Growing volumes of imported timber are entering New Zealand with inaccurate performance claims, dodgy certification and false or misleading labelling, creating what the country\u2019s peak wood processing body says is a growing risk for the building and construction industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are receiving ongoing concerns from members about imported timber products entering New Zealand with dubious certification \u2014 creating risks for building safety, consumer protection, environmental integrity and fair competition for domestic processors,\u201d according to Mark Ross, CEO of the Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association, who flagged the issue in his monthly newsletter to members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd with no border enforcement in New Zealand by regulators and the 2025 Building Act changes set to ease the use of overseas wooden building products, the risk of non\u2011compliant timber entering the New Zealand domestic building and construction market is increasing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now, Ross is calling for stronger verification systems, border enforcement checks on imported timber, clearer regulatory responsibilities and improved industry collaboration, with the WPMA prepared to take the issue directly to political parties \u2014 armed with case studies \u2014 in the lead\u2011up to the national election later this year. \u00b7<\/p>\n\n\n\n