SG 147/26
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has updated several test methods and product standards related to formaldehyde emissions in composite wood products.
On October 28, 2026, the US EPA published a final rule (91 FR 67771), updating standards incorporated by reference in 40 CFR Part 770 ‘Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood Products,’ under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
What does the final rule require?
Key changes include:
- Updating six incorporated voluntary consensus standards to newer editions (items 1-4 and 6-7, Table 1)
- Adding ISO 12460-2:2024 as an alternative small-scale quality control chamber test method (Item 8, Table 1)
- Removing the separate reference to BS EN ISO 12460-3 while retaining ISO 12460-3, since these are identical and published by different standards development organizations (items 5-6, Table 1)
| Item | Existing reference | Reference under final rule |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ANSI A190.1-2017 | ANSI A190.1-2022 Product Standard for Structural Glued Laminated Timber |
| 2 | ASTM D5582-14 | ASTM D5582-22 Standard Test Method for Determining Formaldehyde Levels from Wood Products Using a Desiccator |
| 3 | ASTM D6007-14 | ASTM D6007-22 Standard Test Method for Determining Formaldehyde Concentrations in Air from Wood Products Using a Small-Scale Chamber |
| 4 | ASTM E1333-14 | ASTM E1333-22 Standard Test Method for Determining Formaldehyde Concentrations in Air and Emission Rates from Wood Products Using a Large Chamber |
| 5 | BS EN ISO 12460-3:2020 Wood-based panels - Determination of formaldehyde release - Part 3: Gas analysis method | Removed (see item 6 for the ISO reference under the final rule) |
| 6 | ISO 12460-3:2020(E) | ISO 12460-3:2023(E) Wood-based panels - Determination of formaldehyde release - Part 3: Gas analysis method |
| 7 | Voluntary Product Standard PS 1-19 | Voluntary Product Standard PS 1-22 Structural plywood |
| 8 | Not previously incorporated | ISO 12460-2:2024 (en) Wood-based panels - Determination of formaldehyde release - Part 2: Small-scale chamber method |
Table 1. Changes to standards incorporated by reference under 40 CFR § 770.99
Who is impacted?
The amendments affect manufacturers, importers, retailers and other economic operators throughout the composite wood product supply chain in the US.
When does it apply?
The final rule will become effective on November 27, 2026.
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