India Introduces Wood Based Boards (Quality Control) Order, 2023 to Enhance Quality and Environmental Safety

India has notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of its Wood Based Boards (Quality Control) Order, 2023, aimed at ensuring higher levels of quality, reliability, and consistency in the production of wood-based boards. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is the agency responsible for implementing this order.

Wood Based Boards are extensively used in furniture production and interior fittings. These composite boards consist of particles of wood and/or other lignocellulosic materials bonded together with a resin-bonding agent. Unlike natural wood, the grain of the particles in wood-based boards is non-directional. The order emphasizes the proper storage of these boards in clean, dry, and covered places with free air circulation, protecting them from rain, dampness, and insect and fungal attacks.

The primary objective of the Wood Based Boards (Quality Control) Order, 2023 is to provide a higher level of quality, reliability, and consistency in the production of wood-based boards. By implementing quality control measures, the order aims to enhance the safety of the environment and ensure compliance with quality requirements. It will contribute to the sustainable development of the wood-based board industry.

The Wood Based Boards (Quality Control) Order, 2023, is notified under Article 2.9.2, which relates to quality control measures. The order covers various wood-based boards, including block boards, prelaminated particle boards from wood and other lignocellulosic material, particle boards of wood and other lignocellulosic materials (medium density) for general purposes, medium-density fiberboards for general purposes, and veneered particle boards.

India's initiative to introduce the Wood Based Boards (Quality Control) Order, 2023, demonstrates its commitment to ensuring the production of high-quality wood-based boards while prioritizing environmental safety and sustainability.

Notification: G/TBT/N/IND/262