Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Approves SCS Global Services As Third Party Certifier

Leading third-party certifier SCS Global Services (SCS) announced today that it is now approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a Third Party Certifier (TPC) for the Formaldehyde Emission Standards for Composite Wood Products, commonly referred to as the EPA Formaldehyde Rule. In this role, SCS is now authorized to conduct independent certification assessments of composite wood products under Toxics Substance Control Act (TSCA) Title VI. In addition to being a TPC for the EPA Formaldehyde Rule, SCS has been a TPC for the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM 93120) for composite wood products since 2009.

The EPA Formaldehyde Rule was published December 12, 2016 and became effective May 22, 2017. The purpose of TSCA Title VI is to reduce formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products, resulting in decreased health risks. TSCA Title VI mandates that producers selling hardwood plywood (veneer or composite core), particleboard, and medium density fiberboard (MDF) products in the United States comply to the formaldehyde emissions criteria by December 12, 2017.

“We are pleased to be an approved TPC for the EPA Formaldehyde Rule,” said Nicole Muñoz, SCS Managing Director, Environmental Certification Services. “SCS has been certifying products to indoor air quality standards for over ten years, and certifying wood products used in the green building and furniture industries for even longer. Becoming an approved certifier for the EPA Formaldehyde Rule allows us to increase our indoor air quality offerings to manufacturers looking to comply with regulations as well as independently verify this health and wellness aspect of their products.”  

SCS provides third-party indoor air quality (IAQ) certification under a variety of internationally recognized labels, including FloorScore®, SCS Indoor Advantage and Indoor Advantage Gold, and calCOMPliant, SCS’ program for certifying composite wood products to California’s formaldehyde emissions requirements. It partners with independent, ISO-17025-accredited laboratories worldwide, providing testing services convenient for manufacturing facilities located around the globe. 

About SCS Global Services 
SCS Global Services has been providing global leadership in third-party environmental and sustainability certification, auditing, testing, and standards development for over 30 years. Its programs span a wide cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, retail, and more, addressing a broad range of Sustainable Development Goals.  The SCS Kingfisher certification mark is found on an increasing number of products around the world, including products certified for their indoor air quality attributes. SCS is a chartered benefit corporation, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices.