FAQ: How does TSCA apply to furniture imports?

The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) is a federal law that governs chemical substances. It was passed in 1976 and allows the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to request reporting, record-keeping and make testing requirements related to chemical substances and/or mixtures. It also grants the EPA the authority to require restrictions on certain chemical substances.

The Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood Products Act was added as Title VI to the TSCA in a final rule issued by the EPA and made effective on February 10^th, 2017. 

Final Rule Summary

The purpose of TSCA Title VI is to reduce formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products, which will reduce exposures to formaldehyde and result in benefits from avoided adverse health effects. This final rule includes formaldehyde emission standards applicable to hardwood plywood, medium-density fiberboard, and particleboard, and finished goods containing these products, that are sold, supplied, offered for sale, or manufactured (including imported) in the United States.

When importing furniture into the U.S. that is made from regulated composite woods, the finished goods must comply with formaldehyde emission standards, which includes laboratory testing.

Before March 22^nd, 2019, composite wood products could be certified and labeled as either TSCA Title VI compliant or, CARB ATCM Phase II compliant (California Air Resources Board, Airborne Toxic Control Measures, Phase II). Since that date, regulated composite wood products imported or manufactured in the U.S. must all comply with TSCA Title VI and must receive a certification label of compliance from only an EPA-accredited third-party certifier.

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