California Air Resources Board

CARB provides guidance to third-party certifiers regarding inspections during unsafe conditions-UPDATED

A third-party certifier (TPC) is an organization or entity approved by the Executive Officer to do the following:

• Verify the accuracy of the emissions and test procedures used by manufacturers of composite wood products
• Conduct formaldehyde emission tests
• Monitor a manufacturer's quality assurance program
• Provide independent audits and inspections

Among other things, a CARB approved TPC certifies that a manufacturer's composite wood products (e.g., hardwood plywood) comply with the identical formaldehyde emission standards found in both CARB's airborne toxic control measure and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's composite wood products act, Title VI of the Toxic Substances Control Act.   See list of Executive Orders issued to CARB-approved TPCs.  

TPCs are also required to participate in an interlaboratory testing comparison study to assess laboratories' proficiencies in performing formaldehyde emissions testing. The 2023 study is presented below:

Inter-laboratory Comparison of Third-Party Certifiers and Contract Laboratories

Before a TPC begins certifying hardwood plywood, particleboard, and medium density fiberboard composite wood products that are sold, supplied, offered for sale, or manufactured (including imported) in California, a prospective TPC must first apply to and be approved by CARB.  Prospective TPCs may submit an application to CARB at no cost. 

TPC Application (for new applicants)       

TPC Re-Approval Application (to renew or amend an existing executive order)       

Information such as bulletins and guidance documents related to TPC services is found below. 

Link to Composite Wood Products homepage