EPA TSCA Title VI – Formaldehyde Emissions Standards

This post was originally published on 04/9/19 and has been updated to include additional information.

TSCA Title VI

In 2017, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) adopted regulations and policies regarding formaldehyde emissions standards for composite wood products. The final rule – TSCA Title VI – became effective on May 22, 2017 and specifically affects:

1. Hardwood Plywood
2. Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF)
3. Particleboard

The regulations also apply to component parts and finished goods containing composite wood products — furniture, for example.

40 CFR 770, the full text of the ruling, contains a great deal of information regarding products covered, Third-Party Certifiers (TPC’s), testing and certification, and record-keeping.

As of March 22, 2019, import certification is required on regulated products and those products must be labeled compliant under the final rule.

Of particular interest to the importer may be 40 CFR 770.30, as it contains information pertinent to Importers, Distributors, and Retailers.

EPA TSCA Title VI Compliance Timeline

• The final rule became effective on May 22, 2017.
• June 1, 2018: composite wood products (manufactured in or imported into the U.S.) must be certified as compliant with emission standards by a CARB approved and EPA-recognized Third-Party Certifier (TPC).
• Until March 22, 2019, regulated products must be labeled as compliant with the TSCA Title VI or CARB ATCM Phase II emission standards. After March 22, 2019, products must be labeled as TSCA Title VI compliant.
• March 22, 2019: TSCA Section 13 import certification is required upon import into the customs territory of the U.S.
• March 22, 2024: non-exempt laminated products become hardwood plywood and must comply with panel producer requirements.

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency TSCA TITLE VI Formaldehyde Emission Standards for Composite Wood Products: Section 13 Import Certification Webinar, pg. 4 (epa.gov)

Additional Resources

For further information regarding TSCA Import Certification:

TSCA Requirements for Importing Chemicals | US EPA

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