation of total VOCs emissions, and VOCs should be added to the emission tax list. (5) Due to the difference between national and local emission standards, it is necessary to integrate regional emission standards of VOCs to avoid the simple transfer of some industries within limited regions.