# Formaldehyde: Regulation

A known carcinogen and the new EU indoor limits

Source page: https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/formaldehyde/regulation/

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.

## Other sections

- [Summary](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/formaldehyde/index.md)
- [Overview](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/formaldehyde/overview/index.md)
- [Correlation](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/formaldehyde/correlation/index.md)
- [Production route](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/formaldehyde/routes/index.md)
- [Production](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/formaldehyde/production/index.md)
- [Feedstocks](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/formaldehyde/feedstocks/index.md)
- [Cycles](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/formaldehyde/cycles/index.md)
- [Trading](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/formaldehyde/trading/index.md)
- [Movement](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/formaldehyde/movement/index.md)
- [Characteristics](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/formaldehyde/characteristics/index.md)
- [Emissions](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/formaldehyde/emissions/index.md)
- [Relationships](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/formaldehyde/links/index.md)