Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers (AWFS®)’s Post

Join Us for the **FREE** AWFS® & International Wood Products Association (IWPA) Webinar on Lacey Act Reporting for Wood Products 🗓️ Date: June 11, 2024 ⏰ Time: 12 PM PST / 3 PM ET 🎙️ Get insights from IWPA's Executive Director, Ashley Amidon, on the Lacey Act and new 2024 reporting requirements for all wood products imported into the US. 🌿 What is the Lacey Act? The Lacey Act is a U.S. law that protects plants and wildlife by making it illegal to trade illegally harvested plants, animals, and their products. It acts as a guardian for nature, preventing the illegal trade of endangered species. 🛠️ How Does the Lacey Act Affect the Woodworking Industry? The Lacey Act impacts the woodworking industry by requiring companies to ensure that their wood, especially imported wood, is legally harvested. Companies must track and document their wood sources to avoid trading illegally harvested timber and facing penalties or legal consequences. 🔗 Register Now! ➡ (https://lnkd.in/g3Zg4cXP) #Woodworking #LaceyAct #Sustainability #AWFS #IWPA #Webinar #EcoFriendly #TimberTrade #WoodIndustry

This morning, an implementing decision to amend the list of harmonised standards for the #MachineryDirective 2006/42/EC was published in the #OfficialJournal of the European Union. This amendment does not include any new additions or deletions of previous standard data, instead only 4 harmonised standards and their amendments with #restrictions were published. The standards affected are EN 12525 (agricultural machinery - front loaders), EN 15997 (quads), EN 62841-1 (lawn and garden machinery) and EN 62841-2-11 (hand-held reciprocating saws). The standards database for #Safexpert users has already been updated, and the contents of the restrictions have also been included as entries in the Safexpert Knowledge Base. Information on the amended standards and a link to the implementing decision can be found here: https://lnkd.in/d-qeywg

📣 Class Q and Class R Permitted Development Rights - Legislation Changes ‼️ From the 21st May 2024 updated Class Q and Class R legislation changes apply which allow for a much more flexible range of agricultural buildings to be converted to residential use or other flexible commercial uses under Class R: These changes are not limited to but include: ✅ ️ Former agricultural buildings that are no longer part of an established agricultural unit ✅️ Culmulative floorspace increases to 1000sqm or up to 10 total number of dwellings for Class Q ✅️ Single storey rear extensions up to 4 metres on Class Q conversions ✅️ Class R changes of use to be more flexible to convert to Class B2, B8, C1, Class E, and Class F.2 uses Changes to Part 6 Class A legislation: ✅️ New agricultural barns under Class A now on units over 5ha - floorspace extended to 1500sqm If you have a building that you think may now be suitable under Class Q or Class R please do get in touch and a member of our team will be in contact to discuss this with you! 📞 01884 38662 📧 info@xlplanning.co.uk

Australia's building industry has slammed the delay in Parliament passing the legislation to place the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) into administration. Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn says that the delays expose the building industry to further unlawful conduct. What's your take on all this? Do you agree with the union being placed in administration? Why/why not? What do you think should happen to bring law and order back to construction sites? https://lnkd.in/gVcXNdAg

Attention LTL shippers! More NMFC classification updates are coming soon! Please review the below information and let us know if you have any questions regarding these revisions. Thank you for choosing OD!

If you're considering 𝐎𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, it's important to understand the regulations regarding 𝐰𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 (𝐖𝐏𝐌) . Here's what you need to know. Whether you're shipping agricultural or non-agricultural products, you may need to use wood 𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 . However, it's crucial to be aware that this could potentially introduce plant pests. 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤 : https://lnkd.in/gau68utw

Did you know that planning law allows you to convert certain agricultural buildings into houses and commercial premises without the need for planning permission? Local planning authorities often show little enthusiasm for the conversion of rural buildings, so the Government has set up a legal loophole to encourage their reuse. To find out more visit our website https://lnkd.in/eMpH6RFp #Berrys #BerrysUK #Planning #PlanningPermission #Conversion #AgriculturalBuildings

BULLETIN: In light of the allegations that have recently surfaced about conduct by the building industry union, the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union, the Federal Workplace Relations Minister has requested the Fair Work Ombudsman  to investigate certain allegations in relation to the making of enterprise agreements. #union #CFMEU #enterpriseagreement #enterprisebargaining

Interesting Welsh enforcement case which underscores the importance of: 1. Careful consideration of whether permitted development rights in fact can be relied upon and that all conditions can be met BEFORE works are carried out. (I note a common misconception that agricultural sheds can be erected without any limitations); 2. Where an enforcement notice is received that not only is an appeal submitted, but that the right grounds of appeal are submitted. In this case it would have been helpful had the enforcement notice been appealed on the basis that "planning permission ought to be granted", sometimes known as a "ground a" appeal. However, often a substantial planning fee will be payable and in circumstances where there is an existing "live" planning application, some appellants are unwilling, as they see it, to pay twice; and 3. Injunctions are rarely granted and that it will usually be necessary to show that an urgent intervention is required. https://lnkd.in/eftX8jta

You know the phrase, "You get what you pay for"? This is especially true when choosing your greenhouse builder. Cheap contractors often cut corners to recoup costs, leaving you with compromised quality and safety. Here are some important questions to ask: -Are they licensed in your state? -Are their machines compliant with AS/NZS 1418.10? -Are their staff qualified with white cards, EWP tickets, telehandler or other certifications? -What is their experience level and track record in the category you're building in? With more than 40 years in the industry, we never compromise on safety or quality, whether our builds are large scale or boutique. Learn more about what to look for here: https://lnkd.in/gqUavQWA #ApexGreenhouses #Greenhouse #Agriculture #FoodTech #ResearchFacilities