“Unchecked Plywood Imports from Nepal Could Hurt Indian Industry”

There is growing concern over plywood imports from Nepal. What is your view?

Yes, this is a serious concern. Despite Nepal having very few BIS licenses, the volume of plywood entering India from there is increasing. If unauthorized plywood crosses into India without proper checks, it can severely harm our domestic industry. All imports must comply with BIS standards, and strict checks at the border are essential. Otherwise, this will be a big setback for Indian manufacturers.

What is the basis of this concern?

Recently, FIPPI (Federation of Indian Plywood and Panel Industry) wrote to BIS, reporting that just two units in Nepal sent 135 truckloads of plywood to India between January and April. Shockingly, in May alone, they sent 590 truckloads! This suggests that BIS licenses might be misused.

What should Indian plywood manufacturers do in this situation?

We need to stand united. This isn’t the problem of one individual or company—it affects the entire Indian plywood industry. FIPPI is working on this issue, but other associations must also take initiative. We must meet senior officials and ministers to highlight the risk to our sector. Manufacturers around Delhi can raise the issue directly in Delhi, while industrialists from Bihar and other states should talk to their respective authorities.

With imports from Vietnam slowing down, do you see this as an opportunity for Indian manufacturers?

Yes, this is an opportunity. The purpose of mandatory BIS is to strengthen our indigenous plywood industry. The ply import from Vietnam has almost stopped. Those who had imported goods in India, that too will be on the verge of ending. In such a situation, Demand for Indian plywood is likely to rise.

However, unchecked imports from Nepal could ruin this chance. We must remain cautious and proactive.

What about the units in India that don’t have BIS licenses?

This is another concern. Around 70–75% of units in North India have BIS licenses, but many in Bengal, Bihar, and Kerala do not. What action will authorities take against them? The situation should be clear about this. If due to political pressure, no attention is paid to them, then it will be a difficult time for the licensed plywood manufacturers. If they continue operating without BIS certification, licensed manufacturers—already facing higher production costs due to BIS compliance—will suffer.

Is the Pollution Control Board also causing challenges for the plywood industry?

Yes, the Pollution Board is becoming stricter. In Yamunanagar and Punjab, they are asking industries to relocate boilers and resin kettle outside populated areas. This is not practical. When we set up our factories, there was no population nearby. The government should have ensured proper zoning. Now, we are forced to bear the consequences?

It seems that now it will become difficult to work in these circum stances. Therefore, the industrialists of Haryana and Punjab should talk to each other.

How can the industry respond to these combined challenges?

The plywood manufacturers of Haryana, Punjab, and Delhi along with Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Rajasthan should unite and talk to both state and central authorities. We all face similar issues. It’s time for a joint approach.

Why do you think manufacturers are not active enough?

Unfortunately, in most associations, only the president and secretary remain active while others stay passive. In today’s environment, we all must be active and united to protect our industry. Only then we can create a suitable environment for the welfare of plywood industries. We all should talk among ourselves. We should move forward in coordination with the officials and the concerned agency and department

The Pollution Board is also pressuring units to buy glue from outside. Your take?

This is not possible at all. In Punjab, the Pollution Control Board has given us certificates for the entire plywood unit. A decision was taken in 2006 that this rule will not be applicable to the glue kettles installed earlier.

Anyway, no such rule should be applicable to units with captive consumption. But now the NGT and Pollution Board have questioned this rule. Now they are bringing everyone under the ambit of their action. This is not right. This will create problems. Some middle path should be found. Which will provide a proper solution to this deadlock.

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