REPORT OF THE FIFTH MEETING OF THE ASEAN CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDS AND QUALITY PRODUCT WORKING
GROUP ON WOOD-BASED PRODUCTS
11-12 July 2007, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam
INTRODUCTION
The Fifth Meeting of the ASEAN Consultative Committee for Standards and Quality (ACCSQ) Product Working Group on Wood-Based Products (WBPWG) was held from 11-12 July 2007 in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam.
2. The Meeting was chaired by Dr. Slamet Riyadhi Gadas, M. Fr., Head of
Centre for Standardisation and Environment, Ministry of Forestry, Republic of Indonesia and co-chaired by Mr. S. Rajan, Director Industry Development and Research Division, Malaysian Timber Industry Board, Malaysia.
3. The Meeting was attended by delegates from Brunei Darussalam,
Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and 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: JOINT DISCUSSION WITH WG 1 ON STANDARDS HARMONISATION AND MRAs
6. The Meeting discussed and endorsed the draft Agenda for the Joint
Discussion with WG 1 held on 11 July 2007 in Brunei Darussalam, which
appears as ANNEX 3.
7. The ASEAN Secretariat gave a briefing on the standards and
MRAs for automotives, cosmetics, electronics, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, rubber-based products, traditional medicines and health
supplements and wood-based products. The presentation appears as ANNEX
4.
8. The WG 1 gave guidance to the WBPWG on the participation of non-EU
member countries in the CEN development systems. The Meeting was informed that any national standards body who is an ISO member could apply to be a Partner Standardisation Body in order to participate in the relevant CEN standards development activities.
9. The WG 1 was updated that WBPWG was in the process of gathering
information on the priority level for alignment of Member Countries national standards on panel products, sawn timber and flooring products with the corresponding ISO standards.
10. The ASEAN Secretariat additionally informed the Meeting that EU
indicated their interest to have cooperation with ASEAN in the wood-based sector. The Meeting was informed that a workshop funded by EU may possibly be conducted back-to-back with the future WBPWG Meetings.
AGENDA ITEM 4: UPDATES FROM ASEAN SECRETARIAT ON
RELEVANT OUTCOMES FROM THE ASEAN SUMMIT, AEM, SEOM AND ACCSQ MEETINGS ON STANDARDS AND CONFORMANCE ACTIVITIES
11. ASEAN Secretariat briefed the Meeting on the outcomes of SEOM 2/38
(held from 27-29 March 2007 in Manila, Philippines) and SEOM 3/38 (held
from 22-24 May 2007 in Chiang Mai, Thailand), the 13th AEM Retreat Meetings
(held on 3 May 2007 in Jerudong, Brunei Darussalam), the 29th ACCSQ
Meeting (20-22 March 2007, Yangon, Myanmar). The ASEAN Secretariat’s
information paper appears as ANNEX 5.
ASEAN Charter
12. The High Level Task Force on the ASEAN Charter (HLTF-AC) recognised the need to provide a broad direction for economic integration in ASEAN beyond 2015. As such the HLTF-AC will have joint sessions with the High Level Task Force on Economic Integration (HLTF-EI) to discuss the inclusion of the economic integration aspects into the clauses on Preamble, Purpose, and Principle of the draft ASEAN Charter.
13. The HLTF-AC also recognised the role of the AEM as the driver and
14. The Draft Charter would be submitted to the 40th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM) to be held in July 2007 in Manila, Philippines for consideration.
The ASEAN Charter is expected to be signed at the 13th ASEAN Summit in
Singapore in November 2007.
Blueprint on ASEAN Economic Community (AEC Blueprint)
15. The Meeting was updated that the draft AEC Blueprint and its Strategic
Schedule would be a legally binding document through the issuance of a
Declaration by the Leaders to be signed at the 13th ASEAN Summit in
November 2007 in Singapore, following which, the commitments contained in it would be binding to all Member Countries and effective to the implementation.
16. The ASEAN Secretariat was requested to prepare a Scorecard to
monitor the implementation of the AEC Blueprint. The Scorecard will be a 6-montly report with quantitative indicators to gauge the progress in implementing the Blueprint. Sectoral bodies would also be expected to come up with key performance indicators in their respective areas to be included in the AEC Scorecard. The report on the implementation of the AEC Blueprint would be part of the annual report of the Secretary-General of ASEAN to the AEM and the Leaders. The draft of the AEC Blueprint and its Strategic
Schedule will be finalised at the SEOM 4/38 Meeting for submission to the 39th
AEM Meeting.
