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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized updates to its Formaldehyde Emission Standards for Composite Wood Products under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), adding a new quality control testing method and aligning existing requirements with current national and international industry standards.
Announced October 23, the changes affect manufacturers and testing laboratories involved with composite wood products, including hardwood plywood, particleboard and medium-density fiberboard (MDF). The final rule was published in the Federal Register on October 28 and takes effect November 27, 2026.
The updates are intended to provide manufacturers with greater testing flexibility, improve consistency in emissions data and clarify technical requirements without changing existing formaldehyde emission limits or health and safety protections.
New Testing Method Expands Options for Manufacturers
A key component of the final rule is the addition of ISO 12460-2:2024, Wood-based panels—Determination of formaldehyde release—Part 2: Small-scale chamber method.
The internationally recognized standard provides manufacturers and testing laboratories with another approved method for quality control testing of formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products.
EPA said the additional method will allow regulated companies greater flexibility in selecting testing procedures appropriate for their operations while supporting consistent, reliable emissions measurements.
The agency also noted that incorporating the standard brings federal requirements into closer alignment with California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations, which recognize the same testing method.
Updated Standards Reflect Current Industry Practices
In addition to the new testing method, EPA is incorporating updated versions of several voluntary consensus standards developed by national and international standards organizations.
The revisions include standards governing formaldehyde testing through desiccator, small-scale chamber, large chamber and gas analysis methods, as well as product standards for structural plywood and glued laminated timber.
Organizations represented in the updates include the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), ASTM International, the British Standards Institution (BSI), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
Among the updated standards are ASTM D6007-22 for small-scale chamber testing, ASTM E1333-22 for large-chamber testing and ISO 12460-3:2023 for gas analysis.
The changes represent EPA's fourth update to voluntary consensus standards since the original federal formaldehyde regulations were finalized in 2016.
What the Changes Mean for the Surfaces and Panels Industry
Formaldehyde-based resins and adhesives are commonly used in the manufacture of engineered wood products found in cabinetry, furniture, flooring, shelving and building materials.
Federal formaldehyde emission requirements were established following the Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood Products Act of 2010 to reduce potential exposure from these materials, particularly in indoor environments.
For panel manufacturers, fabricators and suppliers, the latest revisions provide access to updated testing protocols while preserving the existing regulatory framework.
EPA emphasized that the amendments are technical in nature and do not establish new emission limits or alter existing consumer and worker protections. The revisions are also separate from the agency's ongoing TSCA risk evaluation for formaldehyde.
The agency is not establishing an additional transition period beyond the rule's effective date, noting that the updated standards are technically consistent with previous editions and are not expected to significantly affect compliance determinations.
The final rule is available in the Federal Register under docket number EPA-HQ-OPPT-2017-0245.
For additional information, visit the EPA's Formaldehyde Emission Standards for Composite Wood Products resource page or review the final rule published in the Federal Register.
