EPA Updates Formaldehyde Testing Standards for Composite Wood Products
Published Date: 10/28/2026
Rule
Summary
The EPA is updating the rules for testing formaldehyde in composite wood products to use the latest, safer standards. This affects manufacturers and sellers who must follow new test methods starting November 27, 2026. These changes keep products safer without adding extra costs or delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Updated test standards required by Nov 27, 2026
If you manufacture, import, sell, supply, or offer for sale hardwood plywood, medium-density fiberboard, particleboard, or products containing those materials in the United States, you must use the updated editions of the voluntary consensus standards incorporated into 40 CFR part 770 when complying with the rule starting November 27, 2026.
New optional small-scale QC test (ISO 12460-2:2024)
EPA added ISO 12460-2:2024(en) as an optional small-scale quality control chamber test method in 40 CFR 770.20(b)(1). Regulated entities may choose this additional test method (which allows methods such as laser absorption spectroscopy) for routine quality control testing.
Removal of redundant BSI standard
EPA removed the British Standards Institute standard BS EN ISO 12460-3:2020 from 40 CFR 770.20(b)(1)(iii) and 40 CFR 770.99 and retained the identical international version ISO 12460-3:2023(E) to avoid redundancy and potential confusion.
No new reporting, recordkeeping, or costs
EPA states this final rule imposes no new reporting or recordkeeping burdens under the Paperwork Reduction Act and anticipates no additional costs to stakeholders; the Agency certifies it will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
Specific testing and definition updates (methods and threshold)
The rule updates references to test methods and definitions: Quality Control Limit (QCL) is tied to ASTM E1333-22 or, upon showing equivalence under Sec. 770.20(d), ASTM D6007-22; and there is a rebuttable presumption that products emitting more than 0.06 ppm formaldehyde (measured by ASTM E1333-22 or ASTM D6007-22) are not hardboard.
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