Final EPA Rule Sets World’s Most Stringent Formaldehyde Emissions Standards for Wood Products; Tough Enforcement Needed to Ensure Worldwide Complian

Today the U.S. EPA published in the Federal Register the final version of its historic Formaldehyde Emission Standards for Composite Wood Products regulation. On initial review of the published rule, it appears that EPA has made no significant changes from the pre‐ publication draft issued July 27, 2016.    Jackson Morrill, president of the Composite Panel Association (CPA) states,   “EPA has set in place for the whole country the world’s most stringent standard for formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products. To be successful, EPA must now develop world‐class enforcement practices that ensure these standards are met by all composite wood products sold in this country, whether made here in the U.S. or abroad. “As the Trump administration takes over implementation of this regulation, we would stress that strong enforcement not only provides important health and environmental benefits to the public, but it also strengthens U.S. manufacturing by ensuring a level regulatory playing field and fair competition.  A commitment to strong enforcement must go beyond simply checking paperwork – it will mean more dedicated resources and coordinated efforts across the Federal Government to verify compliance.    “North American composite panel manufacturers that have made major investments over the last several years are already complying with the rule and should not be disadvantaged by non‐ compliant products manufactured offshore. CPA and its members have been leaders in this effort for over 30 years, and we stand ready to help EPA in its work to make this regulation meaningful for U.S. consumers.”

ABOUT CPA The Composite Panel Association (CPA), founded in 1960, represents the North American wood‐based composite panel and decorative surfacing industries on technical standards, industry regulation, and product acceptance. CPA General Members include the leading manufacturers of particleboard, medium density fiberboard (MDF), hardboard and engineered wood siding/trim in North America, representing more than 90% of industry manufacturing capacity. For more information, visit www.CompositePanel.org.