Members of the Canadian Plywood Association (Canply) will be able to CE mark their plywood for European export, following an agreement with BM TRADA Certification.

The move has been described by Hugh Taylor, BM TRADA managing director, as a cost-effective collaboration model which the certification body is seeking to develop in other parts of the world.

It involves nine companies operating 11 mills and is a result of the publication of EN 13986:2002 which makes CE marking mandatory on all woodbased panel products sold for construction purposes in the EU from April 1, 2004.

Mills must ensure their plywood complies with EN 13986 and provide test evidence. The standard “Attestation of Conformity” Level 2+ requires the initial assessment and ongoing surveillance of “factory production control” systems to be carried out by a notified body such as BM TRADA.

&#8220Canply members have clearly decided to be proactive and to reinforce their commitment to the European market
”

Hugh Taylor, BM TRADA managing director

Representatives from BM TRADA will work closely with the Canply inspectors who pay monthly visits to the mills.

Mr Taylor, who completed a detailed audit of Canply’s capabilities earlier this year, said: “Canply members, like any manufacturer exporting to the UK and continental Europe, will have to take the necessary measures if they are to continue to sell. They have clearly decided to be proactive and to reinforce their commitment to this market.”