E1 is the European baseline, E0 is a stricter industry grade, and CARB P2 and TSCA Title VI are the US rules. The limits differ partly because the test methods differ, so a number without a method cannot be compared. Always ask for a report that names the board grade and the method, not just the factory.
E1 is the European baseline; E0 is a stricter industry grade.
CARB P2 and TSCA Title VI are the US rules.
Chamber and perforator methods give different numbers.
A report must name the board grade and the method.
Specify by market and project requirement, not by slogan.
1. Why formaldehyde matters
Composite wood uses adhesives that can emit formaldehyde. The emission depends on the resin, the board and the test method. Regulations set limits to protect indoor air quality, and projects specify grades to meet those limits. The confusion starts when grades from different systems are compared as if they were the same scale.
2. The standards compared
| System | Region | Basis | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| E1 | Europe | European baseline | General interior board |
| E0 | Europe / Asia | Industry grade, lower emission | Low-emission projects |
| CARB P2 | US / California | California rule | US market |
| TSCA VI | US federal | Federal rule, mirrors CARB P2 | US market |
The table shows the systems, not the numeric limits, because the limits depend on the test method and are revised from time to time. Check the current version for the project market.
3. Test methods
Two methods dominate: the chamber method, which measures air concentration, and the perforator method, which measures content in the board. They produce different numbers for the same board, which is why a limit is meaningless without its method. Ask for the method on the report.
4. Reading a test report
A useful report names the board grade, the test method, the result, the laboratory and the date. A report that names only the factory is a claim about the factory, not the board. The compliance documents guide shows how the report fits the wider pack.
5. Market mapping
Europe and many export markets specify E1 or E0. The US specifies CARB P2 and TSCA Title VI. Australia and New Zealand commonly specify E0 or E1 in project documents. Map the grade to the market before ordering, not after the container is loaded.
6. Specifying the grade
Name the grade and the standard, and ask for the test report with the quote. A specification that says low emission without a grade is not checkable. The carcass materials guide covers how the grade fits the board specification.
7. Verification
Verify at three points: the quote, the pre-shipment inspection and the arrival documents. At each point, check the report against the board grade and the batch. A report that matches the grade but not the batch is a gap.
8. Common mistakes
Three mistakes recur: comparing limits from different methods, accepting a factory certificate without a board grade, and specifying E0 in a market that requires CARB P2. Each is avoidable by naming the system, the method and the market in the specification.
9. A checklist before you commit
Before you sign, confirm six things: the board grade, the hardware model, the finish system, the packing standard, the inspection scope and the payment schedule. Each should be in writing, not in a call. The quote checklist turns the six into a one-page comparison.
10. Common mistakes
The most common mistake is comparing a factory price with a landed cost. The second is leaving the inspection out of the budget. The third is paying the balance before the inspection is signed off. Each is avoidable with a written scope and a pre-shipment inspection.
11. How to measure the room
Measure each wall at three points, top, middle and bottom, and use the smallest. Walls are rarely square, and a 10 mm bow over three metres changes the filler. Measure the ceiling at each corner and note sockets, radiators and soil pipes before drawing. A measured survey saves more time than a faster drawing, and the measuring guide has a printable sheet.
Frequently asked questions
Is E0 better than E1?
E0 is a stricter industry grade with a lower emission target. Whether it is required depends on the project specification and the market, not on a universal rule.
What is CARB P2?
CARB P2 is the California Air Resources Board phase 2 limit for composite wood. It is widely required for products sold in the US.
How does TSCA Title VI differ from CARB P2?
TSCA Title VI is the federal US rule and largely mirrors CARB P2. A product that meets CARB P2 usually meets TSCA Title VI, but the paperwork must show it.
Why does the test method matter?
Chamber and perforator methods produce different numbers for the same board. A limit without a method cannot be compared with another limit.
What should a test report include?
The board grade, the test method, the result, the laboratory and the date. A report that only names the factory proves very little.
Which grade should I specify?
E1 for general European work, E0 where low emission is specified, CARB P2 or TSCA Title VI for the US. Confirm the project requirement before ordering.
