REPORT OF THE FOURTH MEETING OF THE ASEAN CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDS AND QUALITY PRODUCT WORKING
GROUP ON WOOD-BASED PRODUCTS
22-23 August 2006, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
INTRODUCTION
The Fourth Meeting of the ASEAN Consultative Committee for Standards and Quality (ACCSQ) Product Working Group on Wood-Based Products (WBPWG) was held on 22-23 August 2006, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam.
2. The Meeting was opened by Mr. Tran Van Dung, Director, Viet Nam’s
Quality Assurance and Testing Centre 3 (QUATEST 3) and chaired by Dr. Hadi Daryanto, Secretary of Directorate General of Forestry Production Management, Ministry of Forestry of Indonesia.
3. The Meeting was attended by delegates from Indonesia, Malaysia,
Thailand, Viet Nam, and representatives from the ASEAN Secretariat. The list
of delegates appears as ANNEX 1.
AGENDA ITEM 1: ADOPTION OF AGENDA
4. The Meeting revised and adopted the Agenda, which appears as
ANNEX 2.
AGENDA ITEM 2: BUSINESS ARRANGEMENT
5. The Meeting was held in plenary.
AGENDA ITEM 3: HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 27TH AND 28TH ACCSQ MEETINGS
6. The ASEAN Secretariatbriefed the Meeting of the relevant outcomes of
the 27th ACCSQ Meeting held from 20-22 March 2006, in Penang, Malaysia
and the 28th ACCSQ Meeting held from 10-12 August 2006 in Jakarta,
Indonesia. The information paper of the Meeting appear as ANNEX 3.
7. The Meeting took note of the following:
- The ASEAN Policy Guideline on Standards and Conformance was
endorsed by the ASEAN Economic Ministers during the 37th AEM on
28 September 2005
- ACCSQ tasked WG1 and WG2 to develop a mechanism to monitor
the implementation of the roadmaps for priority sectors and the ASEAN Policy Guideline on Standards and Conformance. The draft
mechanism has been developed and submitted to the 28th ACCSQ.
Member Countries and relevant PWGs were requested to provide
comments to WG1 on the Draft by 15 November 2006. The
amended draft will be submitted for consideration and discussion at
the Special ACCSQ Meeting that will be held prior to the 29th
ACCSQ Meeting.
- ACCSQ also tasked WG1 to take the lead in drafting a GRP Guide to promote Good Regulatory Practice (GRP) to Regulators. ACCSQ noted that the draft GRP Guide has been circulated to Member Countries for their consultation with domestic regulators and all relevant PWGs especially those PWGs covering regulated products
for their comments, that should be submitted to WG1 by 15 October
2006. The final draft GRP Guide will be submitted to the 29th
ACCSQ Meeting for their consideration.
- ACCSQ agreed that the ASEAN Secretariat will be responsible for monitoring the implementation of roadmaps for integration of 11 priority sectors based on the mechanism, which will be agreed upon.
ASEAN Conformity Mark
- The Taskforce on ASEAN Conformity Mark, lead by Indonesia, has prepared the Draft Guide on Basic Rules for ASEAN Conformity Mark. ACCSQ agreed that the ASEAN Conformity Mark would be applicable for sectors that may allow for third party conformity assessment. The third Draft has been finalized at the Taskforce
Meeting held prior to the 28th ACCSQ Meeting held in Jakarta.
Since the ASEAN Conformity Mark will have significant impact both to the regional and national level, ACCSQ discussed and agreed that all Member Countries have consultation at their national level and submit their comments on the Draft, if any, to Indonesia through
the ASEAN Secretariat by 30 January 2007. The Taskforce will
discuss and finalize the Draft at their next Meeting planned to be
held back-to-back with the 29th ACCSQ to be submitted for possible
adoption at the 29th ACCSQ Meeting.
Review of the Current TOR of the ACCSQ
- ACCSQ has adopted its revised TOR and submitted to SEOM for consideration and adoption.
Proposed Roadmap Phase 2
- ACCSQ discussed the draft of horizontal measures as well as comments given by the PWGs and agreed to submit the inputs to SEOM.
members and submit their comments to ACCSQ through the ASEAN Secretariat by 20 September 2006.
