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Plywood importers must now acquire their products only from foreign manufacturers holding valid Philippine Standard (PS) licenses
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Plywood manufacturers should likewise secure PS Quality Certification Mark License before selling or distributing their products
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This Department of Trade and Industry technical regulation aims to ensure plywood sold in the Philippine market complies strictly with specified quality requirements
Importers of plywood are mandated to acquire their products only from foreign manufacturers holding valid Philippine Standard (PS) licenses, a new requirement of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS).
In addition, manufacturers of plywood are required to secure the PS Quality Certification Mark License before they can sell or distribute their products to the market, according to DTI Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 20-06.
DTI, in a statement, said the regulation aims to ensure strict compliance with specified quality requirements for plywood sold in the Philippine market.
The PS license is given by BPS to a local or foreign manufacturer, authorizing the use of the PS Certification Mark on the company’s product.
DTI noted that plywood is one of the most commonly used construction materials in the country for its versatility, durability, and lower cost. Many Filipino homes make use of plywood, while construction and manufacturing industries utilize it in equipment designed to support loads or products.
Moreover, marine ports, docks, vessels, and boats use plywood for a sturdier build since volume shipments are often transported through sea freights.
Pursuant to DAO No. 20-06, imported or locally manufactured plywood products should also now have the following minimum required markings:
- Correct and registered trade name or brand name;
- Duly registered trademark
- Duly registered business name and address of importer and manufacturer (if imported) or duly registered business name and address of manufacturer (if locally manufactured)
- Country of origin
- Type of plywood (softwood or hardwood)
- Bonding class (1, 2 or 3)
- Thickness, mm
- Formaldehyde Emission “FE” and the star rating (In reference to PNS 2103:2017
- Formaldehyde Emissions – Specifications or its future amendments)
- Lot/Batch number or serial number
- PS Mark with license number
DTI noted these markings are not only for traceability and verification purposes but also to guide consumers in ensuring their plywood purchases comply with BPS quality and safety requirements.
“Through this technical regulation, the DTI-BPS aims to promote safer working and living environment for everyone,” BPS director Neil Catajay said.
“Knowing that we all have the same vision, we are confident that the wood and construction industry will cooperate with the implementation of this technical regulation to combat the proliferation of substandard plywood in the Philippine market,” Catajay added.
