Verification of Timber Programme (VTP)

What is the VTP and why do you need it?

The VTP Programme certifies structurally graded timber products to New Zealand and Australian standards.  The strength of sawn timber is highly variable and the VTP programme ensures that your grading system is robust and that the test method used is accurate.

Benefits of the VTP

• Strengthens consumer confidence in structural timber products.
• Compliance with range of standards and the new SOP
• AsureQuality’s specialist forestry auditors have extensive experience in the industry across the whole supply chain.

Standards covered by the VTP

• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Timber Producers and Timber Grading Auditors
• NZS 3622:2004 (Verification of Structural Timber Properties)
• AS/NZS 4063:1992 (Structural Timber – Stress graded – In-Grade Strength and Stiffness Evaluation)
• AS/NZS1748.1:1997 (Structural Timber – Mechanically Stress Graded – Product Requirements for Mechanically Stress-Graded Structural Timber)
• NZS3631:1988 (New Zealand National Structural Timber Grading Rules)
• AS/NZS1491:1996 (Finger Jointed Structural Timber)
• AS/NZS1328:1998 (Glued Laminated Structural Timber)
• AS/NZS4357:2005 (Structural Laminated Veneer Lumber)
• AS 3519:2005 (Timber – Machine Proof Grading)

Steps to becoming VTP certified

The VTP programme requires two audits per year. 

1. Contact AsureQuality for a registration form. 
2. Register and submit your Quality Manual for desk assessment
3. AQ auditor will complete an on-site audit
4. Once assessment complete and assessed as compliant, AsureQuality issue certification.

VTP certified sites

Links

NZ Wood Processors Association