Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research EPA Updates Formaldehyde Testing Procedures for Wood-Based Materials: Fraunhofer WKI Advises Companies on Implementation
On October 22, 2026, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) signed the final rule titled “Voluntary Consensus Standards Update; Formaldehyde Emission Standards for Composite Wood Products.” It pertains to 40 CFR Part 770 / TSCA Title VI and is listed under Docket ID EPA-HQ-OPPT-2017-0245. The regulation was published in the Federal Register on October 28, 2026. The new provisions will take effect 30 days after publication. Experts at Fraunhofer WKI are advising companies on how to implement the new regulation.
With this update, internationally recognized test methods are being incorporated into the standards or brought up to date. This strengthens the harmonization of test methods and opens up new possibilities for efficient and precise emissions monitoring.
New Small-Scale Chamber Method Recognized
Of particular note is the inclusion of ISO 12460-2:2024 as an additional method for the quality control of wood-based materials. The standard describes a small-scale chamber method for determining formaldehyde emissions and expands the options previously available for in-house production control. The recognition of this internationally established test method provides manufacturers and testing laboratories with additional flexibility in monitoring and evaluating formaldehyde emissions.
Laser-Based Measurement Technology Becomes Feasible
In addition, the EPA is adopting the current version of ISO 12460-3:2023. The standard describes the gas analysis method for determining formaldehyde emissions and enables the use of modern laser-based measurement technology to measure formaldehyde (HCHO). The use of laser technology offers the potential for precise, fast, and reliable emission measurement and can be utilized in the future as part of this test method.
Fraunhofer WKI Provides Support for Implementation
“We are happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the changes, the updated test methods, and, in particular, the use of laser-based formaldehyde measurement technology as part of in-house production control. Our experts assist companies and testing laboratories with questions regarding formaldehyde emissions, standard-compliant testing procedures, and the introduction of new measurement technologies,” explains Bettina Meyer, a researcher in the field of formaldehyde and formaldehyde testing methods at Fraunhofer WKI. Interested companies can contact the staff at Fraunhofer WKI to obtain information on regulatory changes, updated standards, and the potential applications of new measurement technologies in in-house production control.
Further information is available in the Federal Register at https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2026-21963/voluntary-consensus-standard-formaldehyde-emission-standards-for-composite-wood-products
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