TTF issues new guidance on marine plywood

The change follows a decision by the TTF’s National Panel Products Division, which stipulated June 1 as the desired date from which further imports of non QA Marine should cease.

The implication of this decision for TTF members would be the cancellation of any outstanding volumes of marine plywood on contracts placed before September 1, 2015.

The decision has been ratified by the TTF Governing Board and will form part of the new TTF Code of Conduct for panel product traders as this is updated. This means that only those products supported by independent third party QA can be sold as “marine plywood”.

The TTF will be issuing guidance via merchants and other professional bodies as well as to its own members.

“It is essential that our members maintain the highest standards across all product ranges,” said David Hopkins, managing director of the TTF.

“We need to provide the market with the assurance and evidence it requires, that products sold by TTF members are fit for purpose and appropriate for the buyers needs.”

In February 2015, NPPD members voted for an additional requirement for compulsory independent third party QA to be included on all contracts placed for Marine Plywood after September 1, 2015.

Subsequent concern was expressed that no new third party QA marine plywood schemes had commenced but volumes of marine plywood were still arriving in the UK from contracts placed before September 1, 2015.

The principle reason was difficultly on the part of plywood mills to demonstrate, in terms of European Norm EN.350, the durability of species being used in production of marine plywood.

At the NPPD AGM on February 17 this year, further concern was expressed that six months after implementation of the new requirement, the reputation of members, the NPPD and the TTF could be at risk from on-going sales of marine plywood without supporting independent third party QA.

For all enquiries please contact Nick Boulton at the TTF: nboulton@ttf.co.uk