Europe Tightens Formaldehyde Limits: New EU Regulation Sets 0.062 mg/m³ for Wood-Based Articles Date:
December 03, 2025
In response to Europe's heightened focus on indoor health and environmental protection, a new, far-reaching mandatory regulation is set to take effect. Starting August 2026, formaldehyde emission limits for wood-based panels and articles (such as furniture, decorative panels, etc.) placed on the EU market will be significantly tightened to 0.062 mg/m³, marking the beginning of a new era of stricter control.
As a formal restriction under REACH Regulation, Annex XVII, this new rule will profoundly impact the global wood products supply chain. Both panel manufacturers and furniture exporters must take immediate action to prepare for compliance.
Regulation Reference: CAS No 50-00-0 / EC No 200-001-8
Decoding the New Regulation: Key Limits, Test Methods, and Updates
01 Stricter Emission Limits
New Mandatory Limits:
0.062 mg/m³ for furniture and wood-based articles.
0.080 mg/m³ for other articles not classified as furniture or wood-based.
Current Common Standard: E1 grade (0.1 ppm).
Effective Date: August 2026.
Legal Basis: REACH Regulation, Annex XVII.
02 Test Method: Scientifically Simulating Real-World Conditions
Compliance testing must be performed strictly according to Appendix 14 of the regulation, using the standard test chamber method under the following core reference conditions:
Temperature: (23 ± 0.5) °C
Relative Humidity: (45 ± 3) %
Loading Factor: (1 ± 0.02) m²/m³ (ratio of sample surface area to chamber volume)
Air Exchange Rate: (1 ± 0.05) h⁻¹ (air changes per hour)
03 Extended to Vehicle Interiors (New Requirement)
The regulation's scope now extends beyond indoor articles. Starting August 6, 2027, all new road vehicles (including trucks and buses) placed on the EU market must not exceed an interior formaldehyde concentration of 0.062 mg/m³, tested according to ISO 12219-1 or ISO 12219-10 standards.
Impact of the New Rules: Challenges for Supply Chains and Benefits for Consumers
Challenges for Manufacturers: Compliance is Critical
Businesses must complete the following before the August 2026 deadline:
Formula & Process Upgrades: Optimize adhesive systems and manufacturing processes.
Emission Stability Verification: Ensure products maintain compliance throughout their lifecycle.
Formal Testing & Documentation: Conduct compliance testing according to EU standards and complete conformity assessment.
Supply Chain Management: Ensure upstream raw materials also meet the new requirements.
Benefits for Consumers: A Safer Indoor Environment
The fundamental aim of the new regulation is to protect consumer health by:
Significantly reducing indoor formaldehyde exposure risk.
Enhancing the safety of furniture and decoration materials.
Improving long-term indoor air quality, reducing potential irritation and allergic reactions.
A Global Trend: Stringent Environmental Standards Are Becoming the International Norm
The EU's move is not isolated but reflects a common trend across major global markets:
USA: CARB Phase 2 / EPA TSCA Title VI regulations.
Canada: CANFER regulations.
China: GB 18580-2025 (ENF/E0/E1 classifications).
Japan: F☆☆☆☆ (F4 Star) standard.
Australia: AS/NZS 4266 series standards.
While test methods and limit expressions vary, the direction is highly consistent: continuously tightening emission limits to drive the industry towards safer and more environmentally friendly production. Complying with the new EU regulation will also serve as a "green passport" for products entering other high-end global markets.
ICTT: Your Partner for Global Compliance with Internationally Recognized Testing Capabilities
With over two decades of expertise in formaldehyde emission testing, ICTT holds IAS 17025 (TL-658) international accreditation as well as CNAS & CMA domestic accreditations. Our testing capabilities comprehensively cover major global market standards, providing a one-stop compliance solution for your business.
Comprehensive Testing Capability Coverage
Key EU Market Standards:
EN 717-1: Chamber method – the authoritative EU method for determining formaldehyde release from wood-based panels, the direct basis for the new limit.
EN 13986: Wood-based panels for construction – product specification and conformity assessment.
ISO 12460-1: 1-cubic-metre chamber method, the internationally recognized formaldehyde test method.
EN 16516: Assessment of release of dangerous substances from construction products into indoor air.
EN 12460-3, -4, -5: Gas analysis, desiccator, and perforator methods for formaldehyde determination.
Key US Market Standards:
ASTM E1333: Large chamber method – the benchmark method recognized by US CARB and EPA TSCA Title VI regulations.
ASTM D6007: Small chamber method – widely used for product development and quality control.
ASTM D5582: Desiccator method – applicable to laminated materials.
ASTM D5116, D6670: Guides for small-scale and full-scale chamber determination of VOC emissions.
Chinese National Standards:
GB 18580: Indoor decorating materials – limit of formaldehyde emission from wood-based panels (mandatory standard).
GB/T 39600: Formaldehyde emission grading for wood-based panels (ENF/E0/E1).
GB/T 17657: Test methods for wood-based panels (includes formaldehyde and performance tests).
GB/T 29899: Small chamber method for VOC emission testing of wood-based panels.
GB/T 31107: Technical requirements for environmental chambers for VOC emission testing of furniture.
Japanese & Australian/New Zealand Standards:
JIS A 1460: Desiccator method – the designated method for Japanese "F☆☆☆☆" (F4 Star) certification.
JIS A 1901: Small chamber method for VOC and carbonyl compound determination.
AS/NZS 4266.26 (Series): Test methods for reconstituted wood-based panels.
AS/NZS 2098.11: Determination of formaldehyde emissions for plywood.
AS/NZS 4357.4: Determination of formaldehyde emissions for structural laminated veneer lumber.
Other Comprehensive VOC & Indoor Air Testing Capabilities:
CDPH/EHLB/Standard Method V1.2: Stringent Californian standard for VOC limits.
ISO 16000-3, -6, -11, -28: Indoor air standards covering formaldehyde, TVOC, sampling, chamber testing, and odor assessment.
ASTM D5197: Determination of formaldehyde and other carbonyl compounds in air (active sampler methodology).
ASTM D6330: Small chamber determination of VOC emissions (excluding formaldehyde) from wood-based panels.
Why Choose ICTT?
We provide full lifecycle support from initial R&D to final compliant shipment:
Formula Development Support: Data feedback for process optimization.
Pre-testing & Benchmarking: Early assessment of product compliance status.
Formal Compliance Testing: Issuance of internationally recognized test reports.
Batch Quality Control: Ensuring stability in mass production.
Call to Action: Prepare for 2026 – The Compliance Window is Closing
2026 may seem distant, but technical upgrades, production line adjustments, and testing certification all require time. We recommend that affected enterprises initiate the following steps immediately:
Current State Assessment: Conduct benchmark testing on existing products to identify gaps.
Technical Upgrade: Collaborate with adhesive suppliers and R&D departments to begin formula and process optimization.
Compliance Verification: Partner with an internationally accredited laboratory for stability verification and formal testing.
Supply Chain Collaboration: Communicate the new requirements upstream to ensure full-chain compliance.
ICTT is ready to be your trusted compliance partner. With our professional technical expertise and globally recognized accreditations, we can help you successfully navigate the new EU regulatory landscape and expand your global market reach.
Contact our technical team today for a tailored testing plan and compliance pathway for your specific products.
