Testing acc. to EN 717-1:Wood-based panels - Determination of formaldehyde release - Part 1: Formaldehyde emission by the chamber method
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Testing methods
Our test laboratory performs testing according to DIN EN 717-1 to determine formaldehyde emissions from wood-based materials using the chamber method. At FILK, the test is carried out in a micro test chamber (Micro-Chamber). Under defined chamber conditions, the formaldehyde concentration in the air is determined, allowing the emission from the material or product under investigation to be quantified.
DIN EN 717-1 was developed primarily for wood-based materials. At FILK, however, the chamber principle can also be used to investigate formaldehyde emissions from other suitable materials and products. These include wood-based panels and furniture materials as well as plastics, textiles, coated textiles, leather and composite materials.
Applications of the test
The chamber method enables quantitative assessment and direct comparison of formaldehyde emissions from different material and product variants. The Micro-Chamber used at FILK also allows suitable sections taken from components to be investigated under controlled chamber conditions.
The method can therefore be used, for example, to determine how formulation changes, coatings, adhesive systems, different material structures or changes in manufacturing processes affect formaldehyde emissions. It is suitable both for comparative investigations and for targeted analysis of elevated formaldehyde emissions.
REACH – Formaldehyde emission limits for articles
DIN EN 717-1 is also highly relevant in connection with European requirements concerning formaldehyde emissions from articles. Regulation (EU) 2023/1464 introduced formaldehyde emission limits under REACH that have applied since 6 August 2026.
For furniture and wood-based articles, the limit is 0.062 mg/m³ formaldehyde in the air of a test chamber. For other articles covered by the restriction, the limit is 0.080 mg/m³.
Related tests for formaldehyde determination
FILK offers additional methods for determining formaldehyde. These include the gas analysis method according to DIN EN 717-2, determination of formaldehyde in leather according to DIN EN ISO 17226-3, and testing of textiles according to DIN EN ISO 14184-3.
For materials and components used in vehicle interiors, testing according to VDA 275 and VW PV 3925 is also available.
