ENGLISH VERSION ONLY

MGR 1984 EDITION HAS BEEN REVISED

Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB) is pleased to announce the release of the new edition of the Malaysian Grading Rules for Sawn Hardwood Timber (MGR). The 2009 Edition supersedes the previous edition and comes into effect from July 2009.

The timber fraternity throughout the world is well aware of the MGR and its crucial role in raising the profile of the Malaysian timber industry as a supplier of quality hardwood timber. It is well recognised by the international market and is used by several countries as a reference document for sawn timber grading.

The previous edition (1984) had to be revised to keep abreast with market requirements as well as to accommodate technological advancements and R & D accomplishments. In addition to the inclusion of provisions to accommodate these developments, this edition has added the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) as the Grading Authority for Sarawak. Further, administrative requirements contained in the rules have been removed. Any administrative or procedural requirements henceforth will be issued as and when required, in the form of circulars or bulletins.

Among the notable changes made to this edition are :
The Grade Mark has been changed from F D (reference to Forestry Department) to MTIB, since MTIB is the Grading Authority in Malaysia.
A new specification for the grading of Door and Window Frames has been added to accommodate the increasing demand for these products, especially from European market.
The Prime Wide and Panels specification has been deleted as this specification has not been used and is unlikely to be ever used.
The term Large Scantlings and Squares has been replaced with Baulks.
Section J (Stress Grading) has been deleted since a Malaysian Standard, MS 1714: 2003 “Specification for visual strength grading of tropical hardwood timber” has been developed and contains provisions for stress grading of timber.

For ease of reference on the changes made to the 1984 edition, a supplementary explanatory note is attached as an Annex to this edition.

ANNEX
MALAYSIAN GRADING RULES FOR SAWN HARDWOOD TIMBER 2009 EDITION
AMENDMENTS TO MGR 1984 EDITION

This Annex is issued to guide users on the significant amendments made to the MGR 1984 edition. It does not include minor changes that do not affect the substantive aspects of the Rules.

In line with the intention of making this edition of the MGR a purely grading document, all Rules and provisions which are advisory and administrative in nature have been removed. These Rules and provisions shall be issued, if necessary, in other appropriate guidelines or circulars.

