New MFPR to Boost B.C. Wood Products Output

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The changes announced by the B.C. provincial government to the Manufactured Forest Products Regulation (MFPR) are likely to boost domestic production. The export requirements on sawn-wood products and lumber are due to go into effect by end of this month.

The proposed changes are likely to lead to surge in domestic processing of wood products within the province, which in turn may lead to more local jobs. The amendment proposes that the maximum allowed dimension of lumber to be considered a sawn-wood product will be 0.1 square metres. This will necessitate domestic processing of lumber prior to export. In addition, the amendment states that lumber made from western red cedar or cypress in the Coast area must need to be fully manufactured.

ALSO READ:

U.S. Paper and Wood Products Manufacturers Report Sustainability Progress

Imminent Surge in B.C. Wood Products Exports Look Doubtful

It must be noted that the current regulation will categorize logs as sawn-wood products eligible for export, if squared off up to a maximum dimension of 0.2 square metres.

The changes were originally come into effect in July this year, but were postponed on account of spread of Covid-19 pandemic. The additional time has allowed domestic processors of wood products to recover from pandemic-related challenges and cope with the changes.