Priority Integration Sectors
17. The ASEAN Framework Agreement (Amended) for the Integration of
Priority Sectors as well as the Amended Protocol for the Integration of Priority Sectors has been signed by the ASEAN Economic Ministers on 8 December 2006 in Cebu, Philippines.
18. The ASEAN Secretariat will produce a report on the implementation of
priority integration sectors initiatives before the 39th AEM as a move to identify and understand the implementation gaps. A third COPS Meeting may be held after the implementation gaps have been identified and reported.
ASEAN Policy Guideline on Standards and Conformance
19. The ACCSQ had agreed in principle to endorse the final version of the
draft mechanism to monitor the implementation of the “ASEAN Policy Guideline on Standards and Conformance”, pending Indonesia’s national consultation. Indonesia has since confirmed agreement on this document.
ASEAN Conformity Mark
20. The ASEAN Secretariat was requested to monitor the implementation of
21. The Draft Guide on Basic Rules for ASEAN Conformity Mark has been finalised and the first draft of the Agreement on the Application of the ASEAN Conformity Mark has been discussed at the Task Force Meeting on the ASEAN Conformity Mark held on 19 March 2007 in Yangon, Myanmar.
22. The final Draft Guide on Basic Rules for ASEAN Conformity Mark and
the draft Agreement on the Application of ASEAN Conformity Mark were circulated to all Member Countries and WGs/PWGs for them to consult with their related regulatory authorities, legal advisors, and other relevant authorities. Comments were received from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Philippines and MDPWG.
23. Based on the comments received, the final draft Guide on Basic Rules
for ASEAN Conformity Mark and the second draft Agreement on the Application of ASEAN Conformity Mark were amended and circulated to ASEAN Member Countries for comments by 15 July 2007 for subsequent submission to the ACCSQ for their consideration.
24. The Agreement is expected to be signed at the 39th AEM Meeting to be
held in August 2007 in Manila, Philippines. Singapore raised concern that Member Countries should be given ample time to get their government approval for endorsement and signing by the AEM.
Draft Guideline on Good Regulatory Practice (GRP)
25. The ACCSQ had agreed in principle to adopt the Draft Guideline on
Good Regulatory Practice (GRP) as a general guiding document for regulators in developing technical regulations. Having concluded its national consultation, Indonesia has confirmed its agreement on the document. The Meeting agreed to recommend to the ACCSQ to submit the adopted GRP document to SEOM for their consideration and AEM for their endorsement.
Wood-based Products
26. The ACCSQ endorsed the Report of the 4th WBPWG Meeting held from
22-23 August 2006 in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, its TOR and Work Programme.
27. The ACCSQ noted the request of WBPWG to seek guidance from
ACCSQ in having a common position on the proposed revision of EN 636 – Plywood specifications. The revision of EN 636 includes the proposal to incorporate biological durability of timbers, in which may have impacts on the ASEAN trade with EU. The ACCSQ requested WG 1 to give guidance to WBPWG on the participation of non-CEN members in the CEN standards and development system.
28. The ACCSQ further agreed to encourage Member Countries to actively
Progress Report from Chair/Co-Chair at ACCSQ Meeting
29. The ACCSQ raised concern on the absence of some WGs/PWGs
Chairs during the presentation of reports of their WGs/PWGs. ACCSQ stressed that the Chairs or Co-Chairs of the WGs/PWGs should be making the presentation of the highlight of reports to the ACCSQ Meeting to ensure that the critical issues are addressed and would also enable the Meeting to further clarify technical issues.
30. The ASEAN Secretariat updated the Meeting that the template for the
progress report has been prepared for relevant chairs to report the progress of their respective WGs/PWGs to the ACCSQ.
AGENDA ITEM 4: HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 4th WOOD-BASED PRODUCT
WORKING GROUP MEETING
31. The Secretary of WBPWG briefed the Meeting of the relevant decisions
made by the 4th WBPWG held on 22-23 August 2006 in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet
Nam. Information paper appears as ANNEX 6.
32. The Meeting noted that Indonesia, on behalf of the Chair of the
WBPWG, reported the outcome of the 4th WBPWG Meeting to the 29th ACCSQ
Meeting. The Meeting noted that ACCSQ has responded to the concern of WBPWG on the lack of participation by Member Countries. The ACCSQ agreed to encourage Member Countries to actively participate in the activities of WBPWG and requested the ACCSQ Leaders to follow up internally in their respective countries.
