| Legislative： |
1.Adopted and promulgated by the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection, Ministry of Economic Affairs, on January 4, 2013.
2.Name amended and promulgated by the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection, Ministry of Economic Affairs, on September 23, 2016. (Originally named as Directions Governing Type-Approved Batch Inspection of Wooden Board Commodities)
3.Amended and promulgated by the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection, Ministry of Economic Affairs, on April 15, 2026. |
| Content： |
1. These Directions are stipulated by the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BMSI) to
govern the inspection of wooden board commodities.
2. These Directions apply to wooden board commodities subject to inspection, including the
following:
(1)Laminated veneer lumber: laminated veneer lumber and structural laminated veneer lumber;
(2)Plywood: plywood, special plywood, structural plywood, plywood for concrete-form, scaffolding
plywood, plywood for pallet and fire-retardant plywood;
(3)Wooden flooring: composite wood flooring, strip flooring, block flooring and parquet flooring;
(4)Medium-density fiberboard and particleboard, excluding raw materials used for processing or
assembly into furniture;
(5)Glulam: glulam for decorative use, overlaid glulam for decorative use, structural glued-laminated
timber, and overlaid glulam posts for structural use.
3. The terms used in these Directions are defined as follows:
(1)Short side: the shorter side of the cross-section of glulam.
(2)Long side: the longer side of the cross-section of glulam. In the case of a square cross-section,
the length of the long side shall be deemed to be the thickness of the lamination.
(3)Large dimension: glulam with a short side exceeding 15 cm and a cross-section area exceeding
300 cm2.
(4)Medium dimension: glulam with a short side of or exceeding 7.5 cm and a long side of or
exceeding 15 cm.
(5)Small dimension: glulam with a short side of less than 7.5 cm or a long side of less than 15 cm.
(6)Same type: commodities subject to the same Chinese National Standards (CNS), produced in the
same country, and having the same formaldehyde emission grade. For commodities containing fire
retardants, the same fire-retardant grade is also required.
(7)Main type:
a. Laminated veneer lumber, plywood, wooden flooring, medium-density fiberboard and
particleboard: commodities of the same type with the greatest thickness.
b. Glulam: large-dimension commodities of the same type. If there are no large-dimension
commodities, medium-dimension commodities shall be deemed the main type. If there are no
medium-dimension commodities, small-dimension commodities shall be deemed the main type.
(8)Series type:
a. Laminated veneer lumber, plywood, wooden flooring, medium-density fiberboard and
particleboard: commodities of the same type other than the main type, with different thicknesses.
b. Glulam: commodities of the same type other than the main type, with different dimensions.
(9)Same specifications:
a. Laminated veneer lumber, plywood, wooden flooring, medium-density fiberboard and
particleboard: commodities of the same type and the same thickness.
b. Glulam: commodities of the same type, with the same short side and long side.
(10)Special specifications: custom-made glulam commodities in arched, conical, pyramidal, or other
shapes, with varying cross-sections.
(11)Cross-section: the plane vertical to the glue line.
4. Conformity assessment procedures: Type-Approved Batch Inspection or Registration of Product
Certification [Type Test Module (Module II) + Complete Quality Control and Management Module
(Module IV), Production Quality Management Module (Module V), or Factory Inspection Module
(Module VII)]
5. Inspection standards and items:
(1)Laminated veneer lumber shall be subject to inspection for formaldehyde emission and labeling
in accordance with CNS 11818 or CNS 14646.
(2)Plywood shall be subject to inspection for formaldehyde emission and labeling in accordance
with CNS 1349, CNS 8058, CNS 11671, CNS 15583, CNS 8057, CNS 11670 or CNS 11699.
Commodities containing fire retardants shall also be subject to fire-retardancy testing.
(3)Wooden flooring shall be subject to inspection for formaldehyde emission and labeling in
accordance with CNS 2871, CNS 11341, or CNS 11342.
(4)Medium-density fiberboard shall be subject to inspection for formaldehyde emission and labeling
in accordance with CNS 9909. Particleboard shall be subject to inspection for formaldehyde
emission and labeling in accordance with CNS 2215. Commodities containing fire retardants shall
also be subject to fire-retardancy testing.
(5)Glulam shall be subject to inspection for formaldehyde emission and labeling in accordance with
CNS 11029, CNS 11030, CNS 11031, or CNS 11032.
