Composite Wood Products ATCM
Third Party Certification Program


A "Third Party Certifier” is an organization or entity approved by the Executive Officer that verifies the accuracy of the emission test procedures and facilities used by manufacturers to conduct formaldehyde emission tests,
 monitors manufacturer quality assurance programs, and provides independent audits and inspections. 93120. 1(41)
This page last reviewed January 8, 2013

On April 26, 2007, the Air Resources Board (ARB) approved an airborne toxic control measure (ATCM) to reduce formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products including hardwood plywood (HWPW), particleboard (PB), medium density fiberboard (MDF), and also furniture and other finished products made with composite wood products.

For manufacturers of HWPW, PB, and MDF, compliance with emission standards specified in the ATCM must be verified by using a third party certifier approved by ARB.  Third party certifiers are required to ensure that manufacturers of composite wood products verify compliance with the applicable emissions standards under the ATCM for their manufactured products.

This website contains hyper links to a list of approved third party certifiers, application forms, a flowchart to show the process specified by the ATCM and used by staff in evaluating applications, and other pertinent information for ARB approved third party certifiers. Prospective third party certification candidates may submit an application to ARB at no cost.

For more information, please contact  Lynton Baker at (916) 324-6997, or Ms. Layla Gonzalez, at (916) 324-0354.
Third Party Certification Program Information Date
Third Party Certifier Bulletin # 1 - Revised  8-29-12
Third Party Certification Guidelines - June 8, 2010  6-8-10



Third Party Certification Application Forms and Processes 
Third Party Certification Application TPC Re-Approval Application
Approval Process Flowchart

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