Request for extension of implementation of QCO

Federation of Indian Plywood & Panel Industry

FIPPI/80-1-2023-24

Dated: 13/12/2023

Sub:

Request for extension of implementation of QCO for Wooden based Boards, Plywood and Wooden flush door shutters and Resin treated compressed Wood Laminate.

Ref:  

1. Record of discussion dated 23rd Nov 23, New Delhi
2. FIPPI letter dated 11th Dec 23 vide no FIPPI/80-2023-24

Sir,

At the outset, we heartily thank you for listening and understanding the issues raised by the industries on proposed QCO implementation.

We are giving below a few major points to consider for the extension of QCO.

A. Indian Plywood is vastly scattered between SME & MSME, with very few large players. The small units cater to the lower segment of the market, and the product is used as a use and throw. This segment does not have any registration for any of the quality marks.

B. The usage pattern of the product is of, B to B to C nature, and therefore for a number of applications, the quality standards are not very important.

C. In this scenario, Developing Indian standards on UTILITY grade/label for the product needs to be developed, for manufactures who are making products to meet the above- mentioned requirements, and also for those who are unable to meet the criteria set in the existing / to be revised BIS specification.

D. It is suggested a new standard, with the nomenclature, BIS UTILITY grade be introduced, which may take some time. Till such time, these separate standards get developed and published; Industry could be permitted to dispose these downgraded materials produced during production as per BIS “UTILITY” grade.

This would also pave the way for no wastage of wood-based product. This is also required, as material which does not meet the required standard, cannot be recycled, owing to the nature of the product. If the same is not allowed, then about 20% of the production will need to be destroyed, causing colossal losses, and making many units unviable.

E. We would also like to mention that, as on the date, the total number of units registered with BIS when compared to the number of units operating in the country is miniscule, and if this order is implemented, it will create a huge disruption in the supply chain in the market.

F. During this period revision of standards would also get complete which is being revised based on current scenario of raw material availability/quality of timber in use.

We therefore request you to please extend the implementation of the Quality Control Order for a period of 1.5-2 years, which will help the industry in meeting the requirements of the country.