Product Certification - Benchmark International

Product Certification

Benchmark International offers a variety of certification programs designed to provide independent and impartial compliance validation required by product standards and regulatory schemes.

Whether you are looking to expand your existing market share or open doors to new markets and revenue streams, Benchmark has the global reach, technical capacity, and product expertise to support you each step of the way.

Our portfolio of accredited building products certification programs spans the gamut from panel products to cabinets, furniture, and everything in-between. Feel free to explore our certification programs or contact us directly to discuss your needs and determine how we can best support you.

EPA/CARB Formaldehyde
CANFER Regulations
VOC Green
Composite Wood Sustainability (CWSS)
Structural Panel
Japanese Agricultural Standard (JAS)
Other Certification Programs

Access the Certification Directory

No one wants risk – particularly risk that can be harmful to people or the environment. That’s why Benchmark has developed a thorough formaldehyde emissions certification program that conforms to EPA and CARB regulations. The best part? It’s flexible and allows you to choose an approach that meets your production and sales objectives – at an affordable cost. Here’s what you need to know.

About EPA and CARB Regulations

Our Approach

Eligibility & Process

About EPA/CARB Regulations

Formaldehyde emissions of composite wood products took center stage in 2008 when the California Air Resources Board (CARB) enacted its Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) to Reduce Formaldehyde Emissions from Composite Wood Products Section 93120 – 93120.12 (commonly referred to as “CARB 93120”). Then, in 2016, the U.S. EPA published its Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood Products (40 CFR 770) regulation, which added Title VI to the U.S. Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA Title VI).

Both TSCA Title VI and CARB 93120 regulations set forth emission standards and certification requirements for composite wood products including hardwood plywood (HWPW), medium density fiberboard (MDF), and particleboard (PB). EPA and CARB regulations also require that component parts and finished goods must be made using only certified composite wood products. Compliance to CARB Phase 2 formaldehyde emission standards and requirements is currently mandatory for all composite wood panels and finished goods containing composite wood products that are manufactured, imported, distributed, or sold in the state of California. EPA TSCA Title VI regulations took effect on June 1, 2018, and compliance is currently required for all composite wood panels, laminated products, component parts and finished goods manufactured or imported into the United States.

For a hardwood plywood, MDF, or particleboard panel to be certified as conforming to CARB 93120 or EPA TSCA Title VI regulations, the panels must have been produced by either 1) a manufacturer who is independently certified by a EPA/CARB-approved Third Party Certifier (TPC), or 2) a manufacturer who has obtained exemption from third party certification on the basis of the use of Ultra-Low Emitting Formaldehyde (ULEF) or No-Added Formaldehyde (NAF) resins. The manufacturer must perform routine quality control testing of the composite wood products it produces to verify the products meet EPA and CARB formaldehyde emission standards and is labeled accordingly. Additional documentation, record-keeping, and TPC oversight and independent testing requirements also apply.

In addition to U.S. federal and state regulations, the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) published its Formaldehyde emissions standards for composite wood products (CAN/CSA 0160-16) which established voluntary formaldehyde emission standards applicable to hardwood plywood (HWPW), medium density fiberboard (MDF), and particleboard (PB) panels that are manufactured, imported, distributed, sold, or offered for sale in Canada. The formaldehyde emission requirements and other provisions specified in CAN/CSA 0160-16 are nearly identical to those specified in CARB and EPA regulations; however, unlike EPA and CARB, the requirements in CAN/CSA 0160-16 do not apply to component parts or finished goods. As a voluntary product standard, manufacturers who wish to sell their products in Canada are not required to certify their products as conforming to CAN/CSA standards at this time. However, manufacturers who choose to voluntarily certify their products may be able to achieve significant market share and customer preference over competitors who do not conform to these voluntary product standards.

Our Approach

Benchmark’s certification approach is designed to rigorously evaluate a manufacturer’s production operation and products in light of EPA and CARB requirements, while also providing an affordable and flexible program structure that can be tailored to meet your specific production and sales objectives.

