EN 717-1: Formaldehyde emissions from construction materials

European standard EN 717-1 outlines a chamber method for measuring formaldehyde emissions from wood-based panels.

During testing, test pieces are placed in a chamber with controlled temperature, relative humidity, loading factor, and air exchange rate. Formaldehyde concentration in the air is then measured at specified intervals until a steady state concentration has been reached. The results are expressed in mg/m3.

The EN 717-1 method is equivalent to that described in Appendix 14 to Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1464, which states that certain formaldehyde-releasing articles must not be placed on the market after 6 August 2026.

To comply with the regulation, materials must not release formaldehyde in excess of the following values:

• 0.062 mg/m3 for furniture and wood-based articles

• 0.080 mg/m3 for articles other than furniture and wood-based articles