Legal foundations
Based on the Consumer Information Act, the Federal Council passed an ordinance on June 4, 2010, which introduces an obligation to declare the type and origin of wood. This came into force on 01 October 2010.

Implementation in stages
In a first stage, round and raw wood and certain solid wood products, whose origin and type of wood can be determined relatively easily, are subject to a declaration obligation. The extension of the declaration obligation to other wood products is to be examined in a later stage, when there is clarity about the content of the future EU regulation on wood and wood products.

On the following pages we provide you with some information. If you need further information, please contact Andreas Stücklin, Patrick Altherr or Andreas Manger.

Who must declare wood and wood products?

Basically any company that sells wood or wood products to consumers (end users). In addition to the retail trade (furniture stores, DIY stores, etc.), carpentries, joiners, floorers, etc. in business transactions with end consumers are also subject to declaration.

What needs to be declared?

The type of wood or the trade name of the wood and the origin of the wood. If the country of origin cannot be clearly identified, several countries of origin may be indicated. Sustainability labels such as FSC or PEFC or "Swiss wood" do not release from the obligation to declare!

A notice of a reference system must be given. In addition to the EN 13556:2003 standard, this is the commercial timber register​​​​​​​ of the Timber Trade Centre. It is freely available as a database on the website of the Federal Office for Consumer Affairs (BFK). The database makes it possible to determine both the scientific name and the trade name of the wood species required for the declaration. Furthermore, the distribution areas of the wood species are listed and it is indicated whether the wood species belongs to the species protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (SR 0.453/CITES).

 

How to declare?

Wood species and origin should be marked on the product itself, directly next to it or on the packaging. If this is not possible, the information can also be provided in another easily accessible way (e.g. shelf address, catalog).

Administrative support
In order to reduce the administrative burden for small and medium-sized companies, it is planned that for small series of up to 50 pieces and individual productions a blanket declaration of the type of wood and origin will suffice. The countries of origin can then be declared for each type of wood on the basis of the previous year's purchases.

Implementation at Roser AG

At Roser AG, all products to be declared are already marked with wood type and origin (see sample).

To simplify matters, we have prepared a declaration sheet for our customers - separated according to wood-based materials and veneer - which covers the most important product areas. This is a blanket declaration. It must be supplemented if other or foreign materials are used.
This blanket declaration is only provided to Roser customers and must be requested separately. Please get in touch with your contact person.

Important and useful tips and information sources

Here you will find, in addition to some more detailed information, examples of where you can find information on wood species and origin on our business papers.

BFK for wood declaration
BFK Database of commercial timber
Declaration obligation from VSSM