EPA extends compliance dates for the formaldehyde emission standards

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Fordaq
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The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is extending the compliance dates for the formaldehyde emission standards for composite wood products.

The wood products industry and trade associations had expressed concerns about meeting the compliance dates set out in EPA’s rule from December 2016.

A prepublication version of the final rule on formaldehyde emission standards was published online on September 1, 2017. According to this prepublication rule the following compliance dates will be extended:

  • Manufactured-by date for emission standards, recordkeeping, and labeling provisions: by one year to December 12, 2018
  • Import certification provisions: by more than one year to March 22, 2019
  • Provisions applicable to producers of laminated products: by more than three months to March 22, 2024

The “manufactured-by date” of composite wood products is the reference date for the compliance date for the emission standards, recordkeeping, and labeling provisions. Beginning December 12, 2018 all imported panels and component parts or finished goods subject to the rule must comply with the emissions standards.

Existing stock of non-certified panels imported into the US and existing stock of component parts and finished goods that contain non-certified panels manufactured internationally may continue to be distributed in commerce and assembled into products until that stock is depleted, providing documentation is kept regarding the date of manufacture or import.

Additionally, composite wood products may be certified by California Air Resources Board Third Party Certifiers until March 22, 2019, so long as all aspects of the EPA final rule on formaldehyde emissions are complied with.

The EPA extended the compliance dates and the transitional period for California Air Resources Board Third Party Certifiers to add flexibility for organizations, reduce compliance burdens, and prevent supply chain disruptions.

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