1. Background and legal basis

From 6 August 2026, new EU-wide legal requirements regarding formaldehyde emissions from wood-based materials and related products will come into force. The legal basis for this is Regulation (EU) 2023/1464[1] . It adds a new entry (No. 77) to the existing Annex XVII of the REACH Regulation and defines legally binding emission limit values for formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing substances in products across the EU. The aim is to improve the protection of consumers against health risks posed by formaldehyde.

2. Scope and limit values

Table 1: Requirements under Annex XVII of the REACH regulation (Entry 77)


3. Definition of ‘article’ within the meaning of the regulation

In the context of the REACH Regulation, an article is defined as “an object which, during manufacture, is given a specific shape, surface or design which determines its function to a greater extent than its chemical composition”. [2]

The restriction applies to all products containing formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing substances which, under test conditions, exhibit emissions exceeding the specified limit values.

4. Products covered

The requirements apply in particular to
- furniture and wood-based materials containing formaldehyde-based bonding agents, as well as
products made from textiles, leather, plastics or composite materials, electrical products and
- vehicle interior components.
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Source: eph-dresden.de