Comment Period for EPA's Formaldehyde Standard Closes Today

Washington, DC, June 8, 2017--The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking direct final action on a revision to the formaldehyde emission standards for composite wood products final rule, published in the Federal Register on December 12, 2016. The comment period for stakeholders impacted by the ruling closes today and the final rule is effective on July 10.

The EPA is publishing this direct final action to extend the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Title VI final rule compliance dates including: Extending the December 12, 2017 date for emission standards, recordkeeping, and labeling provisions until March 22, 2018; extending the December 12, 2018 date for import certification provisions until March 22, 2019; and extending the December 12, 2023 date for provisions applicable to producers of laminated products until March 22, 2024.

Additionally, this direct final action will extend the transitional period during which the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Third Party Certifiers (TPC) may certify composite wood products under TSCA Title VI without an accreditation issued by an EPA TSCA Title VI Accreditation Body so long as the TPC remains approved by CARB, is recognized by EPA, and complies with all aspects of the December 12, 2016 final rule. Extension of these compliance dates and the transitional period for CARB TPCs adds regulatory flexibility for regulated entities, reduces compliance burdens, and helps to prevent disruptions to supply chains.