CARB Phase 2 — what it means for US plywood imports, in plain English

CARB Phase 2 is the rule US buyers ask us about most. The name comes from California, but the limits have been federal since 2018. Here is what the rule says, in plain English, and the two ways we comply.

What the rule actually says

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) Phase 2 sets maximum formaldehyde emission limits for composite wood products — hardwood plywood, particleboard and MDF. Since 2018 the same limits apply nationwide under the US EPA’s TSCA Title VI. For hardwood plywood the limit is 0.05 ppm. Any panel sold or imported into the US must meet it and carry compliant labelling.

Why it matters for your shipment

US Customs and the EPA can hold or reject non-compliant panels, and your distributor is liable downstream. Compliance is not optional and it is checked — the panel must be made on a certified line, labelled with the panel producer’s number, and documented.

The two ways we comply

• NAF (no-added-formaldehyde) glue: panels built with NAF resin are inherently below the limit and can qualify for exemption from routine testing. This is the cleanest route for sensitive end uses.
• Third-party-tested MUF: panels built with melamine-urea-formaldehyde resin from a CARB/EPA-certified line, with regular third-party emission testing and the certified producer number on the label.

What you get from us

Tell us at quotation that the destination is the US and we route your order to a compliant line, supply the panel certification and producer number, and label per the rule. If you need the lowest-emission option for a school, hospital or residential project, ask for NAF. Our certifications page lists the full compliance set.