Chromed wood

Main requirements 

It is prohibited to import, export and sell timber and products of wood treated with chromium compounds, except for sale of wood treated with chrome solutions in industrial and industrial plants for specific uses :

1.  as construction timber in public buildings and office, industrial and agricultural buildings
2.  in bridges and bridge structures
3. as timber structures in freshwater areas and brackish water, such as jetties and other bridges
4. as noise barriers, for protection against landslides and for soil stiffening
5. as fence posts of round, barked conifers for fencing cattle
6. for safety railings and road-side traffic
   barriers, for railroad ties and poles for
   transmission of electrical power and
   telecommunications;
   provided that the durability of the wood is
   necessary for the safety of humans or animals,
   and that it is unlikely that the general public
   will come into skin contact with the wood
   during its lifetime.
   Chromium-impregnated wood that was in use
   before 30 September 2007 can still be used
   until its lifetime expires. The other conditions
   in this section apply to the sale of such wood.;

Chromium treated wood cannot be used

1.  in residential buildings
2. in places where there is a risk of frequent skin contact
3. in salt water
4. for agricultural purposes other than those referred to in subparagraphs (a) and (e)
5. in places where treated wood may come into contact with semi-finished products or finished products intended for human or animal consumption.

Anyone who manufactures or imports wood treated with chrome solutions must ensure that all wood is dried to less than 30% by weight of moisture before being delivered to the dealer or user. In addition, the wood should not be converted until the chromium solution is completely fixed.

When trading, all wood treated with chromium should be the piece mark: "For use in commercial activities only". Wood that is wrapped in packaging should be labelled with the label that reads: “Wear gloves when handling the wood. Use dust mask and eye protection when working with the wood/timber. Waste from the timber should be treated as hazardous waste ».

Wood treated with chrome solutions should also be labelled with information on which metals it contains.

Disclaimer

The body of Norwegian legislation is constantly evolving. However, we  cannot guarantee that technical rules is updated at all times. Therefore it is the responsibility of the economic operators to ensure conformity with all relevant legislation.

Reference to...

• Act 11 June 1976 No. 79 Relating to the Control of Products and Consumer Services
• Regulations on restrictions on the use of hazardous chemicals and other products § 2-11