M/444 - Wood based panels

Purpose

The mandate M/444 serves as an amendment to the existing Mandate M/113, which pertains to the standardisation of wood-based panels. Its primary purpose is to update or modify the scope, requirements, or implementation aspects of the previous mandate. This ensures that the harmonized standards for wood-based panels remain relevant and aligned with current industry needs and regulatory frameworks.

Standardisation request

This mandate specifically requests CEN (European Committee for Standardization) and CENELEC (European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization) to carry out standardisation work concerning wood-based panels. The work involves developing, revising, or harmonizing European standards that regulate properties, performance, and testing methods for wood-based panel products to facilitate compliance with EU legislation.

Expected deliverables

The expected deliverables under Mandate M/444 include:

• Updated or new harmonized European standards for wood-based panels, reflecting changes or improvements identified since the original mandate M/113.
• Documentation that supports the uniform application of these standards across member states, thereby facilitating trade and regulatory compliance.
• Coordination and consensus-building outputs from CEN/CENELEC technical committees to finalize and publish these standards.

Context

Mandate M/444 builds upon Mandate M/113, an earlier directive issued to promote the harmonisation of standards related to wood-based panels at the European level. The amendment was subject to approval or disapproval, as referenced in Resolution CEN/BT C64/2009 by the CEN Board of Directors. This reflects the EU’s ongoing efforts to ensure that standards evolve in step with technological advances and market requirements within the wood-based panel industry.