1.

Notifying Member: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

If applicable, name of local government involved (Article 3.2 and 7.2):

2.

Agency responsible:

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Department of Commerce (DOC) [2133]

Name and address (including telephone and fax numbers, email and website addresses, if available) of agency or authority designated to handle comments regarding the notification shall be indicated if different from above:

Please submit comments to: USA WTO TBT Enquiry Point, Email: usatbtep@nist.gov

3.

Notified under Article 2.9.2 [ ], 2.10.1 [ ], 5.6.2 [ ], 5.7.1 [ ], 3.2 [ ], 7.2 [ ], other [X]: As part of a five-year review process, public comments are sought on a draft revision to a voluntary standard.

4.

Products covered (HS or CCCN where applicable, otherwise national tariff heading. ICS numbers may be provided in addition, where applicable): Softwood lumber; Builders' joinery and carpentry, of wood, incl. cellular wood panels, assembled parquet panels, shingles and shakes, of wood (excl. plywood panelling, blocks, strips and friezes for parquet flooring, not assembled, and pre-fabricated buildings) (HS code(s): 4418); Quality (ICS code(s): 03.120); Wood-based panels (ICS code(s): 79.060)

5.

Title, number of pages and language(s) of the notified document: Proposed Revision to Voluntary Product Standard (PS) 20-20 "American Softwood Lumber Standard"; (2 page(s), in English)

6.

Description of content: Notice and request for comments - This notice advises the public that the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking comments for the proposed revision of Voluntary Product Standard (PS) 20-20, "American Softwood Lumber Standard." This standard, prepared by the American Lumber Standard Committee, serves the procurement and regulatory needs of numerous Federal, State, and local government agencies by providing for uniform, industry-wide grade-marking and inspection requirements for softwood lumber. The implementation of the standard also allows for uniform labeling and auditing of treated wood and, through a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, labeling and auditing of wood packaging materials for international trade. As part of a five-year review process, NIST is seeking public comment and invites interested parties to review the revised standard and submit comments.

7.

Objective and rationale, including the nature of urgent problems where applicable: Consumer information, labelling; Quality requirements

8.

Relevant documents:

89 Federal Register (FR) 15975, 6 March 2024:

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-03-06/html/2024-04741.htm

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-03-06/pdf/2024-04741.pdf

DOC PS 20-20 American Softwood Lumber Standard, Revision 1 https://www.nist.gov/document/doc-ps-20-20-american-softwood-lumber-standard-revision-1-oct-2021

WTO Members and their stakeholders are asked to submit comments to the USA TBT Enquiry Point. Comments received by the USA TBT Enquiry Point from WTO Members and their stakeholders by 4pmEastern Time on 22 April 2024 will be shared with NIST if received within the comment period.

Voluntary Product Standards Program

https://www.nist.gov/standardsgov/voluntary-product-standards-program

G/TBT/N/USA/1465 and Add.1 - Proposed Voluntary Product Standard 20-15, American Softwood Lumber Standard

9.

Proposed date of adoption: To be determined

Proposed date of entry into force: To be determined

10.

Final date for comments: 22 April 2024

11.

Texts available from: National enquiry point [ ] or address, telephone and fax numbers and email and website addresses, if available, of other body:

https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2024/TBT/USA/24_01908_00_e.pdf

https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2024/TBT/USA/24_01908_01_e.pdf