The Formaldehyde Emission Standards for Composite Wood Products Act of 2010 established emission standards for formaldehyde from composite wood products and directed the EPA to finalize a rule implementing and enforcing several provisions covering composite wood. On December 12, 2016 the final rule was published reducing the formaldehyde exposure from certain products produced domestically as well as imported into the U.S.
Products like hardwood plywood, medium density fiberboard, and particleboard including many other household and other finished goods containing these products will need to be labeled as TSCA Title VI compliant within one year following the published rule.
A direct final rule was issued by the EPA on May 24, 2017 that would extend compliance dates in the formaldehyde rule.
The direct final rule would extend:
- The date for the emission standards, recordkeeping, and labeling provisions from December 12, 2017 to March 22, 2018.
- The date for import certification provisions for December 12, 2018 to March 22, 2019.
- The conclusion of the transition period for CARB Third-Party Certifiers (TPC’s) from December 12, 2018 to March 22, 2019.
- The date for laminated product producer provisions from December 12, 2023 to March 22, 2024. (Laminated product producers will still need to comply with applicable fabricator provisions by March 22, 2018)
The EPA has published a proposed rule to extend the above dates opening a 15 day comment period. If no further comments are received the direct rule will become effective.
If you have any questions regarding formaldehyde standards for composite wood products please contact Vandegrift at compliance@vandegriftinc.com