China launches wood product quality campaign
17 November 2015In 2014 China reported more than 50,000 wood product manufacturing and trading enterprises in China employing around 10 million workers and generating an output of RMB1 trillion. The consumption of timber by these enterprises exceeds 520 million m3 and the value of exports reached US$75.9bn in 2014. However, the sector suffers from a poor image due to quality scandals.
To address this problem a new campaign, the "Long March to Quality" aims to help enterprises improve the quality of their wood products and protect the rights of consumers.
At the launch of the campaign a press conference heard that an investigation would be conducted to assess the status of wood based panel and flooring enterprise to identify leading enterprises and reputable brands as well as exposing disreputable enterprises.
In advance of the campaign an investigation will be undertaken in China by an expert group including the media which will make unannounced visits to enterprises and wholesale markets for wood based panels and flooring.
The survey report will be presented at the Second World Wood Based Panel Congress. At the same time the survey report will be submitted to Chinese General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, the Chinese State Administration of industry and commerce, China Consumer Association and other relevant parties.
