SACRAMENTO, CA — Sell-through dates have been extended until Dec. 31, 2012, in California for distributors and fabricators of Phase 1 finished goods made with composite wood panels.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) also announced in February that California retailers now have until Dec. 31, 2012, to sell off their remaining inventory of pre-Phase 1 finished goods purchased prior to Dec. 31, 2011. Written documentation of the purchase date will be required for the extension to apply.

An extension until Dec. 31, 2013, also was granted to these same retailers for the selling of Phase 1 finished goods. The 2013 deadline pertains to all finished goods made with composite panels, regardless of type. Previously, separate deadlines were issued depending on whether the product contained a hardwood plywood veneer core, hardwood plywood composite core, particleboard, medium-density fiberboard (MDF) or thin MDF.

CARB said "the purpose of these extensions is to address excess inventories in California of finished goods made with pre-Phase 1 and Phase 1 composite wood product panels. These excess inventories are the result of slow sales across many business sectors."

According to CARB, the extensions do not apply to importers. The sell-through deadline for importers of most Phase 1 finished goods remains June 30, 2012.

According to the agency, plans are underway to further amend the regulation in late 2012. For information visit arb.ca.gov/toxics/compwood/compwood.htm

Click here to download a PDF of the 2012 Composite Wood Products ATCM from CARB