EPA Delays Import Certification Requirements for Composite Wood Products

The Environmental Protection Agency is delaying compliance dates by about four months for upcoming formaldehyde emissions standards and import certification requirements for composite wood products set by a December final rule (see 1612120022), it said in a direct final rule (here). Formaldehyde emissions standards, certification, testing and labeling requirements now take effect March 22, 2018, except for emissions standards, certification and testing requirements for laminated products, which take effect March 22, 2024. Recordkeeping requirements for importers also take effect March 22, 2018, with importers required to keep bills of lading, invoices or comparable documents bearing a statement of Toxic Substances Control Act Title I and production records beginning on that date. Import certification requirements, including for composite wood products that are “articles” under CBP’s TSCA import regulations (see 1607280021), take effect March 22, 2019, EPA said. Comments on the extension are due June 8. If EPA receives comments opposing the extension it will withdraw its direct final rule and consider the comments under the normal rulemaking process by way of a concurrently issued proposed rule (here).