Because each manufacturing operation is different, the time needed to achieve certification varies due to a number of factors including the complexity of the certification effort and the client’s current state of readiness. Whatever the situation, our certification process is straight forward, and we work hard to ensure you are supported throughout the process. From helping you to understand your obligations to providing you with practical testing solutions, we’ll be with you every step of the way.

Eligibility and Process

Determining eligibility is a critical step in ensuring that certification is the right path for you. While we aren’t bound to geographical location, it is important to know who is required to pursue EPA/CARB formaldehyde certification.

Who’s eligible?

Producers of plywood, MDF, or particleboard panels.

Producers of laminated products (defined as a wood or bamboo veneer adhered to an underlying EPA-certified plywood, MDF or particleboard panel using a formaldehyde-containing resin).

What’s the general certification process?

As mentioned, the methodical process Benchmark applies ensures a thorough approach to deliver you the peace of mind you need.

Client submits completed application for EPA/CARB certification
Benchmark reviews application, confirms initial eligibility, and defines the tentative scope of certification
Benchmark and client sign certification agreement
Client selects method for conducting routine formaldehyde quality control testing
Client prepares a Quality Control Manual and submits to Benchmark for approval
Benchmark conducts initial site audit to validate compliance
Benchmark completes initial qualification testing and quality control test method correlations as required by EPA and CARB regulations
Certification review
Certification decision making and document preparation
Surveillance

The bottom line:

Certification to EPA/CARB formaldehyde regulations isn’t something that should be taken lightly, and we understand how overwhelming the process may seem. Don’t sweat it. Give us a call. We’ve got your back.

About CANFER Regulations

Our Approach

Eligibility & Process

About CANFER Regulations

Similar to EPA TSCA Title VI and CARB ATCM 93120 in the United States, the Canada Formaldehyde Emissions From Composite Wood Products Regulations, SOR/2021-148 (commonly known as “CANFER”) apply to composite wood products including hardwood and decorative plywood (HWPW), medium density fiberboard (MDF) and particleboard (PB), as well as to component parts and finished goods containing such materials that are sold, supplied, offered for sale, or manufactured (including imported) in Canada. The formaldehyde emission standards specified in CANFER are the same as those set by EPA TSCA Title VI in the United States; however, there are differences in the testing, record keeping, product labeling, and government reporting requirements that apply.

Composite wood products that are manufactured in or imported to Canada must comply with CANFER regulations on or before January 7, 2023. There are two potential paths to achieve CANFER compliance:

TSCA Title VI Path: Producers of HWPW, MDF and PB who have achieved third party certification or NAF/ULEF exemption pursuant to EPA TSCA Title VI can produce a CANFER Declaration of Certification if they conform to the additional labeling, record-keeping, and Canada Minister of Environment notification requirements specified in CANFER.
CANFER Path: Producers of HWPW, MDF and PB who have not achieved third party certification or NAF/ULEF exemption pursuant to EPA TSCA Title VI must work with a third-party certifier who is accredited pursuant to ISO/IEC 17065 and ISO/IEC 17025 to test and certify that its products conform to CANFER formaldehyde emission standards and certification requirements on or before the applicable CANFER compliance deadline.

Similar to EPA TSCA Title VI, CANFER regulations also require that laminated products consisting of a wood or woody-grass (e.g., bamboo) veneer adhered to a CANFER or TSCA Title VI-certified HWPW, MDF, or PB platform using a formaldehyde-containing resin must also be third-party certified. Laminated product producers must achieve CANFER certification by a qualified third-party certifier on or before January 7, 2028 unless such entities are exempt on the basis of the use of No-Added Formaldehyde (NAF) or phenol resins. Exempted laminated product producers are required to comply with additional record-keeping requirements as specified in the CANFER regulation.

In addition to CANFER’s mandatory requirements, the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) published its Formaldehyde emissions standards for composite wood products (CAN/CSA 0160-16) in 2016. CAN/CSA 0160-16 is a voluntary product standard that applies to hardwood plywood (HWPW), medium density fiberboard (MDF), and particleboard (PB) panels that are manufactured, imported, distributed, sold, or offered for sale in Canada. CAN/CSA voluntary product standards do not apply to laminated products, component parts or finished goods containing composite wood products.

