Perspectives on European Standards for wood-based panels

This paper sets out the reasoning behind the set of new European Standards being drafted to govern panel products. These cover test methodology, material specifications, performance standards and Eurocode 5, and the interactions among these are described. Progress in drafting has been good even though a considerable amount of new testing and research has been required, some of which is described here. Implementation of the new standards throughout Europe is now intended to be achieved as a single package at a common date.