WTO Circulates Malaysia's Plan to Regulate Formaldehyde Emissions from Wood-Based Panel Products

The Malaysian Government has signalled its intention to regulate formaldehyde emissions from wood-based panel products. Their proposal was circulated via World Trade Organization (WTO) document number 19-6067, on September 20, 2019.

When adopted, the new restrictions will come under the Malaysian Timber Industry Board (Incorporation) Act 1973 (Act 105) and will affect:
Particleboards/chipboards (HS Code 44.10)
Fiberboards (HS Code 44.11)
Plywood (HS Code 44.12)

The draft technical regulation contains several important provisions, including the requirement for:
Formaldehyde emissions testing to be carried out by a laboratory accredited by a National Accreditation Agency that is a member of Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC) or International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC)
Manufacturers and suppliers of regulated products to submit a test report issued under Regulation 5 as determined by the Board
Importers of regulated products to submit a test report under Regulation 5 and other documentation as prescribed by the Board for an import license

The draft document also includes information on the methods to be employed during testing and the various formaldehyde emission levels.

The WTO document also includes two proposed dates, of which stakeholders should be aware:
Date of adoption - January 2, 2020
Entry into force - July 1, 2020

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