33. Malaysia briefed the Meeting that the EN 636:2003, Plywood - Specification is due for revision in 2008. Malaysia also notified the Meeting that the ISO/TC 89 is not in favour of classification of plywood according to the durability of the species used in the manufacture. Alternatively ISO favours product performance based classification and they may influence the deliberations on EN 636. Malaysia will update the Meeting on the progress of this matter.
34. The Meeting agreed to discuss the status of follow up actions under
subsequent agenda.
AGENDA ITEM 5: TRANSPARENCY OF WOOD-BASED PRODUCTS’ STANDARDS, TECHNICAL REGULATIONS, AND CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES
35. The Meeting noted the status of exchange of information from Indonesia
and Malaysia. Information paper of Indonesia and Malaysia respectively
forest-based products.
37. Viet Nam informed the Meeting that 28 ministerial standards related to
wood-based products were issued in December 2006. Most of them are aligned with ISO standards and will be adopted as the national standards or technical regulations in the near future.
38. Brunei Darussalam informed the Meeting that there was no change on
their regulations since the last meeting.
6.1 Networking among ASEAN Member Countries on standards, technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures
39. The Meeting noted that there were no new updates to be reported
under this agenda item.
6.2 Networking of ASEAN Member Countries with non-ASEAN trading partners on standards, technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures
40. Malaysia updated the Meeting that Taiwan has imposed new import
requirements for formaldehyde emission test for plywoods and Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL). The requirements will be effective from 1 July 2007 for plywood, while for the LVL it had already been effective from 1 January 2007.
41. The Meeting acknowledged the need to secure recognition for national
testing/certification bodies through appropriate forum (e.g. APLAC and ILAC) to facilitate extra-ASEAN trade. Towards this end, it was agreed that a list of Member Countries’ accredited testing/certification bodies for wood based products should be compiled. Member Countries were requested to submit
their list to Malaysia by 31 July 2007. The Meeting requested the ASEAN
Secretariat to publish this information on the ASEAN website.
42. The ASEAN Secretariat will seek further information on the status of
Taiwan Accreditation Foundation and if they are bound to recognise test reports under the APLAC/ILAC MRAs.
AGENDA ITEM 7: IDENTIFICATION OF AREAS FOR HARMONISATION OF STANDARDS, TECHNICAL REGULATIONS AND CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES
7.1. Comparative study on standards, technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures of ASEAN Member Countries
43. Malaysia presented to the Meeting the findings of Comparative Study of
Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. The
information paper from Malaysia appears as ANNEX 9 and 10.
44. The Meeting noted that the initial findings were as follows:
• Sawn Timber
45. Each respondent country has its own reference documents, and the
purposes and description vary from structural uses to measurements, timber characteristics and properties, as well as treatment. Hence, the details of these documents may require to be scrutinised so as to harmonize the product characteristic among ASEAN member countries.
• Wood including flooring and mouldings
46. Within this chapter, only the Philippines requires the information on the
characteristics and properties of the products. They are on the sampling methods, testing in compression, shearing stress and MOE. Other countries in ASEAN may either adopt or adapt to the International Standards before they could establish their own standards and products requirements, with regards to flooring and mouldings.
• Builders, Joinery and Carpentry (BJC) of wood, including cellular
wood panels, assembled parquet panels and shingles
47. Brunei Darussalam, the Philippines and Singapore require information
on specific requirements. In the case of Brunei Darussalam, terms associated with trusses, nail and screw holding capacity, jointing systems, column, beams, etc are being regulated based on its national and international standards. The Philippines requires information on specification of wooden flush door and windows. As for Malaysia and Singapore, contractors are required to comply with the Malaysian Construction Industry Standards and Code of Practice respectively.
• Furniture, including furniture wooden parts
48. Malaysia and the Philippines have specific requirements for furniture, in
terms of strength and stability, specification, seating performance rating as well as method of test for finishes.
7.2 Harmonisation of standards, technical regulations and
conformity assessment for identified areas
49. The Meeting noted that only Malaysia and Indonesia responded to the
survey, which appears as ANNEX 11. The Member Countries which have not
AGENDA ITEM 8: OTHER MATTERS
8.1 EU Regulations on wood-based products and ISO/CEN procedures
50. ASEAN Secretariat, on behalf of the CEN Representative, presented to
the Meeting the EU Regulations on wood-based products and ISO/CEN
procedure, which appears as ANNEX 12.
