The EU has recently reviewed the occupational exposure limit value for formaldehyde, and in the Phase 3 amendment to the Carcinogens and Mutagens Directive 2004/37/EC, introduced a new binding occupational exposure limit value (BOELV) of 0.3ppm, which came into force on 11 July 2019. The current GB work place exposure limit (WEL) is 2ppm.

Member States have two years to transpose the new BOELV (i.e. by 11 July 2021). Because of differences in cultural practices; cost of embalming and greater capacity in the facilities available; and the limited use of embalming in other Members States, the UK negotiated an additional 3-year transitional period (until July 2024) for the funeral and embalming sector, during which time an interim BOELV of 0.5ppm will apply. This is to allow the UK funeral and embalming sector to comply with the Directive without incurring disproportionate costs.

The Health and Safety Executive is currently working to implement the revised exposure limits for formaldehyde.

The EU has recently reviewed the occupational exposure limit value for formaldehyde, and in the Phase 3 amendment to the Carcinogens and Mutagens Directive 2004/37/EC, introduced a new binding occupational exposure limit value (BOELV) of 0.3ppm, which came into force on 11 July 2019. The current GB work place exposure limit (WEL) is 2ppm.

Member States have two years to transpose the new BOELV (i.e. by 11 July 2021). Because of differences in cultural practices; cost of embalming and greater capacity in the facilities available; and the limited use of embalming in other Members States, the UK negotiated an additional 3-year transitional period (until July 2024) for the funeral and embalming sector, during which time an interim BOELV of 0.5ppm will apply. This is to allow the UK funeral and embalming sector to comply with the Directive without incurring disproportionate costs.

The Health and Safety Executive is currently working to implement the revised exposure limits for formaldehyde.

Under the Construction Products Regulation, MDF manufactured in Europe must be labelled to European standards ‘E1’ or ‘E2’. 95% of EU companies comply voluntarily with the ‘E1’ standard, meeting World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.

Proposals for a restriction to control formaldehyde releases from articles (which would include wood-based panels) are being considered under the EU Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regime. The European Chemicals Agency is expected to produce its opinion on the proposal around 20 March 2020, though the subsequent adoption of a legislative decision will be dependent on the outcome of further discussions.

In a no deal exit from the EU, all existing EU restrictions will continue in the UK. A UK REACH system would retain the process for restricting a chemical.

Under the Construction Products Regulation, MDF manufactured in Europe must be labelled to European standards ‘E1’ or ‘E2’. 95% of EU companies comply voluntarily with the ‘E1’ standard, meeting World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.

Proposals for a restriction to control formaldehyde releases from articles (which would include wood-based panels) are being considered under the EU Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regime. The European Chemicals Agency is expected to produce its opinion on the proposal around 20 March 2020, though the subsequent adoption of a legislative decision will be dependent on the outcome of further discussions.

In a no deal exit from the EU, all existing EU restrictions will continue in the UK. A UK REACH system would retain the process for restricting a chemical.

The supply of the substance formaldehyde to consumers is banned. However, it is not restricted in articles such as MDF panels. Under the Construction Products Regulation, MDF manufactured in Europe must be labelled to European standards ‘E1’ or ‘E2’. 95% of EU companies comply voluntarily with the ‘E1’ standard, meeting World Health Organisation guidelines.

There is a ban on the sale of the substance formaldehyde and its sale in mixtures when present at or over 0.1% (by weight). In addition, the use of formaldehyde will be further restricted in 2023.

Proposals for a further legal restriction to control formaldehyde releases from articles (which would include wood-based panels) are being considered under REACH. Currently, there is a voluntary agreement to produce wooden panels within these exposure levels and over 95% of EU companies are compliant.

Local authority trading standards departments are responsible for consumer protection issues under REACH; this includes decisions on funding and prioritisation. The Government has not specifically assessed the effectiveness of this regime in relation to products containing formaldehyde.

Six sites in the UK are engaged in the manufacture of particleboard and fibreboard. These sites are all currently compliant with the formaldehyde release limits set out in current published UK guidance. Following the publication in November 2015 of new EU guidance and emission limits under the EU Industrial Emission Directive, UK regulators are currently working with industry to ensure that their environmental permits are all reviewed and updated by the implementation deadline of 20 November 2019.

Keeping consumers safe is a priority for this Government. Furniture is regulated under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. This requires it to be safe in normal or reasonably foreseeable use before it can be placed on the UK market. Manufacturers are required to monitor their products on the market and to take action if they become aware that a product is unsafe. Local Authority Trading Standards have powers to take action against any unsafe goods including removing them from the market.

The Department has not made any such assessment. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs have responsibility for the regulatory framework for the control of chemicals.

The Department has not made any such assessment. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs have responsibility for the regulatory framework for the control of chemicals.