SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, is advising stakeholders that the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final rule to revise formaldehyde rules for composite wood products.
Final Rule 88 FR 10468 was published on February 21, 2023. It revises the Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood Products Act, which added Title VI to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA Title VI).
Changes introduced by the latest Final Rule include:
– Several voluntary consensus standards updated
– Reference to section 6.2.2 under ISO/IEC 17065:2021 added, allowing external evaluation resources, such as contracting out inspections to a third party in order to complete the certification process
– Remote quarterly inspections by a third party certifier (TPC) formally accepted
– Intermediate range value of 0.038 and upper range value of 0.052 to the equation for when ASTM D6007-14 (small chamber) method added as considered equivalent to the ASTM E1333-14 (large chamber) method (§770.20 (d)(1)(iii))
SGS has published SafeGuardS 030.23 to help stakeholders understand the provisions in Final Rule 88 FR 10468. It includes a table detailing the new voluntary consensus standards and further details of the impact on remote quarterly inspections.
Stakeholders are advised to review original SafeGuardS 030.23 to stay informed on the changes and their impact.
The final rule came into effect on March 23, 2023.
SGS Chemical Testing
SGS offers a comprehensive range of testing services to help manufacturers and suppliers ensure their products are safe and comply with national and international regulations concerning harmful chemicals. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS Chemical Testing Services.
SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full US EPA Issues Final Rule for Formaldehyde Emissions from Composite Wood Products SafeGuardS.
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For further information contact:
Dr. HingWo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: (+852) 2774 7420
Melanie Schubert
Senior Technical Manager
Tel: +1 312 414 9394
Email: cp.media@sgs.com
Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
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