Most panel products that do not comply with Australia’s formaldehyde emission regulations are imported, according to Simon Dorries, general manager, Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (now incorporating the Australian Wood Panels Association), Selector.com reports.
Mr Dorries made the comment during an address at a Housing Industry Association (HIA) Kitchens and Bathrooms national committee meeting in Sydney.
He said evidence collected by the EWPAA suggests that non-complying products are imported, and that there is a slightly greater rate of non-compliance in the furniture sector.
Mr Dorries said the results of recent tests on this material by recognised authorities has revealed extremely high (4.8mg/L) formaldehyde emissions.
At the meeting, the HIA agreed to support EWPAA’s consumer campaign to identify and promote low-emission Australian products.