6. Labeling requirements for laminated veneer lumber, plywood, glulam, medium-density
fiberboard and particleboard are as follows:
(1)In addition to marking the following items on the commodity, the obligatory inspection applicant
shall also indicate all items required under the applicable inspection standards and Article 11 of The
Commodity Inspection Act on the external packaging or on the product.
a. Commodity Inspection Mark: consisting of a graphic symbol, an identification number
(beginning with “T” or “R” and a designation code). The Mark shall be printed by the obligatory
inspection applicant;
b. Name of the commodity;
c. Place of origin;
d. Formaldehyde emission grade (F1, F2, or F3);
e. Name, address or trademark of the manufacturer or importer;
f. Production date or batch number
(2)For commodities shipped in their original production or processing packaging directly to the
downstream industries for use or further processing, and not for market display or sale, the
obligatory inspection applicant may submit an application form to the BSMI or its branches having
jurisdiction over the place of production, hereinafter referred to as the inspection authorities, for
approval to mark only the “production date or batch number,” “name of the commodity,” and “place
of origin” on the body of the commodity. The labeling requirements set out in the preceding
subparagraph of this clause regarding items to be marked on the commodity shall not apply.
7. In addition to the items required under the applicable inspection standards (CNS 2871, CNS
11341, or CNS 11342), which shall be marked on the smallest packaging unit or on the body of the
commodity at the time of product display or sales, the obligatory inspection applicant for wooden
flooring shall also mark the name of the commodity, place of origin, name and address of the
obligatory inspection applicant, and the Commodity Inspection Mark (consisting of a graphic
symbol and an identification number, beginning with “T” or “R” and a designation code) printed by
the obligatory inspection applicant.
8. Where the type-approved batch inspection is adopted as the conformity assessment procedure, the
obligatory inspection applicant shall first apply for type testing and type approval in order to obtain
a type-approval certificate. The obligatory inspection applicant shall apply for inspection before
importing the commodities or releasing them from the production premises. The commodities may
be displayed or sold in the domestic market only after they have passed the inspection.
9. An applicant for type testing shall prepare a type classification table (using Form 1 or Form 2 as
applicable) for each wooden board commodity. The applicant shall also prepare three copies of the
following technical documents and submit the required samples for each main type (including series
types) to the BSMI or its branches having jurisdiction over the place of production, or a designated
testing laboratory recognized by the BSMI for type testing (for formaldehyde emission testing:
Keelung Branch, Taichung Banch or Kaohsiung Branch; for fire-retardancy testing: BSMI, Keelung
Branch, Taichung Branch or Kaohsiung Branch):
(1)Specification list, including the commodity structure, a cross-sectional structural diagram, and
composite materials (including surface treatment materials);
(2)4×6 inches color photos of the commodity (with a ruler showing the thickness or, for glulam, the
cross-sectional dimensions of the finished product);
(3)Overview of manufacturing process (for commodities containing fire retardants, an overview of
fire-retardant treatment process shall also be provided);
(4)Specimen of the Chinese label;
(5)Samples:
a. Laminated veneer lumber: At least two columns shall be submitted for formaldehyde emission
testing for each main type and series type. For each column, two test pieces with a surface area of
450 cm2, excluding the two cross-sectional faces, shall be taken from a portion at least 5 cm from
the end along the length of the column, while maintaining the original cross-sectional dimensions.
b. Plywood: At least two sheets shall be submitted for formaldehyde emission testing for each main
type and series type. Each sheet shall be cut into rectangular test pieces measuring 150 mm in length
and 50 mm in width. The minimum number of test pieces shall be taken so that the combined area
of the relevant surfaces exceeds 1800 cm2, in 2 sets. For samples containing fire retardants, three
additional test pieces measuring 100 mm × 100 mm shall be submitted for fire-retardancy testing.
c. Wooden flooring: At least two sheets shall be submitted for formaldehyde emission testing for
each main type and series type. Test pieces shall be taken from the central portion of each sheet and
cut into 150 mm in length and 50 mm in width, with 10 pieces per set and 2 sets in total. For
samples with particularly small specifications that cannot be cut to the foregoing dimensions, the
applicant may consult the testing laboratory regarding alternative sampling arrangements.
d. Medium-density fiberboard and particleboard: At least two sheets shall be submitted for
formaldehyde emission testing for each main type and series type. Test pieces shall be taken from
each sheet so that the total surface area is approximately 1800 cm2, in 2 sets. For samples
containing fire retardants, three additional test pieces measuring 100 mm × 100 mm shall be
submitted for fire-retardancy testing.