No.	MGR 1984 Edition	Amendments	MGR 2009 Edition	Remarks
1	Format and presentation	i) The general format of the MGR including the numbering of paragraphs is restructured. ii) The Rules in Section A (General Information On The Timbers Available) and Section B (General Information On The Rules) in Part I are interchanged.		To rearrange the Rules in the right sequence.
PART 1
2	Rule 1, page 8 (The Classification of Malaysian Timbers)	The contents are divided into 2 paragraphs.	Rule 6	For ease of reference.
3	Rule 5, page 8 (The Seasoning of Timber)	This Rule is integrated with Rule 24.	Rule 14	Both Rules are related to drying of timber.
4	Rule 7, page 9 (Application of the Rules)	i) The Note in Appendix 1 of MGR 1984, Part 1-D, Softwoods, page 55 is incorporated into this Rule. ii) A new provision has been added to clarify that Teak, Rubberwood and Acacia may be graded under separate Rules. iii) The Note on page 7 is incorporated into Rule 1.	Rule 1 Rule 1 Rule 1	i) The contents in the Note are relevant and appropriate to be designated as a Rule. ii) Teak and Rubberwood have separate grading rules. Acacia may be graded under grading guidelines for plantation timbers. iii) The contents in the Note are relevant and appropriate to be designated as a Rule.
5	Rule 8, page 9 (Interpretation)	The status of STIDC as the Grading Authority in Sarawak is clarified.	Rule 2	STIDC undertakes this responsibility in Sarawak.
6	Rule 9, page 9 (Export to certain countries restricted to graded timber)	Listing of countries as specified and unspecified is removed.		All countries are regarded as high quality markets.
7	Rule 10, page 9 (Timber Grading Service)	This Rule is removed.		To be consistent with the intention to remove all administrative aspects.
8	Rule 11, page 10 (Certificates of Competency)	This Rule is removed.		To be consistent with the intention to remove all administrative aspects.
9	Rule 12, page 10 (Supervision by the Grading Authority)	This Rule is removed.		To be consistent with the intention to remove all administrative aspects.
10	Rule 13, page 10 (Duties of Quality Control Inspectors)	This Rule is removed.		To be consistent with the intention to remove all administrative aspects.
11	Rule 14, page 10 (Grading or Inspection Fees)	This Rule is removed.		To be consistent with the intention to remove all administrative aspects.
12	Rule 15, page 10 (Specification of Timber to be Graded)	The contents are re-structured and numbered.	Rule 3	To provide clarity.
13	Rule 17, Page 11 (The Marking of Graded Timber)	The contents are re-structured and numbered.	Rule 5	To provide clarity.
14	Rule 18, Page 11 (Re-grading and variation in grading)	This Rule is removed.		To be consistent with the intention to remove all administrative aspects.
15	Rule 19, page 12 (Issue of Grading Certificates and Inspection Certificates)	This Rule is removed.		To be consistent with the intention to remove all administrative aspects.
16	Rule 20, page 12 (Validity of Grading Certificates, Deterioration, and Re-inspection of timber)	This Rule is removed.		To be consistent with the intention to remove all administrative aspects.
17	Rule 22, page 13 (Miscut Timber)	The variation allowance, for thickness is reduced from four to two specified limits; whilst for the width the limitation is reduced from one inch to half inch.	Rule 12	Such large variations are inappropriate with advances in sawing technology.
18	Rule 24, page 13 (Stacking and Seasoning)	Integrated with Rule 5.	Rule 14	Both Rules are related to drying of timber.
19	Rule 25, page 13 (Thicknesses)	i) The provision for tallying down scant timber to the next lower size is removed. ii) The Table on the sizes on rough and surfaced thicknesses is removed.	Rule 15 Rule 15	The “maximum oversize” column in Appendix XIV (MGR 1984) has been removed through MGR Supplement 6/87 dated 9 January 1992. ii) This provision is obsolete and can be determined by the contracting parties.
20	Rule 28, page 14 (Average lengths and/or widths)	A portion of the provisions in Note (ii) from Part II, Section I, page 29 is integrated into this Rule.	Rule 18	The Table on Summary of Grades and Cutting Requirements has been removed and its contents incorporated into relevant Rules and provisions under the new Edition.
21	Rule 31, page 15 (Quantity)	To illustrate the Rule for better understanding, two examples are provided.	Rule 21	To provide clarity.
22	Rule 33, page 15 (The Defect and the Cutting System)	All the Specifications for each of these systems are listed.	Rule 23	For ease of reference.
23	Rule 34, page 16 (Definition of terms used in the Cutting System)	(i) Abbreviations for Clear Face Cutting (CFC); and Sound Face Cutting (SFC) are introduced. (ii) Examples of sound defects are listed for the reverse face of SFC.	Rule 24 Rule 24	(i) To formalise the common and accepted practice in the industry. (ii) To incorporate the provisions related to this Rule issued as Grading Instruction 1/93 dated 24 July 1993.
24	Rule 36, page 17 (Procedure when grading under the Cutting System)	Grading of Strips is illustrated with an example.	Rule 26	MGR 1984 edition contains examples for GMS grading only.
25	Rule 37, page 18 (No allowance permitted for raising the grade)	Provision for end-cutting of timber during grading is provided; and a note clarifying this provision is added.	Rule 27	End-cutting is allowed during grading, provided it is not done with the intention to raise the grade.
