| 1 | FSC Chain of Custody | Confirm that the supplier’s certificate is valid and its scope covers the relevant product category and activities. Check that the specific order carries an eligible FSC claim. | FSC Chain of Custody requirements are set out in FSC-STD-40-004. Verify certificate details in the official FSC certificate database. | Match the certificate holder, scope, product description, and certificate status to the order documents. A certificate alone does not prove that every shipment is FSC-certified. |
| 2 | PEFC Chain of Custody | Confirm that the supplier holds a current PEFC-recognised chain-of-custody certificate and can make the required PEFC claim for the supplied goods. | PEFC chain-of-custody requirements are specified in the PEFC ST 2002 standard. Check certificate status through PEFC’s official certificate search. | Check that the certificate scope and sales documents correspond to the product and claim. Do not treat a certificate as proof of a claim on an unrelated shipment. |
| 3 | Transaction Documents and Claims | Ensure the purchase order, invoice, packing list, and shipping documents consistently identify the product and any certified-material claim. | Supplier certificate details, product descriptions, invoice claim, shipment records, and applicable certification rules. | Resolve differences in product names, quantities, certificate references, or claims before accepting the shipment. |
| 4 | Batch and Lot Traceability | Require a traceable link between each delivered batch and its production records, input materials, inspection results, and shipment. | Batch or lot codes; production dates; material issue records; inspection records; packing lists; and retained samples, where agreed. | Agree in advance how the lot code appears on panels, packaging, and documents, and how long records and samples will be retained. |
| 5 | Wood Species and Legal Sourcing | Confirm declared veneer and core species, country of harvest where available, and the documentation needed for the destination market. | Product specification, supplier sourcing records, applicable timber-legality documentation, and CITES documentation when a listed species is involved. | Check that species names and supporting documents are consistent. Legal and import requirements vary by jurisdiction and species. |
| 6 | Panel Construction and Veneer Quality | Specify face veneer species and grade, face thickness, core construction, panel thickness, dimensions, lay-up, and permitted defects. | Approved technical data sheet, purchase specification, agreed samples, and applicable product requirements such as EN 636 where relevant. | Define tolerances, repair limits, appearance criteria, and the inspection method in the contract rather than relying on a general product description. |
| 7 | Bond Quality and Intended Use | Match the adhesive and bond performance to the intended service conditions, such as dry, humid, or exterior use. | EN 314-2 provides bond-quality requirements for plywood; EN 636 specifies plywood requirements for different service conditions. | Request test reports for the specified construction and verify that the test classification is appropriate for the intended application. |
| 8 | Formaldehyde Emissions | Confirm the applicable emission limit and test method for the importing market and the specific panel product. | EN 717-1 is a chamber method for determining formaldehyde release. U.S. buyers should also check applicable TSCA Title VI requirements for regulated composite wood products. | Review reports for product identity, test method, result, laboratory, and date. Confirm whether the destination market requires additional documentation or labelling. |
| 9 | Mechanical and Physical Batch Testing | Set tests and acceptance limits for the properties relevant to the purchase, such as bending performance, dimensions, or moisture content. | EN 310 specifies a method for determining bending strength and modulus of elasticity of wood-based panels. Use the product specification to identify the required tests. | Agree sampling frequency, test method, acceptance criteria, and responsibility for independent testing before production begins. |
| 10 | Inspection, Nonconformity, and Corrective Action | Establish incoming inspection, defect classification, handling of failed tests, and a documented corrective-action process. | Contract inspection plan; inspection and test records; nonconformity reports; corrective-action records; and agreed independent inspection procedures. | Define remedies, retesting rules, and responsibility for rejected goods in the contract. Use a mutually agreed sampling plan; no single sample rate applies to every order. |