While Canadian and US manufacturers already meet these stringent US standards, many offshore importers have not made similar commitments. High formaldehyde emitting products can and do reach Canada and the US.
Canadian composite panel manufacturers have made major investments over several years to voluntarily comply with the low emission levels called for under the EPA regulation.
Offshore imports have not made a similar commitment, and thus there is a risk that high emitting products will get into Canada without a national regulation in place.
CPA, representing North American member manufacturers, stand ready to help Health Canada in its announced action plan to draft such a regulation, which will provide important health and environmental benefits to the public while at the same time ensuring a level regulatory playing field and fair competition.