Progress of the WBPWG
- ACCSQ suggested that the WBPWG would focus on identification and harmonization of standards which have strong impact on extra ASEAN trade and at the same time to look into ways to enhance the faster market access for ASEAN wood based products to international markets. The ACCSQ also agreed that any outcome on harmonization of standards conducted by the WBPWG would be submitted to the WG1 for its consideration and adoption at the national level.
- The ACCSQ Meeting requested the WBPWG to revise the TOR taking into consideration issues discussed above and resubmit its revised TOR for consideration and endorsement by the ACCSQ at its next Meeting.
- The ACCSQ Meeting endorsed the Report of the 3rd Meeting of the
WBPWG, except the TOR and Work Programme which are subject to further revision.
Coordination with PWGs regarding the sectoral MRAs
- ACCSQ emphasized on the existence of WG1 and WG2 to help PWGs in accelerate their work in MRAs. WG1 is a consultative forum for the PWGs to seek guidance with respect to the harmonization of standards and formulating sectoral MRAs. PWGs can consult with WG2 on any issues on testing and certification during the development of sectoral MRAs. ACCSQ suggested that PWGs decide to embark MRA to consult with WG1 and WG2 for any matters arising from the development or implementation of their sectoral MRAs prior to the submission to the ACCSQ and to ensure that the sectoral MRAs are developed in line with the criteria of the ASEAN framework agreement on MRAs and the internationally accepted testing and certification practices.
AGENDA ITEM 4: HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 3RD WOOD-BASED PRODUCT WORKING GROUP MEETING
8. The Secretary of Wood-Based PWG briefed the Meeting of the relevant
decisions made by the 3rd WBPWG held on 15-16 December 2005, in
Bangkok, Thailand. The information paper appears as ANNEX 4.
9. The Meeting noted that the Chair of the WBPWG has already reported
the highlights of the 3rd WBPWG Meeting to the 27th ACCSQ Meeting.
10. The Secretary of WBPWG informed the Meeting on the updated status
of WBPWG Membership, which appears as ANNEX 5. The Secretary of
be unable to nominate representative to WBPWG, but wished to be kept informed of the activities of the WBPWG.
AGENDA ITEM 5: PROGRESS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ACTION PLAN OF THE PRODUCT WORKING GROUP
5.1. Strengthen and enhance networking among ASEAN Member Countries on standards, technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures
13. The Meeting took note of the status of the various Member Countries’
standards, technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures for wood-based products. The purpose of this exercise is to help identify the differences and the similarities amongst Member Countries in this field so that harmonization initiatives can be undertaken.
14. The Member Countries reports are summarized as follows:
• Indonesia
15. The Government has taken efforts to improve the Indonesian National
Standards (SNI) for wood products with the involvement of the private sectors.
16. The Meeting was informed of the new Decree of the Indonesian Minister
of Trade no. 02/M-Dag/Per/2/2006 issued in February 2006 on forest based
products. Indonesia’s information paper appears as ANNEX 6
• Malaysia
17. Currently there are two organizations/agencies responsible for the development of standards for the timber sector. The Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MITB) undertakes the development of standards on timber, timber products and timber structure, while the Malaysian Wood Preservative Association is responsible for the development of standards pertaining to wood preservatives.
18. The adoption of or application of the requirements of Malaysian Standards for wood sector is voluntary. The Department of Standards Malaysia (DSM) encourages use of technical regulations to implement national standards, which is still at an infant stage.
19. Malaysian Standards on timber and timber products act as strategic
tools for the export of Malaysian products and services as they are also aligned to international standards. There are more than 80 Malaysian standards related to timber and its processes. The list has been circulated at
the 3rd WBPWG Meeting.
Meeting noted that Malaysia volunteered to provide Member Countries the list of participants and the workshop documents.
21. The Meeting took note of the concern expressed by Viet Nam that she
was unable to participate in the workshop as there was no financial assistance from the EU to Cambodia, Lao PDR and Viet Nam as informed by the EU
delegate at the 3rd WBPWG Meeting held in Bangkok, Thailand.
