CE-marking of structural timber

Since 1st January 2012 all the timber traded on behalf of structural applications must be supplied with a CE-mark. In order to be able to apply this CE-mark on the wood, the producer should set up, implement, maintain and evaluate an internal quality system. Besides this, demonstrable knowledge of timber, visual strength grading and relevant standards (NEN 5499 or NEN 5493) is recommended.

Before starting the certification process, it is necessary to verify if one is indeed a producer of structural timber. Structural timber means: timber used in structural applications of buildings and bridges. If one only purchases and sells structural timber, then this is possible without necessary certification. In that case it is important that the purchased timber is marked with the CE-mark, the number of the NoBo, the strength class, wet or dry graded and the logo/name of the producer.

In the certification process the producer goes through different phases:

1. A preliminary inquiry and setting up the technical document
2. Setting up a handbook and implementing an internal quality system
3. A preliminary inquiry by the Notified Body (NoBo)
4. Informing customers

IEB can guide you in setting up the internal quality system, the certification and education of the graders.