51. The Meeting was given a briefing on the PAN European Forest Certification (PEFC) process, the European standardisation process, and the use of the Keymark and the CE Marking. The Meeting was also updated on the mechanism for non-CEN members to participate in the CEN Technical Committees as Partner Standardisation Bodies (PSB). As a PSB, national standards bodies will have to commit to implementing as national standards the European standards developed by CEN Technical Committee in which they participate.
8.2 Dissemination of information on updates and activities on
WBPWG through electronic media
52. ASEAN Secretariat informed the Meeting that ASEAN Application Portal
(ASAP) is still under maintenance and will update the WBPWG when the system is ready for use.
8.3 Project Proposal to be covered by AADCP (ASEAN-Australia
Development Cooperation Programmes) for Wood Sector
53. The Meeting sought clarification from the ASEAN Secretariat on the
status of the project proposal from the AADCP “Towards a Regional Approached for Addressing Standards for Wood-based Products in an ASEAN-Australia/New Zealand FTA”. The ASEAN Secretariat agreed to follow up with the AADCP and report back to the WBPWG soonest possible. The Meeting was informed that the proposal from AADCP was a follow-up from the recent ASEAN-Australia/New Zealand FTA negotiation.
54. Malaysia proposed a new project on “Establishment of National Quality
Assurance Scheme” for consideration by AADCP. The proposal appears as
ANNEX 13.
55. Viet Nam proposed merging both projects since it would be covered by
the same Dialogue Partner. The Meeting agreed to maintain these as two
separate proposals looking at the scope of the project as well as the target group that will benefit from the respective projects. Further, the Meeting noted that the proposal from Malaysia could be submitted to APRIS II for their consideration as it is more in line with their scope of cooperation.
56. The ASEAN Secretariat also agreed to source other possible avenues
priority for cooperation. The EU Dialogue Partner would possibly be able to provide assistance in wood-based products sector under the APRIS II programme.
8.4 Nomination of the New Secretary of WBPWG
57. Indonesia informed the Meeting on the nomination of the new secretary
of WBPWG Mr. Tom Abbel Sulendro who will replace Mr. Hendro Kusumo. The Meeting accorded their appreciation to Mr. Kusumo for his efforts and support in the management of the secretariat of WBPWG since its first
Meeting. The letter for nomination appears as ANNEX 14.
8.5 Update on ASEAN Experts Group on Research and Development for Forest Products
58. Indonesia briefed the Meeting on one of the activities of the ASEAN
Experts Group on Research and Development for Forest Products which covers the harmonisation research and development laboratory testing standards and procedures. The Indonesia’s information paper appears as
ANNEX 15.
59. The Meeting noted the possible duplication of the work in this area. In
this regard, the Meeting requested the ASEAN Secretariat to seek clarification on this matter and update the Meeting accordingly.
8.6 Attendance of Member Countries at WBPWG Meetings
60. The Meeting noted that the attendance of Member Countries in the
WBPWG Meetings have been poor. The Meeting also noted that there was no apparent lack of commitment and indication from other Member Countries to actively participate in the wood-based sector activities. In view of this, the Meeting agreed to seek the support of ACCSQ to further encourage the participation of Member Countries at these Meetings.
61. The Meeting agreed that the Chair will communicate with all the Member Countries requesting their cooperation and participation at future WBPWG meetings and its activities.
AGENDA ITEM 9: CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF THE WBPWG WORK PROGRAMME
62. The Meeting considered and adopted the revised Work Programme of
the WBPWG, which appears as ANNEX 16.
63. The Meeting agreed that the 6th Meeting of the ACCSQ Product Working Group on Wood-Based Products will be convened in Malaysia in November 2007. The exact date and venue will be communicated in due course.
AGENDA ITEM 11: CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF REPORT
64. The Meeting considered and adopted the Report of the 5th Meeting of
the ACCSQ Wood-Based Product Working Group held from 11-12 July 2007 in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Delegates from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Viet Nam and the ASEAN Secretariat expressed their appreciation to the Government of Brunei Darussalam in particular the Ministry of Development for their warm hospitality extended and the excellent arrangements made for the Meeting. The Meeting also expressed its appreciation to the ASEAN Secretariat for the assistance rendered.
The Meeting was held in the traditional spirit of ASEAN cooperation and cordiality.
