France Proposes Labeling Rules for Formaldehyde Emission Standards in Furniture

France has notified the European Commission (EC) and other Member States of the European Union (EU), in accordance with Directive (EU) 2015/1535, of its intention to adopt two inter-related proposals concerning the labeling of formaldehyde emission standards in furniture products.

The draft Decree, attached to notification 2017/22/F (France), requires furniture containing wood-based panels to display a label indicating details of the pollutant (formaldehyde) emissions. The requirement applies to furniture whether it is intended exclusively for indoor use or not.

Labeling must be written in French, as a minimum requirement, and must be attached to either the product or the product’s packaging. The proposed law does not apply to second-hand furniture.

According to the proposals, there will be two effective dates:

• January 1, 2020 – for furniture except those products placed on the market before this date
• January 1, 2021 – for furniture placed on the market before January 1, 2020.

The draft Order, attached to notification 2017/23/F (France), contains important technical information and requirements, including:

- Allowing formaldehyde emissions to be determined using reference furniture for certain furniture products (Annex II)
- Providing two methods for testing. These are the Methods 1 (emission test chamber) and 2 (using emissions from wood-based panels). Other officially approved methods may be used as an alternative
- Four classes of formaldehyde emission standards. These are A+, A, B and C, where A+ is for very low emissions and C is for high emissions
- Information on the label and its format. The label can be in color or black and white, but must include certain information as detailed in Annex III

Stakeholders are now advised to ensure that their products comply with the proposed regulations.

SGS Furniture Labeling Services
Through a global network of laboratories, SGS provides a range of services, including analytical and consultancy for formaldehyde emissions in wood-based panels and furniture products for France and international markets. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information. Learn more about SGS’s Furniture Labeling Services (www.sgs.com/en/consumer-goods-retail/hardgoods/home-furnishings-and-houseware/labeling-verification)

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For further information contact:

Hing Wo Tsang
Global Hardlines Information and Innovation Manager
Tel:(+852) 2774 7420
Email: cts.media@sgs.com
Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines

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This release was published on openPR.