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CARB ATCM and US EPA - Discover the Differences

Discover the differences between the Composite Wood Products Act and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Airborne Toxic Control Measures (ATCM).

Blueprints and Plywwod and Panel Samples

Comparison of US Federal and California Requirements for Formaldehyde Emissions from Composite Wood Products


 Federal California
Legislation
 Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood Products Act Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) to Reduce Formaldehyde Emission from Composite Wood Products
Scope
  • Hardwood Plywood – Composite Core (HWPW-CC)
  • Hardwood Plywood – Veneer Core (HWPW-VC)
  • Medium Density Fiberboards (MDF)
  • Thin-MDF (≤ 8 mm)
  • Particleboards (PB)
  • Hardwood Plywood – Composite Core (HWPW-CC)
  • Hardwood Plywood – Veneer Core (HWPW-VC)
  • Medium Density Fiberboards (MDF)
  • Thin-MDF (≤ 8 mm)
  • Particleboards (PB)
Formaldehyde emissions
  • ≤ 0.05 ppm (HWPW-VC or HWPW-CC)
  • ≤ 0.11 ppm (MDF)
  • ≤ 0.13 ppm (thin-MDF)
  • ≤ 0.09 ppm (PB)
  • ≤ 0.05 ppm (HWPW-VC or HWPW-CC)
  • ≤ 0.11 ppm (MDF)
  • ≤ 0.13 ppm (thin-MDF)
  • ≤ 0.09 ppm (PB)
Panel manufacturer
  • Undergo third-party certification program by a Third-Party Certifier (TPC) that is recognized by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including quarterly testing and routine quality testing
  • Product labeling
  • Documentation and record-keeping for three years
  • Disclose formaldehyde test results direct to purchasers, on request
  • Undergo third-party certification program by a TPC approved by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), including quarterly testing and routine quality testing
  • Product labeling
  • Documentation and record keeping for two years
Fabricator
  • Documentation and record keeping for three years
  • Product labeling
  • Documentation and record keeping for two years
  • Product labeling
Importer
  • Documentation and record keeping for three years
  • Import certification
  • Documentation and record keeping for two years
Distributor
  • Documentation and record keeping for three years
  • Documentation and record keeping for two years
Retailer
  • Documentation and record keeping for three years
  • Documentation and record keeping for two years
Wood boards

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