BM TRADA Certification has warned importers and distributors to be vigilant when purchasing strength-graded softwood from overseas.
BM TRADA says the grade mark, which could bear either a BM TRADA Q-Mark or CE mark, may have been applied by staff or suppliers who are not authorised to use it, raising the possibility of the product not being fit for purpose.
“Our concern is that UK merchants will be caught out with stock that won’t bear scrutiny if they do not check the provenance carefully,” said BM TRADA’s Bob Foster.
BM TRADA has responded to the problem with an immediate website redeisgn to list the suppliers certified by BM TRADA to grade timber under its Q-Mark scheme or to CE mark.
“UK buyers, particularly those at point of entry into the UK, can now make a quick check for peace of mind.”
BM TRADA is also in talks with overseas partners to ensure vigilance at source.
“We are not a policing body, but we can remove a supplier’s right to grade mark or CE mark under our schemes if the mark is being abused,” Mr Foster added.
He said BM TRADA was not the only Notified Body affected and imported graded timber bearing other marks might also have been falsified in the same way.