22. The Meeting noted that not all Members of WBPWG were invited by the
EU appointed consultant. Considering this, the Meeting agreed that in future the WBPWG Secretariat will endeavour to disseminate information on such activities to all Member Countries.
23. Malaysia proposed that Member Countries should consider participating
as well as establish a common ASEAN position in ISO Technical Committees related to wood-based products namely, ISO/TC 89 (Wood-Based Panels), ISO/TC 165 (Timber Structure) and ISO/TC 218 (Timber).
24. Malaysia’s information paper appears as ANNEX 7.
• Viet Nam
25. Viet Nam informed the Meeting of the existence of technical regulations
for checking, controlling and tranportation of Forest Products, which appears as ANNEX 8.
5.1.1. Transparency of Wood Based Products Standards, Technical Regulations and Conformity Assessment Procedures
26. Indonesia briefed the Meeting on the updated status of the compilation
of the response from Member Countries on the questionnaire on the transparency of wood-based products standards, technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures. The information paper appears as
ANNEX 9.
27. Based on the response received from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia,
Malaysia, and Viet Nam, Indonesia informed the Meeting the initial findings as follows:
a. There were several differences on the product grouping among member countries;
b. Reference Standards used varied widely among member countries;
d. There were no requirements for approval procedures for export and import by member countries, except in the case of Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam where specific requirements for several wood-based products are imposed.
28. The Meeting agreed that those Member Countries who had not
submitted their inputs to do so by 31 October 2006 in order to carry out a
comprehensive compilation of feedback from Member Countries.
5.1.2. Translation of Mandatory Requirements (technical regulations) into English by Member Countries
29. The Meeting noted that Member Countries are still in the process of
translating the mandatory requirements (technical regulations) into English.
30. Indonesia informed the Meeting on her status of translation as appears
on ANNEX 10. Malaysia informed the Meeting that most of her technical regulations are already available in English.
31. The Meeting requested Member Countries to update their status on
translating the mandatory requirements in English in the next Meeting.
5.1.3. Accessible Information dealing with WBPWG to all stakeholders concerned
32. Indonesia, Malaysia and Viet Nam informed the Meeting on the URL of
the relevant institution to be hyperlinked with the ASEAN website, which
appears as ANNEX 11.
33. The Secretary informed the Meeting that the ASEAN Secretariat had
developed an electronic platform, known as the ASEAN Application Portal and the websites proposed by Member Countries could be linked to the WBPWG page in the ASAP.
5.1.3.1 ASEAN Action Portal (ASAP)
34. The Secretary of WBPWG briefed the Meeting that the ASEAN Action
Portal (ASAP) is available for PWGs to be used as a communication tool to facilitate the work of PWGs electronically. The Meeting noted ASAP as a possible information network platform for the WBPWG. The information paper
appears as ANNEX 12.
35. The features of ASAP include folders for Announcements, Contact List,
36. The Meeting noted that the ASAP would be a useful web-based information system.
5.2. Comparative study of standards, technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures among Member Countries
37. The Meeting noted that Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam had submitted their response to Malaysia.
38. The Meeting requested Malaysia to present the compilation of the
comparative study as well as to make a comprehensive analysis of the feedback received from Member Countries and to come up with recommendations to be discussed at the next Meeting.
5.3. Development of common requirements and conformity assessment procedures for ASEAN Member Countries
39. Indonesia informed the Meeting on the updated status of selecting and
prioritizing standards from the list of specific standards of (i) Panel products, (ii) sawn timber, and (iii) flooring products for harmonization. The information
paper appears as ANNEX 13.
40. The Meeting discussed and agreed to add three more columns i.e
‘Corresponding National Standards’, ‘Degree of Equivalence with the International Standards’, and ‘Proposed Level of Priority’. Member Countries are requested to submit their inputs based on the new format, which appears as ANNEX 14.
