SG 75/24
Germany has repealed its national law on formaldehyde emissions from wood-based panels and other products. These will be repealed on August 7, 2026.
In July 2023, the European Union (EU) issued Regulation (EU) 2023/1464 to regulate formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing substances in articles (SafeGuardS 91/23). This binding legislative act applies in its entirety across all EU member states, including Germany. It will be implemented in phases, starting August 7, 2026.
In February 2024, Germany issued an amendment to its Chemicals Prohibition Ordinance (ChemVerbotsV) by repealing the requirements for formaldehyde emission from wood-based panels, furniture containing wood-based panels and other products falling under Entry 1 of Appendix 1 to Section 3 of this piece of national legislation.
Entry 1 of Appendix 1 to Section 3 of the Chemicals Prohibition Ordinance will be repealed on August 7, 2026 – the same day the EU law on formaldehyde emissions becomes applicable.
This development is also indicated on the Ministry of the Environment, Nature Conservation and Transport of North Rhine-Westphalia website.
Additionally, the aforementioned amendment has repealed the provisions for pentachlorophenol (PCP), its salts and esters falling under Entry 3 of Appendix 1 to Section 3 of the Chemicals Prohibition Ordinance. This was repealed on February 15, 2024 – the day of its publication in the Federal Law Gazette. In the EU, PCP, its salts and esters are regulated under Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 on persistent organic pollutants (SafeGuardS 25/21).
SGS has the expertise to help manufacturers and suppliers of FCM achieve compliance with markets around the globe. Our technical experts have extensive experience of testing materials and articles for many markets. We offer the full range of FCM testing, including migration tests, along with expert advice on emerging regulations, compliance issues and documentation review. Our experience can ensure your products meet the appropriate territorial regulations for food contact materials and help pave the way for compliance. Contact us to know more or visit our website. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested.
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