The formaldehyde emission requirements and other provisions specified in CAN/CSA are nearly identical to those specified in existing CARB regulations. However, panel producers who choose to seek certification to this voluntary product standard are required to conform to additional labeling, testing and test sample chain-of-custody requirements that are not currently specified in existing CARB, TSCA, or CANFER regulations.

As a voluntary product standard, panel producers who wish to sell their products in Canada are not required to certify their products as conforming to CAN/CSA standards. Furthermore, the mandatory provisions specified in the CANFER regulation will supersede the voluntary requirements specified in CAN/CSA 0160-16 beginning on January 7, 2023. However, panel producers who choose to voluntarily certify their products may be able to achieve additional market share and customer preference over competitors who do not conform to these voluntary product standards.

Our Approach:

Benchmark has designed a simple, cost-effective strategy for composite wood manufacturers to obtain third-party verification of compliance to CANFER regulations and CAN/CSA 0160-16 voluntary standards while leveraging existing EPA TSCA Title VI and CARB ATCM 93120 certifications whenever possible. This approach minimizes the time, effort, and cost needed to achieve compliance while also ensuring your products are eligible for manufacture or import to both Canada and the United States as needed.

Who’s eligible ?

Producers of the following types of composite wood products are required to achieve compliance to CANFER regulations and can choose to seek third party verification of conformity to CAN/CSA 0160-16 voluntary standards if desired:

Hardwood and Decorative Plywood (including veneer core and composite core)

Particleboard

Medium Density Fiberboard (defined as MDF panels with a total thickness greater than 8mm)

Thin-Medium Density Fiberboard (defined as MDF panels with a total thickness less than or equal to 8mm)

Laminated products consisting of a wood or woody-grass veneer adhered to a particleboard, MDF, or hardwood plywood platform using a formaldehyde-containing resin.

What’s the general certification process ?

The process to achieve CANFER or CAN/CSA 0160-16 certification is essentially the same as that used to achieve certification according to EPA TSCA Title VI and CARB ATCM 93120. And consists of the following steps:

Client submits completed application for CANFER and/or CAN/CSA 0160-16 certification
Benchmark reviews application, confirms initial eligibility, and defines the tentative scope of certification
Benchmark and client sign certification agreement
Client selects method for conducting routine formaldehyde quality control testing
Client prepares a Quality Control Manual and submits to Benchmark for approval
Benchmark conducts initial site audit to validate compliance
Benchmark completes initial qualification testing and quality control test method correlations as required by CANFER regulations and CAN/CSA voluntary standards
Certification readiness review
Certification decision making and document preparation
Surveillance

VOC testing and certification is critical for today’s builders and homeowners who wish to promote and sustain healthy indoor air quality.
To meet this need, Benchmark International developed its VOC Green certification program based on the most stringent set of volatile organic compound (VOC) emission guidelines recognized as the industry’s gold standard.

About VOC Green

Our Approach

Eligibility & Process

About VOC Green Certification

Using a combination of product component analysis, manufacturer quality control, and independent product testing, Benchmark’s VOC Green certification program independently evaluates the emission and exposure levels of more than 35 compounds identified by the California Department of Public Health and the Business + Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association (BIFMA) as contributing to unhealthy indoor air quality. Products that are tested and certified to comply with these stringent VOC emissions criteria are eligible for credit towards meeting the low-emitting material requirements specified by “green” building programs such as California Section 01350, LEED, the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS), and the Green Guide for Health Care.

What’s more, the Benchmark VOC Green certification program has been recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) as meeting the stringent requirements of LEED 2009, LEED v.4, and LEED v4.1 as well as the California Department of Public Health as meeting the requirements of the CDPH Standard Method v1.2 (2017).

Our Approach:

The VOC Green certification program offers two potential paths to certification to meet any host of production or sales objectives:

Manufacturer Product and Process Certification: Applies to original manufacturers of building materials and furniture who wish to test and certify eligible products as conforming to the requirements of this VOC Green certification program on an ongoing basis.
Certification of Discrete Lots or Batches: Applies to original manufacturers, buyers or distributors of building materials and furniture who wish to test and certify one or more discrete product lots as conforming to the requirements defined or referenced in the Benchmark VOC Green certification program. In this manner, the scope of VOC Green certification applies only to the specified production lot(s) or batch(es) of product consisting of a known and verifiable quantity. To comply with CDPH Method and/or ANSI/BIFMA M7.1 product sampling requirements, the product must still be in the possession of the original manufacturer or otherwise be available for sampling within the maximum timeframe after completion of production as specified in the applicable test method.

