Resources and Guidance Materials, with Translations, for the Formaldehyde Emission Standards for Composite Wood Products Rule
EPA is providing the following guidance materials on the Formaldehyde Emission Standards for Composite Wood Products final rule pursuant to Title VI of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). These materials are meant to assist consumers and regulated stakeholders in understanding the rule requirements. These resources include fact sheets, frequently asked questions (FAQs) for consumers and regulated stakeholders, webinars and small entity compliance guides. Read the Formaldehyde Emission Standards for Composite Wood Products final rule.
The effective date of the final rule was delayed to May 22, 2017. Read the Federal Register notice extending the effective date.
Material on this page will be updated to reflect changes to the formaldehyde rule requirements following the March 13, 2018 court order and joint stipulation. Learn more about this action and other rule amendments.
Fact Sheet
EPA developed the following fact sheet to provide an overview of the formaldehyde emission standards final rule.
Read the fact sheet on the Formaldehyde Emission Standards for Composite Wood Products final rule
Frequently Asked Questions
EPA developed FAQs to address concerns stakeholders may raise regarding implementation of the formaldehyde final rule.
Compliance Guides for Small Entities
EPA developed the following compliance guides for small entities, as required by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996. These guides are intended to assist small businesses regulated under the formaldehyde emission standards final rule. These guides have been updated to reflect changes to the formaldehyde rule requirements following the March 13, 2018 court order and joint stipulation.
- Mills (panel producers)
- Fabricators and laminated product producers
- Importers, distributors and retailers
- Accreditation bodies and third-party certifiers
Webinars
EPA hosted several webinars that covered the requirements of the Formaldehyde Emission Standards for Composite Wood Products final rule.
EPA conducted webinars with CBP for importers and brokers that give an overview on how to complete a Section 13 Import Certification for imported articles that may be regulated under TSCA Title VI.
In early 2018, EPA hosted two webinars to demonstrate how to submit a Third-Party Certifier annual report under TSCA Title VI. Learn more.
Harmonized Tariff Schedule Codes
View a list of harmonized tariff schedule (HTS) codes for composite wood products which may require TSCA Section 13 Import Certification in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Automated Commercial Environment/International Trade Data System (ACE-ITDS).
Customs and Trade Automated Interface Requirements (CATAIR)
Customs and Trade Automated Interface Requirements (CATAIR) tip sheet guidance document and for filers under TSCA Section 13.
Final Rule Response to Comments
EPA provided the following response to comments document for comments received during the proposed rule comment period. This document accompanied the issuance of the Formaldehyde Emission Standards for Composite Wood Products final rule. This is a useful resource for stakeholders to help address questions that may arise regarding the final rule requirements.
See the response to comments document available in the final rule docket
Petitions to Exempt Additional Laminated Products
Guidance for Petitions to Exempt Additional Laminated Products
Unless specifically exempted, beginning March 22, 2024, laminated product producers will also be defined as hardwood plywood panel producers and will be subject to the applicable formaldehyde emission standards requirements. EPA’s regulation at 40 CFR 770.4(a) describes current laminated products exemptions for certain products made with resins that emit no or ultra-low amounts of formaldehyde. Stakeholders may petition EPA to exempt additional laminated products from the definition of hardwood plywood in accordance with 40 CFR 770.4(b). EPA posted guidance on what to include when submitting a petition for an exemption from applicable formaldehyde emission standards set to take effect in 2024. Petition Guidance for Laminated Products