EPA Finalizes Updates to Formaldehyde Emission Standards, Adds New Quality Control Test Method for Composite Wood Products

Released October 23, 2026

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is adding a new quality control test method for measuring formaldehyde air emissions from composite wood products as part of routine updates to its Formaldehyde Emission Standards for Composite Wood Products under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

Formaldehyde is a component of resins and adhesives used to make composite wood products such as plywood, particleboard, and medium-density fiberboard, which are found in furniture, cabinets, flooring, and building materials. It can be released into indoor air from these products. The Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood Products Act of 2010 directed EPA to set emission limits for these products to reduce exposure and protect public health.

The method for ISO 12460-2:2024(en) Wood-based panels — Determination of formaldehyde release Part 2: Small-scale chamber method, provides manufacturers and testing laboratories with an additional, internationally recognized tool to help ensure consistent, high-quality emissions data across the industry. Along with adding this new method, EPA is finalizing technical updates to align the rule’s voluntary consensus standards with the most current standards for safety and exposure to formaldehyde in composite wood products issued by national and international organizations, including the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), the British Standards Institute (BSI), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

These updates aim to maintain consistency with industry practices, provide greater clarity for wood product manufacturers, and help ensure Americans continue to have access to the products they rely on. They do not alter any existing health or safety protections for consumers or workers and are unrelated to the agency’s ongoing TSCA risk evaluation for formaldehyde. This is the fourth time EPA has updated voluntary consensus standards since the 2016 final rule. 

Formaldehyde is widely used as an adhesive in wood products such as furniture, flooring, cabinets, bookcases, and building materials including plywood and wood panels. The Formaldehyde Emission Standards for Composite Wood Products Act of 2010 directed EPA to establish emission standards for formaldehyde emitted from these materials to reduce exposure and protect public health. 

The following updated voluntary consensus standards are included in the final rule: 

• ANSI A190.1-2022, Product Standard for Structural Glued Laminated Timber (ANSI) 
• ASTM D5582-22, Standard Test Method for Determining Formaldehyde Levels from Wood Products Using a Desiccator (ASTM) 
• ASTM D6007-22, Standard Test Method for Determining Formaldehyde Concentrations in Air from Wood Products Using a Small-Scale Chamber (ASTM) 
• ASTM E1333-22, Standard Test Method for Determining Formaldehyde Concentrations in Air and Emission Rates from Wood Products Using a Large Chamber (ASTM) 
• ISO 12460-3:2023(E), Wood-based panels—Determination of formaldehyde release—Part 3: Gas analysis method (BS EN ISO) 
• PS 1-22, Structural Plywood (NIST) 

Read a prepublication version of the final rule. Upon publication in the Federal Register, the final rule will be available at docket EPA-HQ-OPPT-2017-0245 on www.regulations.gov.