What’s the general certification process ?

Whichever path is right for you, we’ll be here to support you each step of the way. An overview of the certification process includes:

Client submits completed application for VOC Green certification.
Benchmark reviews application; confirms initial eligibility; and defines the tentative scope of certification.
Benchmark and client sign certification agreement.
Client submits product data and specifications; initial test groups defined.
Clients seeking ongoing Manufacturer Product and Process Certification must:
- Prepare a Quality Control Manual and submit to Benchmark for approval.
- Undergo an initial site audit to validate compliance to VOC Green quality control requirements.
Benchmark completes product sampling, initial qualification testing and VOC scenario modeling.
Certification review
Certification decision-making and document preparation
Surveillance

Who’s eligible ?

Producers of building products such as wall coverings, floor coverings, underlayment, wood paneling, acoustical ceilings, wall and ceiling insulation, or any number of other materials commonly used in interior building construction

Workstations, components, seating, partitions, and other furniture products commonly used in office, classroom, or residential indoor environments

*Currently, liquid products such as paints, sealants, adhesives, and other architectural coatings and finishes applied on the job site are not eligible for VOC Green certification.

From market differentiation to third-party recognition of your products as meeting some of the most stringent VOC emissions criteria and “green” building standards in the world, the benefits of VOC Green certification are numerous. Want to know more? Let’s talk.

Anyone who’s ever worked with us at Benchmark International knows we insist on going the extra mile. There’s the ordinary way, and then there’s the Benchmark way. Many of our clients share this philosophy and elect to certify their products as meeting the criteria defined in Benchmark’s proprietary Composite Wood Sustainability Standard. And we’re happy to help.

About CWSS

Eligibility & Process

Why It Matters

About CWSS

The Composite Wood Sustainability Standard (CWSS) is an elective set of requirements and acceptance criteria applicable to eligible manufacturers who wish to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable and environmentally responsible raw material sourcing and production process management. As mentioned, CWSS certification is not required, but it does provide additional assurance to downstream buyers and end users that products identified with the CWSS certification mark are manufactured with environmental stewardship as a cornerstone of the production process. And that’s an important point of differentiation for many environmentally conscientious companies – and customers.

Eligibility & Process:

Companies wanting to take the extra step with CWSS certification need to first understand if they’re eligible to participate. Currently, manufacturers of the following products are eligible to seek CWSS certification:

Paper Products

Particleboard

Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF)

Hardwood and Decorative Plywood (HWPW)

Oriented Strand Board (OSB)

Structural Plywood

Hardboard

Engineered Wood Siding

Engineered Wood Trim

Understanding the certification process is critical in determining effort and timing. Benchmark International’s thorough approach to CWSS certification includes the following:

Client submits completed application for CWSS certification.
BMH reviews application; confirms initial eligibility; and defines the tentative scope of certification.
BMH and client sign certification agreement.
Client prepares and submits the data and supporting documents needed to demonstrate compliance to the CWSS requirements/acceptance criteria.
BMH conducts initial site audit to validate compliance.
Certification review
Certification decision making and document preparation
Surveillance

Why it Matters

In our competitive market, achieving CWSS certification can be a critical point of differentiation for any business. Aside from the fact that it identifies companies willing to go the extra mile to ensure environmental stewardship, it provides additional benefits as well.

CWSS is the only certiﬁcation program of its kind that is available to eligible manufacturers of both structural and hardwood/decorative plywood and well as oriented strand board (OSB), and paper products.

CWSS is also the only certiﬁcation program that is available to eligible manufacturers located worldwide.

Cabinet manufacturers who purchase and use CWSS-certified particleboard, MDF, or plywood may be eligible to achieve a portion of the Product Resource Management credits defined in the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturer’s Association (KCMA) Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP 01-20) or superseding standard.