26	Rule 39, page 20 (General and Special market specification)	The Note related to stress grading is amended.	Rule 29	Section J of MGR 1984 edition has been superseded by MS 1714 : 2003 - Specification for Visual Strength Grading of Tropical Hardwood Timber.
27	Part II, GMS, page 21 (Scope)	The provision for dimension stock is removed.		Dimensions less than as required for GMS can be graded under other specifications.
28	Grade Marks, page 21	Changed from F­D to MTIB.		To reflect MTIB's role as the Grading Authority.
29	Grading requirements for GMS (page 21), Strips (page 30), Scantlings (page 38) and Shorts (page 32).	The format is changed from narrative to a simplified Table form.		For ease of reference.
30	Part II, Section B, III, page 25 (Latex Traces or Leaf Traces No Defecf)	The provisions of LTND are extended to other specifications mentioned in the new note.		To be consistent with provision provided for under GMS.
31	Part II, Section E, II, page 27 (Scant Sawn Timber).	The provision for tallying down scant timber to the next lower size is removed.		The “maximum oversize” column in Appendix XIV (MGR 1984) has been removed through MGR Supplement 6/87 dated 9 January 1992.
32	Part II, Section F, page 27 (Dressed Timber)	The provision of Dressed Timber is extended to other specifications mentioned in the new note.		To be consistent with provision provided for under GMS
33	Part II, Section G, page 27 (Impregnated Timber)	This provision is simplified to list the grading requirements whilst technical details of treatment are removed.		To be consistent with the intention to remove all administrative aspects.
34	Part II, Section H, page 28 (Kiln Dried Timber)	i) Provision allowing for grading after kiln drying is added. ii) Paragraph 2 on the scantness in width of timber is deleted. iii) Paragraph 5 on endorsement of kiln dried timber by grading authority is deleted. vi) The provision on kiln drying requirements is extended to all specifications.		i) The provision allowing for grading after kiln drying is provided through Grading Instruction 1/93 dated 24 July 1993. ii) Once kiln dried, timber bare in size is considered as full sawn. iii) To be consistent with the intention to remove all administrative aspects. vi) To be consistent with provision provided for under GMS.
35	The Table Section I, page 29	The Table on summary of grades and cutting requirements is removed.		Incorporated into Table I GMS.
36	Part III, Special Market Specifications, Page 30	Except for Section A, Door and Window Frames, the other Specifications under this Part are rearranged.		To align with Grade Codes of Graders.
37	Part III, Special Market Specifications, page 30	An explanation on the scope of SMS is added.		To be consistent with scope under GMS.
38	Prime Wides and Panels Specification, page 30	The provision for grading Prime Wides and Panels is removed.		This specification can be graded under GMS.
39	Not provided for under this Edition.	A new Specification on Door and Window Frames is introduced.	PART III, SECTION A	Special market demand for such product.
40	Part III, Section B, page 30 (Strips)	The format is changed from narrative to a simplified Table form.	PART III, SECTION B	For ease of reference.
41	Part III, Section C, page 32 (Shorts)	The format is changed from narrative to a simplified Table form.	PART III, SECTION C	For ease of reference.
42	Part III, Section D, page 34 (Cross Arms)	i) A maximum oversize of 3 inch has been specified for length. ii) The face to be graded is specified. iii) Provision permitting well scattered pin holes and shot holes; and excluding grub holes and grouped shot holes is added. iv) The Note restricting the amount of sapwood is deleted.	PART III, SECTION G	i) To prevent any possible abuse. ii) To avoid any doubts and to be consistent with the other Specifications. iii) Incorporate amendments made through the Grading Instructions 1/93 dated 24 July 1993. iv) Sapwood is not considered a defect in Standard and Better Grade.
43	Part III, Section E, page 35 (Wagon Planks)	A provision clarifying the face to be graded is specified.	PART III, SECTION F	To avoid any doubts and to be consistent with the other Specifications.
44	Part III, Section F, page 36 (Railway Sleepers (Ties) and Crossings)	i) Provision for grading Sleepers and Crossings is divided into two sub-sections. ii) The provisions for rail seats and knots are rephrased and a graphic illustration of the measuring stick is added. iii) The limitation on included phloem specified less than 30° to the vertical is deleted. iv) The second sentence to the Note in Select and Better grade is deleted. v) The Note in Crossings is removed.	PART III, SECTION E	i) To highlight the distinction of the different grading requirements between sleepers and crossings. ii) Incorporate amendments made through the Grading Instructions 1/93 dated 24 July 1993. iii) The other limitations on included phloem specified for this Specification are adequate to guarantee the desired quality. iv) To be consistent with the intention to remove all administrative aspects. v) To be consistent with the intention to remove all administrative aspects.
45	Part III, Section G, page 38 (Scantlings)	The common sizes given as examples are deleted.	PART III, SECTION D	The standard sizes for this Specification has been clearly defined in this Section.
