SGS Becomes First CARB Third-Party Certifier in China, Launches Formaldehyde Testing for Local Fiberboard Manufacturers
announced today that its testing laboratory in
Third-Party Certifier (TPC) status from the California Air Resources Board
(CARB) for verification of composite wood products to ensure compliance with
formaldehyde emission standards set forth in the California State Airborne
Toxic Control Measure (ATCM). SGS is the first testing organization to earn
the TPC designation in
900-plus panel manufacturers and helping all members of the distribution
chain, including retailers, conform to CARB regulations. SGS anticipates that
its
CARB approval of SGS labs in
expense of sending materials from Chinese factories to the U.S. for
formaldehyde emission testing. SGS operates both large and small testing
chambers to perform the two testing methodologies recognized by CARB. The
chambers can accommodate panels of all sizes up to and including full size
sheet samples. The availability of multiple SGS testing chambers offers ample
capacity to service the needs of a broad spectrum of clients before the new
emission standards take effect in 2009, and for subsequent quarterly emissions
verifications required under CARB regulations.
As an approved TPC, SGS will also be able to provide auditing and in-house
testing validation for manufacturers that have properly calibrated and
approved testing chambers. The deadline for compliance with Phase I of the new
CARB caps on formaldehyde emissions in medium-density fiberboard (MDF),
particle board, and two kinds of plywood is
“The first deadline for CARB compliance is weeks away, yet only a handful
of the 900 composite wood products factories in
acceptance as
solution,” said
Hardlines Services. “This will also have a ripple effect throughout the chain
of custody by assisting all parties with becoming CARB-compliant — down to
the retail level where enforcement is expected to take place.”
The CARB regulation, known as the Airborne Toxic Control Measure to Reduce
Formaldehyde Emissions from Composite Wood Products, was adopted in 2008 to
limit public exposure to formaldehyde because of its carcinogenic properties.
Composite wood panels were targeted because they comprise the largest block of
controllable formaldehyde-emitting products.
CARB’s formaldehyde limits in composite wood products apply not only to
manufacturers but also to fabricators, importers, distributors and retailers
in
materials, including furniture, consumer shelving, DIY products, flooring,
paneling, moulding and picture frames. All parties in the distribution chain
are equally liable and can be fined for non-compliance. Several other states
are now considering formaldehyde controls similar to
More information about SGS’s CARB Testing Services is available at
http://www.us.sgs.com/carb
About SGS Consumer Testing Services
SGS Consumer Testing Services is a division of the SGS Group, which is the
world’s leading verification, testing and certification company. The company’s
comprehensive testing, product inspection, process assessment and technical
services cover the entire supply chain from product development to retailing
for electrical products, wireless products, soft line products, hard line
products and food products. SGS’ global network and expertise provide a single
consolidated source that can help manufacturers, suppliers and retailers
reduce risk, improve efficiency and product quality, and ensure compliance to
both national and international standards. SGS Group has more than 50,000
employees and over 1,000 offices and laboratories in 140 countries. For more
information about SGS Consumer Testing Services, visit
http://www.us.sgs.com/cts
SOURCE SGS Consumer Testing Services