EPA Proposes Updates to Formaldehyde Emission Standards, Adding New Quality Control Test Method for Composite Wood Products
Released February 6, 2026
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to add 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). The proposed method for ISO 12460-2:2024(en) Wood-based panels — Determination of formaldehyde release Part 2: Small-scale chamber method, would provide 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 proposing technical updates to align the rule’s voluntary consensus standards with the most current versions issued by standard-setting 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 are routine and aim to maintain consistency with industry practices. They do not alter any existing health or safety protections for consumers or workers and are unrelated to the agency’s ongoing 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 proposal:
- 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)
- BS EN ISO 12460-3:2023, Wood-based panels—Determination of formaldehyde release—Part 3: Gas analysis method (BSI)
- Wood-based panels—Determination of formaldehyde release—Part 3: Gas analysis method (BS EN ISO)
- PS 1-22, Structural Plywood (NIST)
Upon publication of the Federal Register notice, EPA will accept public comments on the proposal for 30 days in docket EPA-HQ-OPPT-2017-0245 on www.regulations.gov.