SGS Ensures Composite Wood Products Comply With New Formaldehyde Emission Standards

With new standards regarding formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products coming into force in the US and Europe, manufacturers are turning to SGS to help ensure compliance.

These products are wood-based panels made from wood pieces, particles or fibers that have been bonded together using various adhesives, including urea-formaldehyde resins. Research has shown that these resins can emit formaldehyde – a colorless, flammable gas with a strong irritating odor – at room temperature. What’s more, high levels of exposure may cause some types of cancer.

The products affected by formaldehyde emissions include:
• Cabinets, children’s toys, composite wood panels, counter tops
• Flooring, furniture
• Mobile homes/recreational vehicles, moldings in homes
• Picture frames
• Shelving

US legislation
The US has introduced the Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood Products Act covering the following composite wood products:

• Hardwood plywood composite core (HWPW-CC)
• Hardwood plywood veneer core (HWPW-VC)
• Particleboards (PBs)
• Medium density fiberboards (MDFs), including thin-MDFs
• Laminate products within the meaning of HWPW

The Act aims to ensure emissions are within prescribed standards before being used to manufacture consumer goods such as indoor and outdoor furniture.

It also legislates for third-party certification programs; incentives for products manufactured from ultra-low-emitting formaldehyde resins (ULEF) and no added-formaldehyde-based resins (NAF); product labeling; Accreditation Bodies (ABs) and Third-Party Certifiers (TPCs).

The formaldehyde emission standards for composite wood products
The Act establishes formaldehyde emission standards using chamber methods (ASTM E1333 or ASTM D6007). These standards are identical to those in Phase 2 of the Air Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) to control formaldehyde emissions under the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

What does it mean for companies?
Composite wood panels, and finished products containing composite wood, must comply with the Act. The obligations facing organizations depend upon their role(s) within the supply chain. For more information, view our Consumer Compact article : (www.sgs.com/en/news/2017/04/are-your-composite-wood-products-compliant-with-formaldehyde-emission-standards)

According to the Act, products that are certified by a CARB-approved TPC are also considered certified under Toxic Substances Control Act Title VI until December 12, 2018. TSCA Title VI is the federal law for formaldehyde emissions in composite wood.

European Union (EU) legislation
The EU has no community-wide legislation regulating formaldehyde emission in composite wood panels. However, member states including Austria, Germany, Denmark and Sweden have national legislation that restricts such emissions. For more information, see our Consumer Compact article : www.sgs.com/en/news/2017/04/are-your-composite-wood-products-compliant-with-formaldehyde-emission-standards.

EN 717-1 ‘Wood-based Panels – Determination of Formaldehyde Release – Formaldehyde emission by the chamber method’ specifies a method that is often adopted for meeting the requirements.

France plans to regulate emissions under an amendment to its environmental law on labeling requirements for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in furniture containing wood-based panels. If approved, the new law will take effect on January 1, 2020.

What can SGS do to help?
SGS is an approved CARB TPC with world-class expertise in the regulatory landscape. The company offers training and advisory services in the field of formaldehyde emissions in composite wood panels, and has a global network of accredited testing laboratories.

As a trusted partner for panel manufacturers, fabricators of finished goods, distributors, importers and retailers, SGS helps organizations to avoid the cost and inconvenience of non-compliance.

If you’re releasing a composite wood product onto the US and international markets, contact:

HingWo Tsang, Ph.D.
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Hardlines
SGS Hong Kong Limited

Email: cts.media@sgs.com
Website: www.sgs.com/furniture

About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 90,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,000 offices and laboratories around the world.

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This release was published on openPR.