EN 12248:1999

Sawn timber used in industrial packaging - Permitted deviations and preferential sizes

This standard specifies permitted deviations (due to variability in sawing and processing) from target thicknesses and widths for sawn timber used in industrial packaging when measured at a defined reference moisture content. It also gives preferential sizes of this timber.

Schnittholz in Industriepackmitteln - Zulässige Abweichungen und Vorzugsmaße

Diese Norm legt zulässige Abweichungen (aufgrund der Unterschiede beim Einschnitt und der Verarbeitung) von Soll-Dicken und -Breiten für Schnittholz in Industriepackmitteln bei einem bestimmten Bezugsfeuchtegehalt fest. Sie legt außerdem Vorzugsmaße für dieses Schnittholz fest.

Bois sciés utilisés dans l'emballage industriel - Ecarts admissibles et dimensions préférentielles

La présente norme spécifie les écarts admissibles (dus à la variabilité inhérente au sciage et à la transformation) des épaisseurs et largeurs cibles pour les bois sciés utilisés dans les emballages industriels lorsqu'ils sont mesurés à une teneur en humidité de référence définie. Elle donne également les dimensions préférentielles de ce bois.

Žagani les za industrijsko embalažo - Dovoljena odstopanja in prednostne mere

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 22-Jun-1999
• ICS: 55.040 - Packaging materials and accessories
• ICS: 79.040 - Wood, sawlogs and sawn timber
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 175 - Round and sawn timber
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 175/WG 34 - Specific user requirements - Timber in packaging and pallets
• Current Stage: 9060 - Closure of 2 Year Review Enquiry - Review Enquiry
• Start Date: 02-Dec-2025
• Completion Date: 02-Dec-2025
• Ref Project: SIST EN 12248:2003 - Sawn timber used in industrial packaging - Permitted deviations and preferential sizes

Overview

EN 12248:1999 (adopted as SIST EN 12248:2003) is a CEN standard that defines dimensional requirements for sawn timber used in industrial packaging. The standard specifies the permitted deviations (tolerances) from target thicknesses and widths that result from sawing and processing, and it sets out preferential sizes for such timber. All measurements are referenced to a defined reference moisture content, ensuring consistent dimensional assessment across supply chains.

Key topics

• Permitted deviations: Describes allowable dimensional variances from nominal or target sizes due to normal processing and sawing variability.
• Preferential sizes: Lists preferred nominal widths and thicknesses for industrial packaging timber to promote interchangeability and efficient production.
• Reference moisture content: Specifies that dimensions are to be assessed at a defined moisture condition, recognising the impact of moisture on wood dimensions.
• Measurement principles: Establishes how and when to measure timber dimensions for conformity (measurement location, rounding rules and acceptance criteria are covered conceptually).
• Scope and applicability: Focuses on sawn timber intended for crates, pallets, boxes and other industrial packaging applications rather than structural or furniture-grade timber.

(Note: EN 12248 sets the conceptual framework; users should consult the full standard document for exact tolerance values, measurement procedures and tables.)

Applications

EN 12248 is practical for organisations involved in the manufacture, procurement and inspection of wooden packaging:

• Sawmills and timber processors - to cut and supply packaging timber to standard preferential sizes and tolerances.
• Pallet, crate and box manufacturers - to specify material dimensions that ensure fit, reduce waste and simplify assembly.
• Quality control and inspection labs - to verify compliance with dimensional tolerances at the specified moisture condition.
• Procurement and specification writers - to write clear purchase orders and contracts referencing standardized sizes and allowable deviations.
• Logistics and export businesses - to ensure packaging components meet consistent dimensional criteria for international trade.

Benefits

• Improved interchangeability of packaging components
• Reduced material waste and machining time
• Clear acceptance criteria for suppliers and buyers
• Consistent product quality across the supply chain

Related standards

• Other CEN/EN standards addressing wood moisture measurement, packaging materials, and wood grading; consult national standards bodies or the CEN catalogue for specific cross-references.

Keywords: sawn timber, industrial packaging, permitted deviations, preferential sizes, EN 12248, reference moisture content, CEN standard.

Standards Content (Sample)

2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Žagani les za industrijsko embalažo - Dovoljena odstopanja in prednostne mereSchnittholz in Industriepackmitteln - Zulässige Abweichungen und VorzugsmaßeBois sciés utilisés dans l'emballage industriel - Ecarts admissibles et dimensions préférentiellesSawn timber used in industrial packaging - Permitted deviat
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