AGENDA ITEM 6: REVIEW ON THE EXISTING INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL STANDARDS, TECHNICAL REGULATIONS AND CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES FOR THE WOOD-BASED PRODUCTS
6.1. Project Proposal to be covered by AADCP (ASEAN-Australia Development Cooperation Programme) for Wood Sector
41. The Meeting noted the presentation from Indonesia on the AADCP
Project Summary titled “Towards a Regional Approach for Addressing Standards for Wood-Based Products in an ASEAN/Australia/New Zealand
Free Trade Agreement, which appears as ANNEX 15.
42. The Meeting noted the objectives of the project are for capacity building
resulting in best practice outcomes that are based on sound policy principles and are supportive of economic welfare and regional integration.
43. The project amongst others, will assess the impact of the regulation of
standards, mutual recognition and harmonization for wood-based products in free trade agreements on ASEAN trade and domestic systems. The project will also try to identify targeted areas where further training is required to support an ASEAN-wide approach.
44. The Meeting agreed that Member Countries should consult their relevant authorities and submit their views and comments on this proposal to
Indonesia by 15 September 2006.
6.2 Project Proposal: Revision of EN 636, the European Standards for Plywood – Implication to the Plywood Industry in ASEAN
45. Malaysia presented to the Meeting the project proposal “Revision on EN
636, the European Standards for Plywood-Implication to the Plywood Industry
in ASEAN”, which appears as ANNEX 16.
46. The Meeting was informed that the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) is looking into the revision of EN 636:2003 “Plywood-Specifications”. This standard covers all forms of the plywood including utility and structure of plywood, but it does not include any specifications on the biological durability of the timbers used in the construction of the plywood. The revision of EN 636 includes the proposal to incorporate biological durability of timbers and this in turn may have impacts on the ASEAN trade with EU.
47. Considering this, the Meeting agreed to seek the guidance from ACCSQ to address the concern of the WBPWG and to establish a common ASEAN position in this matter. The Meeting was also informed that Member Countries could use the Vienna Agreement under the ISO and CEN Standards Development System to participate in the revision of EN 636.
AGENDA ITEM 7: CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF THE ACTION PLAN/ WORK PROGRAMME OF THE PRODUCT WORKING GROUP
48. As suggested by the ACCSQ that the WBPWG should focus on identification and harmonization of standards which have strong impact on extra ASEAN trade and to look into ways to enhance market access for ASEAN wood-based products to international markets, the Meeting considered and agreed with the inclusion of relevant new strategies and activities. The
49. As agreed during the 3rd WBPWG Meeting, the Meeting discussed and agreed to revise the TOR of WBPWG. The revised TOR will reflect the new activity requested by the ACCSQ to enhance trade with dialogue partners and the on-going negotiations on FTAs carried out with dialogue partner.
50. The Meeting adopted the revised TOR and agreed to submit it to the
ACCSQ for their consideration and endorsement. The revised TOR appears as ANNEX 18.
AGENDA ITEM 9: OTHER MATTERS
51. The Meeting agreed with the proposal of the ASEAN Secretariat to have
a briefing on Harmonization of Standards and Technical Regulations and MRAs in ASEAN at the Fifth Wood-Based PWG Meeting.
AGENDA ITEM 10: DATE AND VENUE OF THE NEXT MEETING
52. The Meeting agreed that the 5th Meeting of the ACCSQ Product
Working Group on Wood-Based Products will be convened in Philippines, subjected to confirmation by Philippines. In the event that Philippines will not be able to do so, the Meeting agreed that Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia or Malaysia will be approached to host the next Meeting scheduled for the second week of December 2006. The exact date and venue will be communicated in due course.
AGENDA ITEM 11: CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF REPORT
53. The Meeting considered and adopted the Report of the 4th Meeting of
the ACCSQ Wood-Based Product Working Group held on 22-23 August 2006 in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The delegates from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and ASEAN Secretariat expressed their appreciation to Viet Nam, in particular the Quality Assurance and Testing Centre 3 (QUATEST 3) of STAMEQ in cooperation with Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of Ho Chi Minh City (HAWA) Viet Nam for the warm hospitality extended and the excellent arrangements made for the Meeting. The Meeting thanked ASEAN Secretariat for the assistance provided.
The Meeting was held in the traditional spirit of ASEAN solidarity.
