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EU REACH REVISION (E05)

A forthcoming revision of the EU REACH Regulation will impose new formaldehyde emission limits in Europe on all formaldehyde emitting products, including wood-based panels.

This restriction is being introduced under EU REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) Annex XVII (Formaldehyde Restriction). The current limit in some European countries, known as E1, is 0.124 mg/m³ and the new restriction halves this threshold to 0.062mg/m3 for wood-based panels, introducing the industry classification E05.

This is an EU requirement, therefore Great Britain will not be directly affected by this. However, companies in GB who export to the EU will have to be EU REACH compliant to place wood-based products on the EU market.

The official implementation date for this revision is 6 August 2026. However, MEDITE is committed to staying ahead of these new standards. The MEDITE MDF range will fully transition to the revised EU REACH Regulation from 13 April 2026. All new orders confirmed and invoiced from 13 April 2026 will be compliant to the revised EU REACH Regulation (E05).

What is formaldehyde and what is it used for?

Formaldehyde is a common, naturally occurring Volatile Organic Compound (VOC), found in natural materials in very small, safe amounts. It occurs naturally within trees, at a very low level, and is therefore present in all wood products.

Formaldehyde has many uses. It’s mainly found in the production of other chemicals and resins. Formaldehyde based resins act as adhesives and binders across a range of industries that produce wood products. These include products such as paper and textiles, cosmetics, disinfectants and medicines, and many paints, varnishes and lubricants may also contain formaldehyde.

Formaldehyde has long been used in MDF and similar wood-based panels as part of the resin binder system that holds wood fibres together. It delivers strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness, making MEDITE MDF one of the most versatile and machinable materials in joinery, cabinetry, and interior fit-outs. MDF contains a very low level of formaldehyde. The amount emitted from the board is not harmful and begins to reduce as soon as the board has been produced. For more information on this, you can visit https://wpif.org.uk/Health_and...

Importantly, the amount of formaldehyde used - even under the existing E1 limit - is extremely low and is not harmful to human health. In fact, formaldehyde is a naturally occurring compound found in all living things including plants, trees, and even in the human body. Everyday sources such as a bowl of fruit can release more formaldehyde into the air (typically 0.05–0.1 ppm) than MEDITE MDF panels.

The new EU REACH restriction is only relevant for a number of MEDITE products.

What will MEDITE products be tested to?

MEDITE products are tested to EN 717 when measuring formaldehyde emissions. This testing standard will continue for E0.5 products, from the point of transition.

What is EN 717?

EN 717 is recommended by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), as it was specifically developed for testing the emissions of wood-based panels and does not need additional testing to demonstrate compliance with formaldehyde standards (i.e., EN 16516).

EN 717 tests formaldehyde emissions over the period of 28 days through a chamber method. It is the recommended test for formaldehyde emissions and is used for all MEDITE products when testing emissions.

Will the test results be available?

Emissions certificates will continue to be available upon request. These certificates can be passed down the supply chain if the board has not been altered with a layer that will affect its formaldehyde content.

Will tehre be documentation changes?

MEDITE will be updating the Declaration of Performances (DoP) and the product datasheets

What if i am based in Great Britain, and only sell to the GB market?

From the transition date, MEDITE will only be supplying E05 products. We will not be supplying E1 product.

How will Northern Ireland be treated within the EU REACH revision?

Northern Ireland will be bound by EU law.

What happens if the product does not meet EU REACH regulation?

There can be fines, vary depending on severity. The EU Member State and can include criminal charges but is generally a fine. Each Memebr State will appoint a competent authority and may carry out market surveillance inspections.

Learn more

If you have any questions on EU REACH E05, please get in contact with your local Sales Manager, or email Luke Pollington, Product Manager, using the details here.

luke.pollington@mdfosb.com

+44 (0) 1322 424900