Starting August 6, 2026, companies placing indoor-use articles on the EU market will be required to comply with the new formaldehyde emission limits. Here is what businesses need to know to stay compliant.
Some background: what is Restriction 77?
Restriction 77 was introduced by Regulation (EU) 2023/1464, which added a new entry to Annex XVII of the REACH Regulation. Its purpose is to limit emissions of formaldehyde, and substances that release formaldehyde, from articles placed on the European market.
The regulation has been in force since 2023, but the key date for businesses is August 6, 2026. From that date onward, non-compliant articles may no longer be placed on the EU market.
Who is affected?
The restriction applies to operators placing on the EU market products that, under reasonably foreseeable conditions of use, release formaldehyde into indoor air. The main categories include:
- furniture and wood-based articles
- other articles intended for indoor use, such as foams, certain technical textiles, toys, electrical appliances, and specific construction materials for indoor use
- interiors of road vehicles, such as passenger cars, trucks, and buses
Please note: Restriction 77 does not apply to textiles, clothing, and footwear already covered by Restriction 72. These are separate areas, with different requirements.
What are the limits?
The limit values, measured under the test conditions defined in Appendix 14 of REACH, are:
| Scope | Deadline | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Articles (furniture, wood-based articles) | August 6, 2026 | 0.062 mg/m³ |
| Other articles | August 6, 2026 | 0.080 mg/m³ |
| Road vehicle interiors | August 6, 2027 | 0.062 mg/m³ |
What are the exemptions?
Among others, the regulation does not apply to:
- articles in which formaldehyde is naturally present in the materials
- articles intended exclusively for outdoor use or for industrial/professional use, provided they do not expose the general public
- second-hand articles
- medical devices, PPE, biocidal products, and food contact materials, which are regulated under specific legislation
What should companies do now?
If your company manufactures or imports articles for the EU market, now is the time to assess your situation. The key steps are:
- identify the articles that may fall within the scope of the restriction
- check whether relevant test data are already available, either internally or from suppliers
- start testing activities well in advance of the deadline
Do you need support in assessing the impact of Restriction 77 on your business? Our team is available for an initial evaluation.