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California officials relax some formaldehyde deadlines

But finished goods retail date remains unchanged

Heath Combs -- Furniture Today, July 30, 2009

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Because of the weak economy, the California Air Resources Board has extended the deadlines for composite panel distributors and retailers to sell off product that doesn't meet the state's new formaldehyde emission limits.

But the July 1, 2010, deadline for retailers of finished goods to sell off any non-compliant products remains in place.

CARB recently began a survey of panel distributors to find out how much non-compliant inventory was still in the pipeline. The agency wants to find out how those products are selling and track distributors' plans for disposing of the inventories.

The moves are the early stages in enforcement of the California formaldehyde limits that took effect in January. A new regulation sets caps on emissions allowed from composite panel products including hardwood plywood, particleboard and medium density fiberboard (MDF) - materials that are commonly used in furniture.

In May, CARB extended the sell-through dates for distributors and retailers of composite panel, pushing them out by four months. Distributors now have until Sept. 30 and retailers of composite panel until April 30, 2010, to sell through their inventories of non-compliant board.

Officials said that because of the economic downturn, distributors and retailers still have significant amounts of non-compliant inventory, manufactured before Jan. 1.

Compliance dates for furniture suppliers and retailers were not affected and enforcement begins July 1, 2010. After then, they will be required to produce and sell only products that contain panel that has been deemed CARB-compliant.

The new rule requires composite panel producers to obtain third-party certification from a laboratory saying their facilities produce compliant board.

The rules cover everything in a store, from kiosks, lamp bases and accent items to the board used in case goods and upholstered furniture frames. Even pallets used in shipping are covered.

Stores will have to keep documentation on products that traces the supply chain back to the board producer. Everyone along the supply chain - board supplier, manufacturer and retailer - is held responsible and liable.

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UPDATE: California officials relax some formaldehyde deadlines

Jul 31, 2009

CARB relaxes some formaldehyde deadlines

Aug 10, 2009

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