Are you planning to build or renovate a wooden building? At the For Arch trade fair, auditor and technician Luboš Drahňovský will give a lecture on why structural protection of wooden buildings is important, how it is ensured, and how it affects the use and value of a house.
The topic of structural protection of wooden buildings is also very well covered in the new handbook Structural Protection of Wood, published by technicians from the Timber Research Institute. You can download it for free here.
The basic principle is the correct design, placement, and execution of wooden elements with the aim of minimizing the risk of degradation caused by moisture, UV radiation, or biotic pests.
When: September 19, 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m., as part of the ADMD lecture series
Topic: Structural protection of wooden buildings. A key principle for the long-term durability of houses.
The 36th international construction fair For Arch will take place from September 16 to 20 at the PVA Letňany exhibition center in Prague. Companies from all areas of the construction industry will be presenting at the event, including construction financing and implementation, construction crafts and technologies, construction materials and products, construction machinery, building structures, construction equipment, and more.
https://www.vvud.cz/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/UKCA-black-fill.jpg21142116Ivana Duchoňováhttps://www.vvud.cz/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/logo_EN.jpgIvana Duchoňová2025-08-18 13:21:022025-08-18 13:37:42UKCA certification: for export to Great Britain and Northern Ireland
The importance of inspections and safety of wooden observation towers was again a topic in the main news program of Czech Television. Another television report in which our technician Luboš Drahňovský commented on the condition and method of inspections of wooden observation towers.
There are approximately 500 observation towers in the Czech Republic. According to our technicians’ estimates, about half of the buildings built before 2015 need reconstruction. Roughly half of the wooden observation towers were built for 2011.
L. Drahňovský has already inspected over 50 wooden observation towers. And the technicians of the Wood Institute provide this service to all administrators of these buildings so that they can properly assess the condition of the structures, safety, and possibly propose a method of maintenance, rehabilitation or reconstruction.
The collapse of the observation tower in the Děčín region was a warning to everyone. Two years ago, a wooden observation tower collapsed here. Several children were also injured in the accident. Criminal investigators proposed indicting six individuals and one association for public endangerment through negligence.
https://www.vvud.cz/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/CT_kontrola-rozhleden_Lubos-Drahnovsky.jpg6721192Ivana Duchoňováhttps://www.vvud.cz/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/logo_EN.jpgIvana Duchoňová2025-08-03 15:18:022025-08-12 16:25:19Czech Television: Technician from the Timber Institute and another inspection of the observation towers
In March 2025, a regular mandatory inspection was carried out at the TAB department of the VVÚD (Timber Institute) (Subject for Technical Assessment at the Wood Institute) by the determining authority, which is the Ministry of Industry and Trade.The inspection determines whether the TAB meets all the conditions for designation and performance of activities under Regulation (EU) 305/2011.
The Wood Institute was designated as a TAB in December 2021. The inspection focuses primarily on the expertise of the staff, their experience and ongoing training, as well as on impartiality and independence of both customers and the certification body VVÚD. The documentation is also checked, including the instructions for processing the ETA and the procedure for processing the ETA for a specific order. With this confirmation, the Wood Institute continues to issue ETA (European Technical Assessment) documents for the assessment of construction products in the woodworking industry with sales on the European Union markets.The obligation of the TAB VVÚD is also participation in the creation of technical standards, which is ensured, for example, by membership in technical standardization committees, European technical documents and cooperation with other TABs. In the Czech Republic, especially with the TAB coordination office, which is TZÚS Praha, s.p.No deficiencies were found during the inspection and it was confirmed that TAB VVÚD can provide TAB activities for the area of wood and wood-based construction products for another 2 years.What does TAB certify? Everything you need to have a CE mark for. Check out the overview on this page.
https://www.vvud.cz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Drevarsky-ustav_razitko-scaled.jpg25601920Ivana Duchoňováhttps://www.vvud.cz/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/logo_EN.jpgIvana Duchoňová2025-05-26 14:11:122025-05-26 14:11:12The Ministry of Industry and Trade confirmed the Wood Institute as a TAB
Looking back at the meeting of European certification bodies for CARB/EPA
The 15th meeting of the CARB/EPA European Certification Body (CETPC) group took place in Borås, Sweden, on 8–9 May 2025. This platform brings together 14 certification bodies from across Europe that work in accordance with the American requirements of CARB and EPA – in particular to control formaldehyde emission limits in board materials.
In the Czech Republic, the only representative is the Dřevařský ústav.
The meeting was, as always, an opportunity to share experiences, unify certification procedures and discuss specific problems that certification bodies solve in practice.
The meeting also featured:
Online participation by the American certification body CPA (TPC1), who shared their perspective and approach to certification in the USA.
Workshop with model situations, e.g. changing the adhesive supplier or using multiple types of adhesives – with the aim of defining a uniform approach to assessing these cases.
A contribution from IKEA, presented by Anna Kozyrkova. She presented the upcoming changes to the IOS-MAT internal standards, including an emphasis on:
formaldehyde-free foils,
use of recycled materials,
a new approach to test reports (including attaching photos),
and adapting the requirements to REACH legislation.