e. Glulam: At least two columns shall be submitted for formaldehyde emission testing for each main
type and series type. For each column, two test pieces with a surface area of 450 cm2, excluding the
two cross-sectional faces, shall be taken from a portion at least 5 cm from the end along the length
of the column, while maintaining the original cross-sectional dimensions. If the cross-sectional
dimension or length of the sample exceed the capacity of the test vessel, the sample shall be cut into
multiple test pieces of the same shape, subject to adjustment based on the equipment of the testing
laboratory. For special specifications that cannot be cut to the foregoing dimensions, the applicant
may contact the testing laboratory regarding alternative sampling arrangements.
10. Principles for type testing
(1)Laminated veneer lumber, plywood, wooden flooring, medium-density fiberboard, and
particleboard:
a. Main type: the main type shall be submitted for formaldehyde emission testing and labeling
inspection.
b. Series type: Among the series types, the product with the smallest thickness shall be submitted for
formaldehyde emission testing. Where there are more than five series types, an additional sample of
a different thickness shall also be submitted for formaldehyde emission testing.
c. Product containing fire retardants: For samples containing fire retardants, fire-retardancy testing
shall also be conducted in addition to the testing required under the preceding two subparagraphs.
(2)Glulam: The main type shall be submitted for formaldehyde emission testing and labeling
inspection. For series types, each applied dimension type shall be submitted for formaldehyde
emission testing.
11. Application procedures for type approval
(1)After applying for type testing and obtaining the type test report in accordance with the two
preceding clauses, the applicant shall submit the application form, type test report, and technical
documents to the inspection authorities to apply for type approval and obtain a Type Approval
Certificate.
(2)Before applying for type approval, the applicant may use a CNS Mark test report as a substitute
for the type test report, provided that the CNS Mark test report was issued within the preceding two
years. However, a CNS Mark test report may be used as a substitute for the type test report for only
one main type or one series type.
(3)The reviewing period for type approval is fourteen working days from the date on which the
inspection authorities receive the application. The time required for the applicant to submit
supplementary information or samples shall not be included in this period. Where samples are
required for testing, an additional processing period of seven days shall apply from the date on
which the samples are received.
12. The Type Approval Certificate shall generally be valid for three years. Where any change is
made to the approved scope of the commodity during the validity period, the following procedures
shall apply:
(1)Laminated veneer lumber, plywood, wooden flooring, medium-density fiberboard and
particleboard:
a. Where commodities with a thickness greater than that of the approved main type are to be added,
the applicant shall apply to the type-testing institution that issued the original type test report for
type testing, and shall apply to the inspection authorities for reissuance of the certificate. The added
commodity shall be designated as the main type, and the main type originally registered in the
certificate shall be redesignated as a series type.
b. Where series-type commodities are to be added without affecting the original main type, the
applicant shall apply to the type-testing institution that issued the original type test report for type
testing, and shall apply to the inspection authorities for reissuance of the certificate in accordance
with the following requirements:
(a) For commodities with a thickness greater than the smallest thickness among the series type, the
total number of the original and newly added series types shall be calculated together. Where testing
is required under the principles for type testing set out in Clause 10, commodities from the newly
added series types shall be submitted for formaldehyde emission testing. Where no testing is
required, the type classification table may be submitted in lieu of the type test report.
(b) For commodities with a thickness smaller than the smallest thickness among the series types, the
series-type commodity with the smallest thickness shall be submitted for formaldehyde emission
testing.
c. For commodities containing fire retardants, fire-retardancy testing shall also be conducted in
addition to the testing required under the principles set out the preceding subparagraphs.
(2)Glulam:
a. Where commodities with dimensions greater than those of the approved main type are to be
added, the applicant shall apply to the type-testing institution that issued the original type test report
for type testing, and shall apply to the inspection authorities for reissuance of the certificate. The
added dimension type shall be designated as the main type, and the main type originally registered
in the certificate shall be redesignated as a series type.
b. Where series-type commodities are to be added without affecting the original main type, the
applicant shall apply to the type-testing institution that issued the original type test report for type
testing, and shall apply to the inspection authorities for reissuance of the certificate.
(3)Where a rescinded type is to be added after improvement, testing shall be conducted.
(4)Where the designated testing laboratory recognized by the BSMI that issued the original type test
report has had its recognition rescinded or its recognized scope for wooden board commodities
reduced, the applicant may apply to another type-testing institution for type testing.
