The Environmental Protection Agency announced it has published its TSCA Title VI final rule for formaldehyde emissions for composite wood products. The amendments to the rule attempt to clarify formaldehyde testing and certification requirements and more closely align TSCA Title VI with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) 93120.
The Environmental Protection Agency announced it has published its TSCA Title VI final rule for formaldehyde emissions for composite wood products. The amendments to the rule attempt to clarify formaldehyde testing and certification requirements and more closely align TSCA Title VI with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) 93120.
Amendments to the TSCA Title VI rule include, among other things, eliminating the requirement for a third-party certifier (TPC) to prepare a quality control test method correlation if the manufacturer uses the TPC to conduct all of its quality control testing. It also amends the frequency at which the TPC and manufacturer needs to establish and update quality control test method correlations, according to Chris Battin, general manager, certification and laboratory services at Eugene, Ore.-based Benchmark International, a TPC that provides certification and test services for EPA TSCA Title VI, CARB ATCM 93120 and other VOC emission standards.
“While these and other adjustments pertained to testing and other administrative matters, none of the emission requirements or core test method provisions changed,” Battin said in an email.
A major reason behind the push for the amended rule from stakeholders was to further align the EPA rule with CARB to eliminate significant technical differences in testing procedures. Now, the primary differences between TSCA Title VI and CARB ATCM 93120 pertain to such things as the number of tests that are required before certification can be granted or rules for handling noncomplying lots, according to Battin.
“In general, these technical changes are a positive development for TPCs, manufacturers, and other regulated stakeholders,” Battin said. “Most of these changes not only improve alignment between EPA and CARB rules, but also help to enhance clarity and reduce technical complexity without imposing any significant increased compliance risk provided they are implemented as required.”
The full list of TSCA Title VI rule amendments can be viewed here.