It is important to emphasize that CETPC is a voluntary platform – membership is not mandatory or legally binding. Nevertheless, it is of great importance for the quality, transparency and uniformity of certification in Europe. This is also because most European certification bodies certify manufacturers supplying IKEA.
Ludmila Kotenová from the Wood Institute comments on the situation: “Collaboration within the CETPC brings practical solutions, strengthens trust in European certification and creates space for smooth communication with global partners such as CARB, EPA or IKEA.”
https://www.vvud.cz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/aCARB_20250507_135631-scaled.jpg19202560Ivana Duchoňováhttps://www.vvud.cz/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/logo_EN.jpgIvana Duchoňová2025-05-26 10:20:132025-05-26 10:20:13Looking back at the meeting of European certification bodies for CARB/EPA
The 30th meeting of the SG 20 Sector Group of Notified Bodies under the CPR, which covers wood-based panels, flooring and cladding, took place on 7 May 2025. The purpose of this annual event is to coordinate the work of these bodies in the certification of wood-based products and in the development or revision of harmonised standards, so that their staff have all the necessary information and guidance. This year, the meeting also covered the adoption of the new Regulation 3110/2024 of the European Parliament and of the Council (new CPR).
The meeting was chaired by SG20 Chairman Harald Schwab. In his presentation, Mr Anders Elbek, Secretary General of the Advisory Group of Notified Bodies, focused on the key changes that the new CPR brings for Notified Bodies. The new requirements expand the obligations of Notified Bodies within the framework of conformity assessment systems, emphasize coordination of activities at European level and cooperation in the development and updating of harmonised technical standards.
Important information from the meeting includes:
The New CPR is already in force, but the practical application of most provisions will only occur with the publication of the relevant new harmonised standards.
The first significant standard for the activities of the Wood Institute will most likely be the standard for windows and doors (expected horizon 2–3 years).
For wood products, new harmonised standards are expected in 3 years at the earliest. Until then, the old CPR will still apply.
The transition to the new CPR will be gradual for product groups – with a target horizon of 2040.
The meetings are regularly attended by 12-15 representatives from a total of approximately 70 entities. Participation in these meetings is not only an obligation arising from the CPR regulation, but also fulfills the conditions of the Wood Institute’s authorization. It is also a key element in ensuring compliance with European legislation.
Ludmila Kotenová from the Wood Institute comments on the situation: “The new requirements for systems for assessing properties and verifying their constancy require increased caution, especially in a period when some entities may operate simultaneously under both the old and new CPR for wood panels, cladding and flooring.”
Information from the meetings is regularly forwarded to the Czech Coordination Office and discussed within the Coordination Office Commission twice a year.
The Czech Republic lacks a sustainable construction strategy in which multi-story wooden buildings would play a significant role in solving the housing crisis, ministers agreed with timber producers and foresters.
This is the headline of a press release issued after a February seminar on wooden buildings held at the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic.
“Wooden buildings and wooden structural elements are one of the ways to strengthen the Czech wood sector. Moreover, a way that can contribute to solving the housing crisis. If we want to use the benefits of wood from our forests and prevent the main added value from its production from flowing abroad, we must look for ways to strengthen the use of wood in the country,” emphasized Zdeněk Zajíček, President of the Chamber of Commerce of the Czech Republic, at the seminar.
Director Beránková participates in the activities of the Woodworking Industry Section of the Chamber of Commerce of the Czech Republic, which was the co-organizer of this professional meeting at the highest level.
The goal of the wood sector is for new multi-storey wood-based apartment buildings in the Czech Republic to account for at least 20% of construction by 2035 and for the state sector to prioritize the construction of public buildings with a higher share of wood as part of the state’s decarbonization policy, according to speakers.
“It is not usual for such a large sector to unite and present clearly defined goals and a path to achieve them. As a legislator, I must reflect on such a broad platform of experts in the interest of supporting a newly emerging market segment so that wood-based construction can develop dynamically in the Czech Republic,” said Michal Kučera, chairman of the parliamentary agriculture committee.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade is preparing changes to support and develop multi-storey wooden buildings.
„Wood has significant business potential that we are not fully utilizing. The Czech Republic produces approximately 15 million cubic meters of wood annually, but a significant portion is exported abroad and returns to us in the form of final products with added value.We have finally decided to change this, and so we are now working intensively on the change – we want to ensure that the economic benefits and added value remain in the Czech Republic and that wood finds wider application, for example in the construction industry. Among the key measures we are preparing is the amendment of building standards and regulations, which will allow the construction of multi-storey wooden buildings, as is common to the north and west of us.Our goal is to expand the possibilities of the Czech construction industry, support innovation in the field, economic growth, contribute to a better environment, and increase the quality of life of residents.”I am glad that colleagues from other state organizations and the private sector have also joined the initiative, which we started at the beginning of the election period,” says Minister of Industry and Trade Lukáš Vlček, who was also involved in the greater use of wood in construction as a member of parliament.
