CARB (Composite Wood Products)

Ensure Your Passport to California Market

The Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) to control formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products drafted by California Air Resource Board (CARB) was approved on April 18, 2008 by the office of administrative law. The first emission standards have been effective since 1^st January 2009.

The new CARB regulation affects everyone in the supply chain from retailers and importers to fabricators, manufacturers and distributors. The ATCM rule specifically focuses on three types of composite wood products: hardwood plywood (HWPW), particleboard (PB), and medium density fiberboard (MDF). It impacts commonly used products containing formaldehyde resins, such as furniture, flooring, crown molding, window sashes and wall paneling.

The ATCM establishes implementation of formaldehyde emission standards in two phases:

• Phase 1: 1^st January 2009
• Phase 2: 2010 – 2012

Download the implementation table (PDF 18 KB)

CARB certification includes the following issues:

1. Testing
   • Primary test method: ASTM E1333, chamber method
   • Secondary test method: ASTM D6007, chamber method
   • Secondary test method: ASTM D5582, dessicator method
2. Field services
   • Mill audit
   • Mill inspection
   • On-site training and consultancy at mill
3. Record keeping
4. Labeling

CARB solutions by SGS

Our Hardlines Testing services can offer you CARB related testing and quality control system establishment. We offer testing services on composite wood products. We also offer audit and training services to help you set up your own internal lab and accredited quality control system.

Download the SGS CARB leaflet (General) (PDF 287 KB) and the SGS CARB leaflet for fabricators (PDF 256 KB).

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