CWSS certification not only means you care about the environment but gives you even more differentiation for savvy customers.

CWSS certification is available to all manufacturers of eligible paper and composite wood products. Prospective clients can obtain a free copy of the CWSS standard and certification program summary by submitting a web request using our Contact Form or by calling +1 (541) 484-9212. Want to know more? Let’s talk!

Experience the Benchmark difference.Contact us to learn more about what we can do for you.

Where both product safety and performance are concerned, manufacturers, code bodies, architects, and construction firms alike look to Benchmark to not only toe the line but to be able to draw the line when no one else can. Leading by example is how we continue fulfilling our mission every day.

About Structural Panel Certification:

Benchmark’s structural panel certification program can be applied to eligible plywood, Oriented Strand Board (OSB), and other mat-formed and composite wood panels intended for construction or industrial use within the U.S.A. Testing and certification is based on performance requirements and test methods defined or referenced in one of the following voluntary consensus standards as applicable to the product type and end use:

PS 1-19: U.S. Department of Commerce Voluntary Product Standard PS 1-19: Structural Plywood

PS 2-18: U.S. Department of Commerce Voluntary Product Standard PS 2-18: Performance Standard for Wood Structural Panels

While certification is voluntary, product compliance to PS 1-19 and/or PS 2-18 standards have become a trade custom for covered structural plywood and structural-use panels that are manufactured, imported, distributed, sold, or used in construction within the U.S. In addition, when compliance to PS 1-19 or PS 2-18 standards is made part of a legal document (such as a sales contract, an International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC) or other code body), product compliance with the applicable requirements is enforceable.

Eligibility & Process
Who is eligible?

Manufacturers of structural plywood panels

Manufacturers of structural Oriented Strand Board, structural composite panels, and structural mat-formed panels

What’s the general certification process?

Client submits completed application for structural panel certification.
Benchmark reviews application; confirms initial eligibility; and defines the tentative scope of certification.
Benchmark and client sign certification agreement.
Client defines and implements the quality control inspection and test methods needed to assure product compliance to PS 1-19 and/or PS 2-18 performance standards, as applicable.
Client prepares a Quality Control Manual and submits to Benchmark for approval.
Benchmark conducts an initial site audit and panel grading inspection to validate compliance.
Benchmark completes initial qualification testing; develops Mill Specification to guide ongoing manufacturer quality control.
Certification review
Certification decision-making and document preparation
Surveillance

Japan is one of the largest wood-consuming markets in the world, and Benchmark International has been certifying forestry products as conforming to Japanese Agriculture Standards (JAS) since 1995. Our team of experts understands the intricacies of testing and certifying building products for the Japanese building products industry and we work with manufacturers of a wide array of products from plywood, structural panels, flooring, glued laminated timber, laminated veneer lumber and finger-jointed structural lumber. In fact, our accreditation services apply to products made anywhere in the world.

About JAS Certification

JAS Law concerns the “JAS System,” which ensures that certain agricultural and forestry products maintain a specified quality and are produced by an identified method. JAS marks may then be attached to the various products under the rule regulated by the JAS system to signify the products conform to specified requirements

The Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) publishes standards and requirements applicable to each type of forest product that is eligible for certification pursuant to JAS Law. To achieve JAS certification, manufacturers must conform to the manufacturing and quality system requirements as well as the product standards and specifications defined in the relevant JAS Standards.

Management and enforcement of forest products conformity to JAS Law remains under the jurisdiction of the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF). As an MAFF-approved Registered Overseas Certifying Body (ROCB), Benchmark is one of a few international organizations that retains authorization to provide inspection, test, and certification services to eligible manufacturers of forest products intended for import, distribution, and sale in Japan.

Eligibility & Process
Who is eligible?

