Brazilian plywood makers have slammed BS 5268 Part 2, the British Standard for use of timber in structural applications, as a “non- tariff trade barrier” which could limit their exports to the UK.
According to ABIMCI, the Brazilian Association for Mechanically Processed Timber, the way the standard is being used acts as an “unfair practice”. Utimately the organisation says it may have recourse to international trade law to ensure unfettered access for its pine plywood.
The issue was raised with TTJ by Isac Zugman, vice-president for international relations of ABIMCI. He said that the framing of BS 5268 Part 2 made it “impossible” for Brazilian pine plywood to comply. “So it effectively discriminates against manufacturers in Brazil and other countries including Chile and New Zealand,” he said. “Also, by listing the countries where manufacturers comply [Finland, Canada, Sweden and the US], it deters customers buying from elsewhere.”
Mr Zugman said that Brazil had its own PNQM quality programme, which also covers structural use of plywood. Currently eight mills comply, with 14 in the accreditation process. The Brazilians want PNQM to be deemed equivalent to the British standard and recently Mr Zugman presented it to the TTF‘s National Panel Products Division in London.
The matter has been brought to a head for Brazil by recent wood. for good adverts which urge specifiers only to choose BS 5268-compliant plywood for structural use (TTJ October 12/19). “We fear this means we may have to divert more exports to mainland Europe next year,” said Mr Zugman.
He stressed that taking the issue to the international trade authorities would be a “last resort” and hoped it would be settled amicably.
