The Evolution Of China’s Anti-Formaldehyde Laws – Laying Down The Law On The “Wild East”

When I was learning the ID trade from my father, he used to tell me, “Don’t ever work with China plywood suppliers.”

That was over 30 years ago. 

Back then, China had extremely lax regulations towards quality of materials. 

They were the “wild east” in the furniture and manufacturing world.

The trade-off was that China-made products were cheap. However, there was no point in ordering cheap plywood if they were dangerous to our customers. 

Dangerous, because they emitted high levels of formaldehyde. 

In other words, if we ordered cheap China plywood to save cost, the damage to our reputation would be a lot more expensive and irreparable. 

Like I said, that was over 30 years ago. 

Today is a different story. 

In recent years, China has established itself as one of the world’s leading supplier of high-quality plywood. 

And we at GoDesign is proud to work with a leading China supplier for all our plywood needs.

 

So How Did China “Level Up” Their Plywood Game?

 

 

Everything changed in 2018. That was when the “Limit of Harmful Substances of Wood-based Panels and Finishing Products” regulation was introduced in China. 

The regulation was meant to protect public health, especially from harmful emissions of formaldehyde from wood-based products.

Previously, there were no official rules in China on formaldehyde control. That led to a gradual increase in health conditions like respiratory problems, skin irritation and even cancer.  

Under this new regulation, formaldehyde emissions from plywood is set at a maximum of 0.08ppm; a level deemed safe for public health. 

Initially, many wood-manufacturing companies were non-compliant. 

But when the government conducted a nationwide crackdown in 2019, resulting in plenty of fines issued and mandatory corrective measures imposed, companies quickly fell in line.

In short, it was either comply or bust. 

Today, after years of strict control, China’s wood-manufacturing industry is reaping the benefits. 

China has emerged as one of the world’s leading suppliers of high quality, low formaldehyde plywood.

 

So What Does This Have To Do With You And Other Home Owners?

 

 

As mentioned above, GoDesign is working with a leading China supplier for all our plywood needs. 

Even though China’s quality of plywood has improved significantly in recent years, prices have remained relatively low.

By working with a China supplier, we get top-notch plywood at reduced rates.

Best of both worlds!

That’s why we can “share” the savings, by keeping our ID packages affordable for you.

So if you’re looking for the best and safest plywood on the market for your home renovation, drop us a message below and let’s have a chat!

Talk soon!