ZLV Online

Abstrakt

Wood sorting is one of the most important processes in the wood logistic chain for added value for forest owners. First records date back to 1430 (PLATTE 1958) and importance of standardization has increased through growing long distance trading of wood since the late Middle Ages. Sorting rules and criteria gained further relevance starting in 1875, when standard units (such as cubic meter) were introduced. In 1936, the so-called Reichsholzmessanweisung (HOMA) was introduced in Germany; on the basis of the EEC-directive (66/89), the HOMA was replaced by the “Handelsklassenverordnung” (HKIV) in 1969, which laid the foundation for the “Handelsklassensortierung” (HKS), the sorting guideline for stem and industrial wood that was valid until 2008. When the HKS was abrogated, forestry and wood industry decided to develop a new and modern wood sorting guideline, adapted to todays’ needs and requirements. After several years of discussions and negotiations, a new guideline took effect on the 1st January 2015, the so called “Rahmenvereinbarung für den Rohholzhandel in Deutschland (RVR)”. This private-law agreement sets clear and transparent criteria for the sorting of wood according to quality and dimension. It summarizes the different sorting guidelines that were used in the federal states of Germany in the past, and complements them with the latest findings of science and practice. Through its strong focus on practical application, it aims for a maximum acceptance in its national implementation.