46	Part III, Section H, page 40 (Large Scantlings and Squares)	i) The term Large Scantlings and Squares is changed to Baulks. ii) A requirement to state in the contract the desired specification under which it is to be graded i.e. Shorts or Baulks for lengths below 6 feet is added. iii) The face to be graded is specified. iv) The Note in paragraph (v) b is integrated as one of the grading requirements. v) The content of the first sentence in paragraph (v) b i.e. on the limitation of wane in a consignment is assigned to a Note. vi) A provision permitting small unsound knots is added. vii) The common sizes given as examples are deleted.		i) To be consistent with the HMS Code. ii) To avoid any doubt as to the appropriate grading requirements. iii) To avoid any doubts and to be consistent with the other specifications. iv) The content of the Note justifies its status as an important grading requirement. v) To emphasise its application to the grading requirements for sapwood and wane for this Specification. vi) The presence of small unsound knots would not impair the strength of the Baulks. vii) The standard sizes for this specification has been clearly defined in this Section.
47	Part III, Section I, page 41 (Decks)	i) The face to be graded is specified. ii) The defect, rot (decay) is added into the list of non permissible defects.	PART III, SECTION H	i) To avoid any doubts and to be consistent with the other specifications. ii) To state expressly the non- permissibility of this defect in this Specification.
48	Part III, Section J, page 42 (Stress Grading)	This Section is removed		A Malaysian Standard MS 1714 : 2003 - Specification for Visual Strength Grading of Tropical Hardwood Timber has been developed.
49	Part IV, Appendix I page 50 (Some malaysian timbers of commercial interest)	i) Two new timbers are added to this Appendix. (Pelawan – HHW; Acacia – LHW) ii) Note (j) and (k) are deleted. iii) An additional sentence on the round up of the figures in metric is added to Note (b)		i) Commercial timbers of importance. ii) The reference to density does not affect grading. iii) To reflect common practice.
50	Appendix III, page 81 (List of Specified Countries)	This Appendix is deleted.		Listing of importing countries as Specified and Unspecified has been removed.
51	Appendix IV, page 82 (Certificate of Competency for Timber Graders)	This Appendix is removed.		To be consistent with the removal of Rule 11.
52	Appendix V, page 83 (Certificate of Competency for Dry Kiln Operator)	This Appendix is removed.		To be consistent with the removal of Rule 11.
53	Appendix VI, page 84 (Sample of Standard Form of Contract)	This Appendix is removed.		To be consistent with the intention to remove all administrative aspects.
54	Appendix VII, page 86 (Summary of Standard Grade Marks)	i) The sizes of stencil marks are amended to one standard size. ii) Provision for stenciling of light coloured timbers as well as dressed timbers is added as Notes (viii) and (ix).	Appendix III	i) To harmonize the stencil size regardless of dimension of timber. ii) Note (viii) is incorporated into this Appendix from the provisions of TEB 4/87 dated 14 May 1990. Note (ix) is reproduced from a provision in Section F for emphasis.
55	Appendix X, page 90 (Schedule of Timber Shipped)	This Appendix is removed.		To be consistent with the intention to remove all administrative aspects.
56	Appendix XI, page 92 (Grading Certificate)	This Appendix is removed.		To be consistent with the intention to remove all administrative aspects.
57	Appendix XII, page 94 (Inspection Certificate)	This Appendix is removed.		To be consistent with the intention to remove all administrative aspects.
58	Appendix XIII, page 95 (Standard Notification Form for Timber Graded under the MGR)	This Appendix is removed.		To be consistent with the intention to remove all administrative aspects.
59	Appendix XIV, page 97 ( Table of Recommended Sawing Sizes and Maximum Oversize Limits)	The “maximum oversize” column in the Table is removed.	Appendix VI	The “maximum oversize” column in Appendix XIV (MGR 1984) has been removed through MGR Supplement 6/87 dated 9 January 1992.
60	Appendix XV, page 98 ( Definition of Defects and of some of the more important terms used in the sawn timber trade)	i) The definition for Hewn Timber is deleted. ii) The definition for Interlocked Grain which is contained within the definition of Slopping Grain is removed and listed separately. iii) The definition for Kiln drying is added. iv) Board and Plank are redefined. v) The definition for Resin Pocket is expanded. vi) The definitions for Rough Sawn Timber and Undressed Timber are deleted. vii) Technical information incorporated into the definition for Sapwood is removed. viii) The definition for 'Specification' is removed.	Appendix VII	i) To reflect improvements in sawing technology. ii) To distinguish between the two defects. iii) To provide clarity on the process. iv) To be consistent with the specified sizes in GMS. v) Incorporates the provision of Grading Instructions 3/93 dated 24 July 1993. vi) These are inappropriate and misleading terms. vii) The information is mentioned in Rule 9. viii) This definition is specific to contract documents and is irrelevant for the revised Edition. Further, the removal of the definition helps to avoid confusion between 'specification' in a contract and that of 'Specification' of products under the various Sections.

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