Formaldehyde Emissions from Composite Wood Products Regulations

Protection of human health or safety (TBT)

Formaldehyde from composite wood products (ICS: 03.120.2; 79.060; 91.040; 91.060)

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03.120.20 - Product and company certification. Conformity assessment; 03.120.20 - Product and company certification. Conformity assessment; 79.060 - Wood-based panels; 79.060 - Wood-based panels; 91.040 - Buildings; 91.040 - Buildings; 91.060 - Elements of buildings; 91.060 - Elements of buildings

The proposed Regulations notified in G/TBT/N/CAN/593 (dated 3 July 2019) was adopted on June 17, 2021 as the Formaldehyde Emissions from Composite Wood Products Regulations (the Regulations), notified as G/TBT/N/CAN/593/Add.1 (dated 20 July 2021). These Regulations came into force on January 7, 2023.The Regulations prohibit the import, sale or offer for sale of composite wood products that emit formaldehyde above established limits. Compliance with the Regulations also entails respecting testing, third party certification, labelling, record keeping, and reporting requirements.To facilitate regulatory harmonization and reduce barriers to international trade, the Regulations align with the United States Toxic Substances Control Act, Title VI Rule (U.S. Rule), to the extent possible. The administrative differences between the Regulations and the U.S. Rule have been minimized and are not expected to limit the ability of manufacturers, importers and sellers to comply with the technical requirements of either regulation.Composite wood products with a label indicating compliance with the U.S. Rule will be recognized as compliant with the labelling provisions of the Canadian Regulations (although bilingual labels will be required). This will simplify requirements and reduce costs for industry.Guidance documents have been prepared for the regulated community on the role of Third-Party Certifiers in the Regulations (July 7, 2021) and on general guidance for the Regulations themselves (December 23, 2022). Amendments to the Regulations are currently being proposed to clarify the quality control testing requirements for panel manufacturers and to simplify record-keeping, particularly for the downstream supply chain regulatees (e.g., retailers). In addition, minor amendments are proposed to improve clarity for regulatees, enhance enforceability and align the Regulations with recent changes to the U.S. EPA’s TSCA Title VI Rule.

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