Overview
ISO 4472:1983 - "Coniferous and broadleaved sawn timber - Transportation packages" specifies requirements for packaging sawn timber for transport and storage. The standard covers square-edged and unedged, planed and unplaned sawn timber (coniferous and broadleaved), provides definitions, and lists permissible cross‑section dimensions and mass calculation methods. Developed by ISO technical committee ISO/TC 55, it sets practical rules for forming single packages and multipackages for safe handling and shipment.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope: Applies to sawn timber (resawn boards) of various species, qualities, widths, thicknesses and lengths; includes planed and unplaned materials.
- Definitions: Clear terms for package, multipackage, spacer (intercalaire), strapping (cerclage) and envelope (protective covering).
- Package geometry:
- Packages and multipackages must have a rectangular cross section with one or two aligned ends to facilitate stacking and handling.
- Dimensions of package and multipackage cross sections are specified as ranges in the standard’s table (width, height and allowed configurations).
- Multipackages are built from packages of equal height and similar constitution or from the same shipment lot.
- Spacers and strapping:
- Number, size and placement of spacers and straps must ensure shape, integrity and stability without damaging the sawn timber.
- Specified multipackage heights allow use of 50 mm spacers; other spacer thicknesses are permitted if the required overall height is maintained.
- Length and mass rules:
- Package length is determined by the maximum timber length being packed; multipackage length follows the maximum package length.
- Package mass is calculated by multiplying the timber volume by the mass per cubic metre at the time of shipment.
- Identification (marking):
- Each package or multipackage must carry a label or mark with lot and package numbers placed on the end surface and marked on top and/or the right-hand side; if an envelope is used, it must also be marked.
Applications and users
ISO 4472:1983 is used by:
- Sawmills and timber producers for standardized packing
- Exporters, freight forwarders and logistics providers for compliant transport units
- Warehouse and yard operators for stacking and mechanical handling
- Buyers, inspectors and customs authorities for verification and acceptance
Practical benefits include safer handling, efficient stacking/transport, consistent mass estimation and clearer lot identification for traceability.
Related guidance
- Developed by ISO/TC 55 (Wood)-useful when coordinating with other ISO timber standards and national packaging regulations.
- The standard permits national adaptations of cross‑section dimensions to meet local conditions.