Formaldehyde: Regulation
A known carcinogen and the new EU indoor limits
What this tab covers How it is regulated and what could disrupt supply: hazard classification, rules in the EU, US and India, anti-dumping duties and other trade measures, and supply-risk notes.Hazards
| Classification | UN number | Key risks |
|---|---|---|
| Carcinogenicity cat 1B, germ cell mutagenicity cat 2, acute toxicity cat 3, skin corrosion cat 1B, skin sensitiser cat 1 (EU CLP) | UN2209 (UN1198 if flammable) | Known human carcinogen (IARC Group 1, nasopharyngeal cancer and leukaemia); strong irritant and sensitiser; indoor emissions from panels are the main public exposure. |
Main rules
| Where | Rule | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| EU | CLP Carc 1B (applies from 1 Jan 2016); REACH Annex XVII emission limit 0.062 mg/m3 for furniture and wood articles from 6 Aug 2026 and 0.080 mg/m3 in vehicles from 2027 (Regulation (EU) 2023/1464) | pushes low-emission resins and pMDI |
| EU | Binding occupational limit 0.3 ppm (Directive (EU) 2019/983) | plant and workplace controls |
| US | TSCA Title VI composite wood emission standards (CARB Phase 2 limits) | panels sold in the US must be certified low-emitting |
| Global | IARC Group 1 carcinogen (2004, reaffirmed 2012) | drives labelling and substitution |
India
| Rule | Effect |
|---|---|
| MSIHC Rules 1989 (formaldehyde listed, indicative) | storage and emergency planning |
| No binding indoor panel emission limit found | Indian plywood and boards can use higher-emission UF resins; export panels must meet EU/US rules |
Trade measures
- None material found for formaldehyde itself; methanol duty changes in 2026 pass through
Supply risk
Low for formaldehyde itself because plants are local and numerous; the risk is methanol supply, which for India runs through Hormuz.