Through our independent accreditation as a MAFF-recognized Registered Overseas Certification Body (ROCB), Benchmark offers JAS certification services to manufacturers of the following building products:

Plywood including general plywood, concrete formwork plywood, structural plywood, decorative structural plywood, natural wood decorative plywood, specially processed plywood, and type-special plywood

Glued Laminated Timber (GLULAM) including glued laminated timber for fixtures, decorative glued laminated timber for fixtures, structural glued laminated timber, and decorative structural glued laminated timber

Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) including laminated veneer lumber for fixtures and structural laminated veneer lumber (A and B type)

Structural Panels including Oriented Strand Board (OSB), wood veneer-laminated general use structural panel, and general use structural panel with materials covering the face and back

Flooring including flooring board, flooring block, mosaic parquet, engineered flooring and laminate flooring

Finger Joint Structural Lumber for vertical framing (A, B, and MSR Type)

What’s the general certification process?

Client submits completed application for JAS certification by email or hard copy (application forms are available by contacting us directly)
BMH reviews application; confirms initial eligibility; and defines the tentative scope of certification
BMH and client sign certification agreement
Client defines and implements the quality control inspection and test methods needed to assure product conformity to JAS standards, as applicable
Client prepares a Quality Control Manual and submits to BMH for approval
BMH conducts an initial site audit and panel grading inspection to validate compliance to JAS standards and technical criteria. Test samples are collected for initial qualification testing
Benchmark completes initial qualification testing to verify product compliance to JAS physiochemical requirements
Certification review
Certification decision-making and document preparation
Surveillance

How long does it take to achieve JAS certification and what are the costs?

The timeframe to achieve JAS certification varies widely from one manufacturer to another. The process to achieve certification can take as little as a few weeks to as much as several months based on factors such as the number and type of products to be certified; the number of production facilities within the proposed scope of certification; the manufacturer’s knowledge and experience related to JAS standards, specifications, and related certification requirements; and the manufacturer’s current state of readiness. We work hard to ensure that clients are supported each step of the way, and that the process is completed as efficiently as possible.

Similarly, the cost to obtain and maintain JAS certification is driven largely by the scope of certification including the number of production facilities and the type(s) of products to be certified. When a client submits a completed application for JAS certification, Benchmark evaluates the proposed scope of certification and provides a cost proposal which clearly identifies both the initial and ongoing certification fees to be applied and the services to be provided.

While there is no one-size-fits-all answer regarding the timeframe and costs to achieve JAS certification, we invite you to contact us to discuss your needs. With a better understanding of your specific requirements, we can better help guide you regarding the process, timeframe, and costs to effectively and efficiently achieve JAS certification through Benchmark.

While certification to JAS standards is voluntary, manufacturers who successfully achieve JAS certification through BMH can derive numerous benefits to include increased sales opportunities and market share in Japan. It’s a lot to take in. Call us to learn how we can help.

When you’re looking for companies to serve your needs, you want full service, not piece meal applications. That’s why we offer additional certification programs and services for our clients. Beyond the more commonly sought services, here are some additional certification programs that we’ve added to our capabilities.

ANSI A208.1 Particleboard

ANSI A208.2 Medium Density Fiberboard

ANSI/HPVA EF 2012

ANSI A208.1 Particleboard

ANSI A208.1 covers particleboard which is made primarily from cellulosic materials (usually wood). The standard includes references, terms and definitions, dimensional tolerances, physical and mechanical property requirements, and maximum formaldehyde emissions for different grades of particleboard. Also included are test methods, inspection practices, and methods of identification.

ANSI A208.2 Medium Density Fiberboard

ANSI A208.2 covers medium density fiberboard (MDF) for interior applications. The standard sets forth references, terms and definitions, dimensional tolerances, physical and mechanical property requirements, and maximum formaldehyde emission levels for different grades of MDF. Also included are references to test methods and means of identifying conforming products.

ANSI/HPVA EF 2012 Engineered Wood Flooring

ANSI/HPVA EF 2012 establishes nationally recognized requirements for commercially available engineered wood flooring. Requirements are given for grading, bond line, moisture content, machining and formaldehyde emissions. Also included are references for identifying products that conform to the standard, as well as trade terms and information on ordering, installation, re-inspection practices and inherent characteristics of engineered flooring typically produced and installed in the USA.

For more information or to start a conversation, let’s talk. We’ve got your back.

We are the Benchmark. Contact us to learn more about what we can do for you.

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