Standards & Technical Bulletins
CPA sponsors the key product standards for the industry and addresses technical issues bearing on product acceptance. As a highly–regarded American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-accredited standards developing organization, the association sponsors the development and maintenance of American National Standards through the ANSI consensus process.
American National Standards
CPA sponsors the following American National Standards. These American National Standards may be downloaded by members below or purchased by non-members through CPA’s Store.
ANSI A208.1-2022 Particleboard
ANSI A208.2-2022 Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) for Interior Applications
ANSI A135.4-2012 (R2020) Basic Hardboard
ANSI A135.5-2012 (R2020) Prefinished Basic Paneling
CPA Technical Bulletins
Updated! Maintenance Tips for Engineered Wood Siding Technical Bulletin
Basic Hardboard Products Technical Bulletin
Dimensional Stability of Particleboard and MDF Technical Bulletin
Minimizing Warp in Laminated Particleboard and Medium Density Fiberboard
MDF Mouldings Technical Bulletin
Particleboard & MDF for Shelving Technical Bulletin
Particleboard for Stepping Technical Bulletin
Particleboard Underlayment Installation Technical Bulletin
Standard Method for Measurement of Warp in Composite Panels
Storage and Handling of Particleboard and MDF Technical Bulletin
CPA Standards
Eco-Certified Composite (ECC) Sustainability Standard
The CPA 4-19 Eco-Certified Composite™ (ECC) Sustainability Standard is the voluntary industry standard developed by the Composite Panel Association (CPA) for manufacturers of composite wood or agrifiber-based panels, as well as finished products (including components and laminated panels) made with particleboard, medium density fiberboard (MDF), hardboard, engineered wood siding, and engineered wood trim. The standard focuses on life cycle inventory and other verifiable environmental practices and highlights composite panel manufacturers’ responsible use of wood fiber. The basis of the standard includes the CPA Carbon Calculator, a tool developed by a third-party expert to assess the life cycle and carbon footprint of composite panels made at a particular manufacturing plant.
California Formaldehyde Regulation (CARB Rule)
CPA was the first Third Party Certifier (TPC) in the world to be approved by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Since that date of May 14, 2008, CPA has been certifying manufacturers to CARB ATCM 93120.
CPA is now certifying North American particleboard, MDF, and hardwood plywood for compliance with the CARB rule. CPA is also operating an Ultra-Low Emitting Formaldehyde (ULEF) and No Added Formaldehyde (NAF) testing program for those panel manufacturers seeking an Executive Order (EO) for their ULEF or NAF products. Any North American panel manufacturer wishing their products to be certified to the CARB rule should contact CPA.