Minister of Agriculture Marek Výborný emphasized the need to use Czech wood directly in the country.
“One of the ways to support the final processing of this sustainable raw material base in the Czech economy is the legislative changes being prepared. The first of these is the establishment of the Forestry and Timber Fund. Our priority continues to be to reduce the export of raw logs and to ensure that wood processing companies have sufficient quantities of wood of appropriate quality for processing and the creation of high added value, which will also have a positive effect on forest owners,” said Minister of Agriculture Marek Výborný.
In connection with dynamic technological development, the Minister also drew attention to the importance of awareness, education in wood processing fields, and investments in innovations in terms of processing deciduous trees, which will form a higher share of our forests in the future due to the adaptation of forests to changing growth conditions.
https://www.vvud.cz/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Seminar-drevostavby_Poslanecka-snemovna_6_2_2025.jpg12072048Ivana Duchoňováhttps://www.vvud.cz/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/logo_EN.jpgIvana Duchoňová2025-02-17 15:03:202025-08-12 14:31:43Multi-story wooden buildings. Strategy with the Chamber of Commerce
Ms. Jitka Beránková, Director, received confirmation of her appointment as Director of the Timber Research and Development Institute, Prague, s.p., from Mr. Petr Doškář, Chief Director of the Economic Section of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and Mr. Lukáš Trska, Director of the Department of Management of Ministry Organizations.
The director comments on the situation: “I thank the Minister of Industry and Trade Lukáš Vlček for his trust. My main, personal goal is to build a modern laboratory, research and innovation center to support companies in the wood processing industry. Exactly in the spirit of the National Research and Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialization of the Czech Republic 2021 – 2027, which the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic leads our industry.”
In 2001, during the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Wood Institute, the then director Bohumil Burda said:
“In the post-war years, it was no longer enough to pass on knowledge of wood processing from father to son. Soon after its establishment, the Wood Institute became one of the main pillars of wood research in the Czech Republic and its activities influenced most woodworking companies.”
And the director adds: “Our specialists have knowledge at the European level, they know the answers to the technical and professional questions of the industry, they only need adequate conditions for their practical use.”
https://www.vvud.cz/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/mpo-logo.jpg6841281Ivana Duchoňováhttps://www.vvud.cz/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/logo_EN.jpgIvana Duchoňová2025-01-22 10:54:132025-08-12 13:54:35Confirmation of the Director of the Timber Research Institute
New obligations for construction products placed on the Czech market pursuant to Government Regulation No. 163/2002 Coll., as amended by Government Regulation No. 119/2024 Coll., apply from January 1, 2025.
From January 1, 2025, manufacturers/importers are required to include in their declaration of conformity all product characteristics that may affect compliance with at least one of the basic requirements for construction works.
Specific properties for a given product can be found in the Test Results Assessment Report.
Declarations of conformity issued before January 1, 2025, based on conformity assessments pursuant to §7 shall remain valid for the period specified therein.
Declarations of conformity issued before January 1, 2025, based on conformity assessments pursuant to Sections 5, 5a, 6, 8, and 9 shall remain valid until there is a change in the facts relevant to the issuance of the declaration, but no later than December 31, 2027.
At the same time, the manufacturer/importer must affix the Czech conformity mark CCZ. The CCZ mark shall be affixed to the product or, if this is not possible or appropriate, to the packaging or technical documentation.
If you have any questions, please contact: Ing. Štejfová, stejfova@vvud.cz, mobile: 739 569 323
https://www.vvud.cz/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/od-1-1-2025.jpg8701024Ivana Duchoňováhttps://www.vvud.cz/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/logo_EN.jpgIvana Duchoňová2025-01-10 09:20:002025-08-12 13:51:07Attention: New obligations for construction products from January 1
Transporting and storing lumber has its own rules. Wood is a natural material and constantly adapts to the conditions in which it finds itself. It is affected by humidity, temperature, sunlight, location, air flow, and also the way it is stored.
The Timber Institute has now published a new guide entitled How to properly store sawn timber products for natural drying?
In this publication, experts understandably summarize the needs and requirements for proper storage of lumber. They point out the basic principles of its storage, wood handling, transportation, and also the main risks.
The czech manual is intended for roundwood processors, traders, as well as all other craftsmen, builders, furniture makers and DIYers.
The price is 350 CZK incl. VAT.
Recommendation for purchases from abroad: use SEPA payments.
The publication contains 11 chapters and 25 images for easier understanding of the issues. A preview and content of the manual is available below. The manual is distributed by address in the form of an e-book (in PDF format).
How do you get the manual?
Register in the form. You will then be sent an advance invoice and after payment you will receive a tax receipt and a PDF document by email.
Registration form:
A preview of the content and introductory essay is here:
https://www.vvud.cz/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Drevarsky-ustav_titulka-Prirucka.jpg17551241Ivana Duchoňováhttps://www.vvud.cz/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/logo_EN.jpgIvana Duchoňová2024-12-17 15:01:212025-08-12 13:47:53New: Guide to proper storage of lumber for natural drying
