CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND RETAIL E-SSENTIALS

CANADA: The Amendment of Formaldehyde emission from composite wood regulations was published

DECEMBER 2024 - HARDLINES, TOYS AND CHILDREN'S PRODUCTS

The Canadian Government published amendments (SOR/2024-256)¹ to the Formaldehyde Emission from Composite Wood Regulations² (SOR/2021-148) on 18 December 2024. These updates modify the quality control (QC) testing requirements, recordkeeping practices and align with the changes to the US EPA TSCA Title VI. The amendments will become effective on 18 March 2025. 

The updates aim to address industry concerns about SOR/2021-148 and improve the clarity of the Regulations. Only primary testing for formaldehyde emissions must be conducted by accredited laboratories. Routine QC testing can be conducted within mills, reducing costs for manufacturers. 

Additionally, retailers are no longer required to retain the declaration of certification. Only manufacturers and importers must maintain such records, addressing the industry feedback. 

Furthermore, the updates maintain close alignments with the US EPA TSCA Title VI to reduce trade barriers. This is achieved by changing the performance standards to qualify for reduced-testing for no-added formaldehyde or ultra-low-emitting formaldehyde resins and incorporating changes to the equations required to establish equivalence with the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) emission testing methods. Other minor updates have been made to clarify points raised by stakeholders. The guidance document³ of the Regulations has also been updated for industry reference. 

[1] Amendment of the Formaldehyde Emissions from Composite Wood Products Regulations: SOR/2024-256

[2] Formaldehyde Emissions from Composite Wood Products Regulations: SOR/2021-148

[3] Guidance document on the Formaldehyde Emissions from Composite Wood Products Regulations

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