On July 17, 2023, the Official Journal of the European Union published the new Regulation 2023/1464 amending Annex XVII of the REACH Regulation concerning formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers. Products intended for non-industrial/non-commercial indoor use that release formaldehyde above specific concentrations under defined conditions will no longer be allowed to be placed on the market after a transition period.Specifically, this concerns (with some specific exceptions):
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Furniture and wood-based products
⇒ Limit: 62 µg/m³ from 06.08.2026 -
All other products except furniture and wood-based products
⇒ Limit: 80 µg/m³ from 06.08.2026But also
- Road vehicles
⇒ Limit (vehicle interior): 62 µg/m³ from 06.08.2027"
This marks the first instance of a statutory regulation coming into effect within the EU, which aims to address vehicle indoor air quality (VIAQ) through the establishment of specific limits. The regulation explicitly applies not only to passenger cars (including recreational vehicles, etc.) but also extends to trucks and buses. Vehicles intended exclusively for industrial or commercial use, as well as used vehicles, are exempt.
The testing conditions under which the limits for vehicles must be met have been defined as ambient conditions (Ambient Mode) in accordance with ISO 12219-1 (for passenger cars) and ISO 12219-10 (for trucks and buses).
Overview of formaldehyde test methods
If your products are affected by the new limits, rest assured that you have a partner by your side in imat, who will provide comprehensive guidance on all matters related to the regulation changes. We are eager to discuss the possibilities for testing your products, and we are here to offer you a solution.
With our extensive range of methods, which cover the standards of almost all vehicle manufacturers, imat is your premier choice as a validation service provider. Feel free to reach out to us without hesitation, our team looks forward to your call.
The satisfaction of our customers has the highest priority at imat. In this context, the expertise of all employees is the greatest potential. We stand for customized products and solutions that are precisely tailored to customer requirements and exceed their expectations. Our team of experts is the first choice when it comes to solving challenges. We have 30 years of practical experience in emission, automotive testing (laboratory) and understand the needs of the market and customers.