Services for International Customers

The Western Wood Products Association (WWPA) Member companies listed in our on-line International Buyer’s Guide data base are among the leaders in the timber industry. They are committed to the export market and many have been exporting Western timber products for decades. Many produce metric sizes or special products graded to customer requirements. 

To reduce the potential for any confusion or misunderstandings between manufacturer and customer, international customers are encouraged to order Western timber products produced according to existing American Lumber Standard specifications and the specific paragraphs from ALS-recognized grading rules. When timber from a WWPA Member mill is graded and shipped according to specific, written rules, either from an ALS-approved agency or according to special buyer/seller specifications, customers have access to the certification services described below. 

The Association offers international customers Inspection Certificates that attest to the accuracy of the grades in a timber shipment and backs this assurance with the Association’s reputation and financial guarantee of grade and tally. 

In addition, WWPA is approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal & Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) to issue Heat Treatment Certification Using a Kiln Facility as well as Certificates of Debarking and Grub Hole Control to meet plant health requirements. Certificates of Kiln Drying are available that certify timber has a moisture content of less than 20%. WWPA mills can provide heat-treated lumber carrying the HT mark to meet international plant health requirements.