13. For the inspection of type-approved wooden board commodities, the inspection authorities shall
conduct inspection in accordance with the following requirements:
(1)When applying for inspection, the obligatory inspection applicant shall declare the following
commodities as one inspection batch:
a. Laminated veneer lumber, plywood, wooden flooring, and medium-density fiberboard and
particleboard: commodities of the same specifications.
b. Glulam: commodities of the same item and model. Where the batch contains commodities with
different cross-sectional dimensions or special specifications, a detailed classification list shall be
attached.
(2)The obligatory inspection applicant shall specify the production date or batch number of the
commodity in the inspection application.
(3)For glulam with special specifications, where the main type or series type covered by the
type-approval certificate includes the smallest and largest dimensions, and sampling would damage
the original shape of the product and render it unsuitable for continued use, the obligatory
inspection applicant may attach relevant supporting documents, such as the order or contract, and
apply to the inspection authorities for inspection by document review.
(4)For glulam commodities in small quantities that are manufactured for special purposes and
covered by the type specified in the type-approval certificate, where sampling would damage the
original shape of the product and render it unsuitable for continued use, the obligatory inspection
applicant may attach relevant supporting documents, including the inspection quantity,
specifications, intended use, purpose, and the approval document issued by the BSMI, and apply for
inspection by document review.
(5)When the obligatory inspection applicant applies for inspection of wooden board commodities
for the first time, samples shall be taken for inspection. However, glulam commodities meeting the
requirements of the two preceding subparagraphs are exempt from this requirement. For
commodities that pass inspection, the inspection authorities may sample the subsequently declared
wooden board commodities at a probability of 5% per batch. Batches not selected for sampling shall
be inspected by document review to simplify the inspection procedure.
(6)For wooden board commodities that fail inspection, commodities of the same obligatory
inspection applicant shall be subject to batch-by-batch inspection at three times the normal sampling
quantity for five consecutive batches. The simplified inspection procedure at the sampling
probability of 5% per batch may be resumed only after all five batches have passed inspection.
(7)Where the inspection authorities receive a complaint or have doubts as to whether the commodity
declared for inspection complies with the applicable inspection standards, they may conduct
sampling tests for the relevant inspection items.
(8)The sampling quantity shall be determined in accordance with the applicable inspection
standards. However, where the quantity is insufficient to conduct at least two inspections, a
sufficient quantity shall, in principle, be sampled. Where the commodities declared for inspection
exceed two containers, at least two containers shall be opened for representative sampling.
(9)In accordance with the quantity requirements set out in the preceding subparagraph, the
inspection authorities may take and seal the samples, and give them to the obligatory inspection
applicant for custody for re-inspection purposes.
(10)The inspection items shall be the same as those specified in Clause 5.
(11)The inspection period for batch-by-batch inspection shall be seven working days from the date
on which the samples are delivered to the inspection institutions.
14. For commodity that have obtained type approval, the inspection authorities may assign
inspection officers to the premises of the holder of the type-approval certificate or to the
manufacturing factory to conduct sample inspection. The inspection authorities may also assign
inspection officers to conduct inspection during the manufacturing process.
15. Where the conformity assessment procedure of Registration for Product Certification (RPC) is
adopted, the obligatory inspection applicant shall obtain an RPC certificate before importing the
commodities or releasing them from the production premises. The commodities may be displayed or
sold in the domestic market only after they have been confirmed to comply with the applicable
inspection requirements.
16. Application procedures for Registration of Product Certification (RPC)
(1)The applicant shall apply for type testing in accordance with Clause 9. After obtaining the type
test report, the applicant shall apply to the inspection authorities in accordance with the Application
Procedures for Registration of Product Certification and obtain an RPC certificate.
(2)The applicant may use a CNS Mark test report as a substitute for the type test report, provided
that the CNS Mark test report was issued within the preceding two years. However, a CNS Mark
test report may be used as a substitute for the type test report for only one main type or one series
type.
(3)The reviewing period for the RPC applications is fourteen working days from the date the
inspection authorities receive the application. The time required for the applicant to submit
supplementary information or samples shall not be included in this period. Where samples are
required for performing the inspection, an additional processing period of seven working days shall
apply from the date on which the samples are received.
17. The RPC certificate shall generally be valid for three years. Where any change is made to the
approved registration scope of the certificate during the validity period, the procedures set out in
Clause 12 shall apply mutatis mutandis.
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