SACRAMENTO, CA -- The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is delaying the enforcement of two sell-through dates that affect distributors, importers, fabricators and retailers of finished goods made with Phase 1 hardwood plywood - veneer core (HWPW-VC), and distributors of Phase 1 particleboard (PB) and medium density fiberboard (MDF) panels.

CARB is allowing the extension in recognition of the economic recession and problems of companies to sell off their inventories.

The extension for distributors, importers, fabricators, and retailers of finished goods is through June 30, 2012, and affects businesses that use HWPW-VC panels (i.e., fabricators) to make finished goods, as well as businesses that distribute or sell these goods in California. In addition to the finished goods extension, this advisory also provides an extension for distributors of Phase 1 PB and MDF panels through December 31, 2011, aligning this date with the sell-through date for panel retailers. The extensions will not change the anticipated emission reduction benefits, because CARB had expected that these panels and finished goods would have already been sold if the economy and turnover of inventories had not slowed.

The formaldehyde emission standards affecting newly manufactured composite wood products will not be delayed.

Posted by Rich Christianson