China decentralises wood panel permit approvals

China has decentralised the permit approval process for wood-based panel production plants, according to the latest International Tropical Timber Organisation market report.

The move is designed to simplify approval procedures for panel production and stimulate enterprise development.

Permits for plywood, chipboard, OSB, MDF, decorative overlaid panels, resin impregnated paper overlaid panels and blockboard will now be handled by provinces.

Meanwhile, efforts are being taken to boost consumption of Chinese engineered wood flooring. More than 100 people attended a Beijing forum organised by the Chinese timber industry

About 80% of China’s triple-layered engineered flooring is exported to Europe and the US. Last year 78 million m³ of the product was sold.