On 11/04/2023, Korea sent a notice (code G/TBT/N/KOR/1133) to the WTO Secretariat about the draft revision of a part of the criteria for standard size and quality of products. wood products. This draft stipulates the criteria for size, standard quality, and labeling requirements for wood products manufactured, imported and distributed in Korea. The draft consists of 169 pages, in Korean, including the following contents:

Add structural particleboard to particleboard grades and establish relevant quality standards, test methods and defined terms.
Amendment of classification and indication of fire resistance to conform to Notice 2023-24 of the Ministry of Land and Transport (Standard for quality management and recognition for building materials).
Korean Industry Standard Supplement related to chipboard.

Accordingly, the Draft sets forth specific mandatory regulations for labeling of wood products that must be included such as: name of the country of manufacture, name of manufacturer, size, moisture content, production time, name. The product and the type of wood must be displayed in English…

It is expected that this draft will have a direct impact on  enterprises exporting wood products to the Korean market. In order to ensure the rights and interests of enterprises, the Vietnam Confederation of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) would like to ask your Associations/Enterprises to contribute comments on the Draft.

Enterprises’ suggestions should be sent to the Center for WTO and Integration – VCCI before May 20, 2023 by email or by post to:

WTO and Integration Center

Vietnam Federation of Trade and Industry

Address: No. 9 Dao Duy Anh, Dong Da, Hanoi

Phone: 024-35771458

Email: banthuky@trungtamwto.vn

Sincerely thank the cooperation of your Association/Enterprise.