Composite Wood Products ATCM

This page last reviewed January 8, 2013

No-Added Formaldehyde (NAF) and Ultra Low Emitting Formaldehyde Resins (ULEF)

In the ATCM, special provisions were provided for manufacturers of hardwood plywood, particleboard, and medium density fiberboard who plan to use no-added formaldehyde (NAF) based resins (section 93120.3(c)) or ultra-low-emitting formaldehyde (ULEF) resins (section 93120.3(d)).  NAF based resins are resins formulated with no added formaldehyde as part of the resin cross linking structure, and include resins made from soy, polyvinyl acetate, or methylene diisocyanate.  ULEF resins are formaldehyde containing resins formulated such that the formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products are consistently below applicable Phase 2 emission standards. 

Manufacturers who plan to use NAF based resins may apply to the Executive Officer of ARB for an exemption from the third party certification requirements in section 93120.3(b).  Manufacturers who plan to use ULEF resins may apply to the Executive Officer of ARB for approval to test their products less frequently or for an exemption from the third party certification requirements in section 93120.3(b).  The link to the application form for NAF or ULEF product manufacturers is provided below.