EPA Asks for More Comments on Formaldehyde Emissions Standards for Laminated Wood
The Environmental Protection Agency is reopening the comment period until May 8 on its proposed Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) standards for formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products. The agency will also hold a public meeting on the proposal on April 28 in Washington, D.C. The June 2013 proposed rule would impose recordkeeping requirements on importers of subject products, and would require TSCA import certifications for all subject products, including those defined in the Customs regulations as “articles” (see 13060715).
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EPA says the additional input will assist the agency as it considers how exactly to regulate laminated wood products under the new standards. The agency says it has received several comments urging the agency to exempt laminated products from the definition of hardwood plywood, or at least not hold them to the same testing requirements as hardwood plywood. In response, EPA say it is now considering some combination of the following: “a reduced testing program for laminated products, a self-certification program for laminated products, an exemption of laminated products from the definition of ‘hardwood plywood’; or an exemption from testing and certification requirements for all laminated products or just those made by a low-volume producer." EPA says it is also considering “whether third-party certification should be required for laminated products if emission testing for these products is required; what emission standard, if any, would be appropriate for laminated products; and whether laminated products should be grouped for testing purposes.”
(Federal Register 04/08/14)