New European Formaldehyde REACH Regulation starts August 2026

REACH stands for Registration, Evolution, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals and it is comprehensive regulatory framework established by the European Union (EU). Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing substances were recently added to the REACH Regulation as restricted substances under Regulation (EU) 2023/1464. From August 2026, articles that emit formaldehyde above the specified limits must no longer be placed on the EU market. Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1464 amends Annex XVII of the REACH Regulation by adding formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing substances under entry 77.1 From 6 August 2026, articles placed on the market must not exceed the following emission limits to 0.062 mg/m3 for furniture and wood-based articles.