EU: REACH Annex XVII restriction on Formaldehyde emission was published
JULY 2023 - ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS, HARDLINES, SOFTLINES, TOYS AND CHILDREN'S PRODUCTS
On 17 July 2023, the European Union’s Official Journal (OJEU) published Regulation (EU) 2023/14641, which added a new restriction on formaldehyde released from articles under Annex XVII to REACH regulation as entry 77.
The new restriction concerns consumer exposure to formaldehyde in indoor environments. Formaldehyde is mainly used as a chemical intermediate in the production of formaldehyde-based resins and other chemicals. Formaldehyde-based resins are used in the production of a wide variety of articles which may release formaldehyde. Such formaldehyde-based resins are also used in the production of other wood-based products like furniture and flooring, wallpapers, foams, parts for road vehicles and aircraft, textile and leather products. Taking into account the Annex XV dossier as well as the opinions from Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) and the Committee for Socio-economic Analysis (SEAC), the European Commission (EC) considers that there is an unacceptable risk to human health arising from formaldehyde released from articles, and a REACH Annex XVII restriction establishing an emission limit for articles emitting formaldehyde is required to address the risk.
The new restriction sets a general 36-month transition period, and will apply after 6 August 2026.
Restriction on formaldehyde released from articles
Target substance | Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing substances |
Scope of restriction | Articles |
Limit | a) ≤ 0.062 mg/m3 for wood-based articles and furniture, the interior of road vehicles; |
Exemption |
|
Date of application | After 6 August 2026 (for the road vehicles, the application date is after 6 August 2027) |
HOW DOES THIS IMPACT YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS?
CONTACT US TO DISCUSS.
TÜV SÜD has dedicated experts to assist you in the development of consumer products and meeting applicable regulations. Through a global network of laboratories, TÜV SÜD offers a wide range of services that includes chemical tests, physical or mechanical tests as well as inspections to ensure the compliance of your products in target markets.
For enquiries, please contact us at [email protected]
E-SSENTIALS 6 | 2023
- Brazil: Approving technical requirements for conformity assessment of smart TV boxes
- China: Announcement No. 12, 2023 on Management of Compulsory Product Certification (CCC) Labels and Marks
- China: Compulsory certification of electronic equipment and safety accessories
- China: Establishment of new network access permit labels
- EU New RoHS exemption entry of mercury in Annex IV is published.
- EU: A new RoHS exemption for Lead in PVC used in in-vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices is added to Annex IV
- EU: Czech Republic repealed legislation on toys and children's products
- EU: New food additive authorised in food contact plastic materials
- EU: PFHxS is banned under POPs regulation
- EU: REACH Annex XVII restriction on Formaldehyde emission was published
- EU: The 16th amendment to the EU plastic food contact regulation adopted
- European Commission to extend application of RED cybersecurity requirements to 1 August 2025
- France: Final decision on Green Dot
- USA: CPSC codifies ban on inclined sleepers for infants
- USA: CPSC finalises ban of crib bumpers
- USA: CPSC publishes mandatory standard for adult portable bed rails
- USA: Oregon revised toxic-free kids act