2026-21963·ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Voluntary Consensus Standards Update; Formaldehyde Emission Standards for Composite Wood Products

Final RuleFinal Rule

Published: Oct 28, 2026
Effective: Nov 27, 2026
Citation: 91 FR 67771
Docket: EPA-HQ-OPPT-2017-0245, FRL-12941-02-OCSPP

Final rule.

Summary

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final rule that updates the voluntary industry standards it references in its formaldehyde emission limits for composite wood products, such as particleboard, fiberboard, and plywood. The rule replaces outdated or superseded test methods and product specifications with the latest versions, adds a new small‑scale quality‑control test, and eliminates a duplicate standard that is already covered by an internationally recognized equivalent. These changes ensure that the EPA’s formaldehyde regulations continue to rely on the most current, technically sound benchmarks for measuring emissions. The regulation applies to manufacturers, importers, and distributors of composite wood products that are subject to the EPA’s formaldehyde emission standards under the Toxic Substances Control Act. By aligning the rule with the newest consensus standards, the agency aims to keep compliance requirements clear, scientifically reliable, and consistent with global practices. The rule was published in the Federal Register on October 28, 2026 (91 FR 67771) and takes effect on November 27, 2026. No further public comment period is required because the rule is final; the updated standards are now legally incorporated into the EPA’s formaldehyde program, and stakeholders must follow the new test methods and product criteria for future compliance.

AI-generated summary — verify against the Federal Register text.

Official abstract

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is publishing a final rule to update the incorporation by reference of several voluntary consensus standards in the Agency's formaldehyde standards for composite wood products regulations under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) due to the standards having been updated or superseded by the issuing organizations. These new standards primarily update test methods and product standards concerning composite wood products that use formaldehyde. EPA is also conforming these updated standards in the scope and definitional sections in the final rule and incorporating by reference a new small scale quality control chamber test method, similar to current methods already incorporated by reference. EPA is also removing one standard that was previously incorporated by reference to avoid redundancy, given that another identical, internationally recognized version of the standard is already incorporated by reference in this rule.