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Q: What do CARB regulations have to do with engineered hardwood floors?

I recently heard engineered hardwood floors would have to constructed with stricter regulations. Can an expert please fill me in on these CARB regulations and why they are so important?

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    I cannot believe I missed this!
    CARB stands for California Air Resource Board. This is a gov't agency that has been asked to improve and regulate the air quality in California. New CARB regulation went into effect on January 1st, 2009 that would limit formaldehyde emissions in composite wood products(wood pieces/fibers bonded by resin) Some products included are MDF, HDF, interior plywood & particle board. It also includes products made with these materials including engineered/laminate flooring and moldings, packaging materials and shipping pallets. Products that don't meet this new regulation cannot be sold in CA and violators will face new fines $1,000- $10,000 per day the product is sold. If your a distributor or retailer look out!
    The new requirement is called ACTM or Airbourne Toxic Control Measure. There are 2 phases to this. Phase one began on Jan 1st 2009 and all products produced after this date must meet phase 1 requirements. Phase 2 begins Jan 1st 2011. Composite wood products sold in CA must be certified phase 1 or 2 in order to be sold. All products are needing to be Phase 2 compliant by Jan 1 2011.
    If you have current stock of material produced before Jan 1st you can sell it in CA until June 30th 2010. This also applies to material you may have in stock with a retailer. There is an 18 month sell thru on these kinds of situations that extend beyond the effective date. 18 months from purchase is the rule of thumb shelf life on items purchased for resale between these two dates. If you buy non compliant material after the 18 month window you will be in violation and receive a fine. Carb compliant materials will be labeled as such and should be shown on all BOL's and Invoicing. To see more info on this look up CA Code of Regulations CCR title 17 section 93120.2(a)

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    Oct 7, 2022

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