According to Indian media reports, the Indian government plans to make it mandatory for all plywood manufacturers, including boiling-water resistant plywood (BWP), to obtain certification from the Indian Standards Institute (ISI) from next year.
The move aims to improve the quality and durability of plywood used for furniture and other goods, ensuring it lasts longer even in challenging environments. In addition, the new code will require plywood manufacturers to test all plywood grades for resistance to fungal rot.
According to the chairman of the Plywood Manufacturers Association, the new standard will improve the quality of plywood and ensure that consumers get a better product. The industry has been given enough time to comply with the code, which will benefit genuine manufacturers and force those making substandard products to improve their ways.
However, the association's president said the move could increase plywood prices by 15 percent by 2025. He also raised concerns over the import of substandard plywood and urged all plywood manufacturers to comply with the specifications of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). From 2025 onwards, one of the most important quality parameters is the ISI mark for boiling water waterproof (BWP) grade plywood.
The BWP process ensures that the plywood is stronger and more durable by testing how many times it can withstand boiling water before delaminating. This premium plywood is suitable for specific applications and caters to consumers in market segments. BWP plywood is commonly used in kitchen cabinets, bathroom furniture, outdoor furniture, partitions and paneling, exterior doors and Windows, and other applications such as boats." BWP grade plywood is much more expensive than ordinary plywood. The price of ordinary 18mm thick plywood is between Rs 100 and Rs 100 per square foot, while the price of BWP grade ranges from Rs 90 to Rs 100 per square foot (equivalent to 0.09 square meters).
Indian plywood exports reportedly grew steadily from $32.28 million in FY2019 to $75.26 million in FY2023, but fell again to $57 million in FY2024, indicating a possible change in market conditions. In contrast, plywood imports have been more volatile, falling from $118 million in FY2019 to $132 million in FY2023, according to data from India's Commerce Ministry. This volatility, combined with a steady increase in exports, has led to a surge in the plywood trade deficit.
