EPA Signs Final Update To Composite-Wood Testing Standards

The US Environmental Protection Agency signed a final rule updating composite-wood testing standards on 22 October 2026. The published copy is a prepublication version, not the official Federal Register text. It concerns hardwood plywood, medium-density fibreboard, particleboard and products containing those materials, including manufacturers, importers, sellers and certification businesses. EPA signed text.

Updated Standards And A New Option

The rule updates six incorporated standards: ANSI A190.1-2022, ASTM D5582-22, ASTM D6007-22, ASTM E1333-22, ISO 12460-3:2023(E) and PS 1-22. These cover testing methods and product specifications used under the Toxic Substances Control Act’s composite-wood rules. Section II.B.1.

It adds ISO 12460-2:2024(en) as an optional small-scale chamber method for quality-control testing. It also removes the British BS EN ISO 12460-3 reference because the corresponding international ISO method is included. Sections I.C and II.B.

Timing Depends On Official Publication

The signed text specifies effectiveness 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. It contains a date placeholder, so it does not establish a calendar effective date. EPA says it is not providing an additional transition period beyond that interval. Dates and response to comments.

From February Proposal To Final Rule

The action follows EPA’s proposed rule published on 11 February 2026. The final text responds to comments supporting the updated standards and the additional quality-control option, including comments supporting removal of the duplicate British standard. Section I.C.

The underlying framework dates to EPA’s December 2016 final rule, which established requirements including product testing, labelling, records and third-party certification for covered composite wood. The October action updates standards within that framework. Section II.A.