The Department of the Environment and the Department of Health issued a Notice of intent published in the Canada Gazette Part 1 Vol.151 initiating the development of proposed regulations under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999) respecting formaldehyde emission standards for composite wood products to help reduce exposure to formaldehyde emissions from certain wood products produced domestically or imported into Canada.
The Notice of Intent to develop proposed regulations recognizes current North American activities, specifically those of the United States (U.S.) Environmental Protection Agency which published the Formaldehyde Emission Standards for Composite Wood Products in December 2016. The U.S. national emission standards, coming into force in December 2017, require composite wood products sold or imported in the US to comply with the requirements of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) on formaldehyde emissions and with other requirements such as product traceability and certification.
The Government of Canada invites all interested stakeholders to participate in the 60-day public comment period, from March 18, 2017 to May 17, 2017. The development of these proposed regulations will include consultations with representatives of provincial and territorial governments, industry, non-governmental organizations, the public and other stakeholders.
Any comments will be considered during the development of the proposed regulations. All interested parties, importers, manufacturers, retailers; non-governmental organizations may submit comments and their interest in participating in these consultations to:
Executive Director, Program Development and Engagement Division,
Environment and Climate Change Canada
by facsimile to 819-938-5212, or by email to eccc.substances.eccc@canada.ca.