Mandatory National Standard GB 18585 for Wallpapers Updated, Effective December 2024

On November 27, 2023, the State Administration for Market Regulation and the Standardization Administration of the People's Republic of China released the mandatory national standard GB 18585-2023 "Indoor Decoration Materials - Limitation of Harmful Substances in Wallpapers," replacing GB 18585-2001. The new standard will officially be implemented starting December 1, 2024.

Compared to GB 18585-2001, the main technical changes are as follows:

I Scope of Application Changed

• GB 18585-2001: Mainly applicable to wallpapers with paper as the base material.
• GB 18585-2023: Applicable to wallpapers with various base materials.

II Changes in the Limits for Residual Vinyl Chloride Monomer and Barium

• GB 18585-2001: Vinyl chloride monomer ≤1.0mg/kg, Barium ≤1000mg/kg
• GB 18585-2023: Vinyl chloride monomer ≤0.2mg/kg, Barium ≤500mg/kg

III Added Limits and Testing Methods for Phthalate Content, Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC) Emission, and Short-chain Chlorinated Paraffins:

• DBP+BBP+DEHP ≤1000mg/kg
• DINP+DIDP+DNOP ≤1000mg/kg
• TVOC release ≤0.60mg/m³
• Short-chain chlorinated paraffins (C10-C13) <0.15%

IV Formaldehyde Changed to Formaldehyde Emission and Adjusted Limit Values and Testing Methods

• GB 18585-2001: Formaldehyde content ≤120mg/kg
• GB 18585-2023: Formaldehyde emission ≤0.02mg/m³

V Changed Testing Methods for Heavy Metals (or Other) Elements

VI Changed Inspection Rules

VII Deleted Content on Packaging Marks

Given the extensive updates in GB 18585, CIRS C&K Testing advises wallpaper-related enterprises to pay close attention and prepare in advance. CIRS C&K Testing is equipped with the testing capabilities for GB 18585 and welcomes inquiries or applications for testing to manage product compliance risks.

If you need any assistance or have any questions, please get in touch with us via test@cirs-group.com.