---
title: "What Is CARB2? Cabinet Glossary | Innovation Cabinetry"
description: "CARB2 is the California rule on formaldehyde from composite wood such as plywood, MDF and particleboard, and federal law now carries a matching standard."
url: https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/carb2
publisher: Innovation Cabinetry
phone: +1-888-206-1088
find_a_dealer: https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/find-dealer
---

Buying

# CARB2

CARB2 is the California rule on formaldehyde from composite wood such as plywood, MDF and particleboard, and federal law now carries a matching standard.

CARB2 is the second phase of a California Air Resources Board rule. It limits the formaldehyde that hardwood plywood, [MDF](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/mdf) and [particleboard](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/particleboard) can release. Formaldehyde is a gas that can irritate eyes and lungs.

A U.S. rule now covers the same ground. The EPA says that after March 22, 2019, composite wood products must be labeled as TSCA Title VI compliant. Cabinet boxes and finished goods made from these panels fall under it. Look for a label on the product.

Some Innovation Cabinetry brochures name CARB2 compliance. We have not verified a certificate for each line, so ask your dealer to show the label for the exact cabinet you pick. See the [how to buy cabinets](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/how-to-buy-cabinets) page for what to ask, and the plywood box entry. Then [find a dealer](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/find-dealer).

[Related pageHow to buy cabinets through a dealer](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/how-to-buy-cabinets)

## Related terms

-   [Plywood box](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/plywood-box)
-   [Particleboard](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/particleboard)
-   [MDF](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/mdf)
-   [KCMA certification](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/kcma-certification)

## Sources

1.  [U.S. EPA: Formaldehyde Emission Standards for Composite Wood Products](https://www.epa.gov/formaldehyde/formaldehyde-emission-standards-composite-wood-products)

![Whisper Blue Urban shaker kitchen with an island and stools](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/_astro/ub-whisper-blue-gallery-image-1980x1080-1.4YXlLAS7_Z1qUWbv.webp)

## See it in your own space

Dealers near you design, quote and install Innovation Cabinetry. Send your ZIP code and the team matches you with one.