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Be Sensitive To Market Requirements, Says Minister Peter Chin
"It is important for our industry members to be aware of the latest developments and changes that are taking place in the marketplace. We, as an exporting country and responsible traders, have to monitor and track these changes so as to continue to provide customers satisfaction. In order to maintain our market position, we have to remain vigilant, proactive and innovative," he added.
Earlier, MTC's Senior Director for Trade Promotion and Marketing, Mr. Cheah Kam Huan said harmonised standards are important marketing tools that help reduce non-tariff barriers to trade, while making industry players more competitive in the marketplace. International standards and their use in technical regulations on products, production rnethods and services play an imperative role in sustainable development and trade facilitation through the promotion of safety, quality and technical compatibility. All businesses, big and small, stand to benefit substantially by complying with international standards.
A total of six papers were presented at the seminar. Mr. Bob Foster of BM Trada Certification, UK presented topics on the latest developments of CE Marking, fire-rating requirements as well as on the use of CCA (chromated copper arsenate) to treat timber. Ms Young Kam Han of the Malaysian Wood Preserving Association updated the participants on the latest alternatives to CCA. Participants were also presented with a topic on the new Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) Marking by Professor Shigehiko Suzuki of Shizuoka University, Japan. Dr. Nor Yuziah Mohd. Yunus from Malayan Adhesives and Chemicals talked about the new technology to control formaldehyde emission. The seminar was attended by some 150 participants. |
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"The
growing consumers' concern for safety, health and environmental issues is one of
the challenges apparent in the timber industry today. These concerns have
manifested through extra stringent standards and technical requirements for
products, and more importing countries are insisting on compliance to
international standards on labelling, certification, technical standards and
phytosanitary regulations," said ~1inister of Plantation Industries and
Commodities, Datuk Peter Chin at a seminar on "International Standards and
Technical Requirements" organised by ~1TC on 8 January 2007 in Kuala
Lumpur.
Datuk
Peter Chin also urged industry players to comply with the CE Mark. "Up to
now, the CE Mark for timber products is only applicable to wood-based panel
products and flooring materials. But as of 1 September 2007, timber meant for
structural use will also have to bear the CE Mark. This implies that sawntimber
exported to Europe will have to qualify for the CE Mark if they are to be used
for construction," he explained. Although compliance with the CE Mark could
be costly, the industry needs to comply due to the importance of Europe as a
major export market, he added.
The
seminar was held to update members of the Malaysian timber industry on the
current status and future trends of wood-based products towards meeting the
necessary standards and technical requirements, which are of crucial importance
to gain market access into more affluent and advanced markets across the globe.
MTC’s
