NEWS

The EPA TSCA Title VI final rule for formaldehyde emissions for composite wood products has been published in the Federal Register and is now official. The rule was changed to address technical issues raised by stakeholders - including those raised by HPVA Laboratories® (soon to be Capital Testing). The changes mean that EPA TSCA Title VI now aligns better with CARB requirements and will help streamline compliance programs.

The public comment period is open for 2019 revisions to ANSI/HPVA EF 2012 – American National Standard For Engineered Wood Flooring. BSR/HPVA EF XXXX is being considered for approval. The publication of this notice begins the public comment period for HPVA and ANSI, which will close on October 14. To request a copy of the proposal for review and comment, email standards@decorativehardwoods.org.

AHEC reports that exports of U.S. hardwood lumber, logs, and veneer were lower in the first six months of 2019 vs. last year.

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AHEC Market Report 

From January to April, China imported 21.8% more logs from New Zealand and 33.8% more from Australia as log imports from Russia and the U.S. fell. Total Chinese log imports rose by 3.95%. Logs imported from the Czech Republic from January through May increased to over 350,000 tons, nearly three times more than last year.

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U.S. cabinet suppliers vigorously applauded the Department of Commerce's action to support the tentative imposition of countervailing trade duties on wooden cabinets, vanities, and components imported from China. Commerce found Chinese trade subsidies ranging from 10.97% to 229.24%.

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