Wood group classification table according to the latest Vietnamese standards

The classification of wood groups in Vietnam is based on Decision No. 2198-CNR in 1977 of the Ministry of Forestry (now the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development). The temporary wood classification table is divided into 8 main groups from group I to group VIII.

Group I and II woods are rare and precious woods with heavy density (0.95 – 1.40 kg/m³), high hardness and water resistance, often used in architectural works or high-end furniture. Group III and IV woods have medium to heavy density (0.65 – 0.95 kg/m³), suitable for furniture production and general construction works. Group V to VIII woods have light density (0.04 – 0.65 kg/m³), often used in the paper, plywood and cheap furniture industries.

According to Decree No. 18/HDBT of the Government in 1992, many rare and precious woods in groups IA and IIA such as Rosewood, Cam Lai, Mahogany, and Rosewood were banned from exploitation to protect forest resources. This classification not only helps manage timber exploitation effectively but also creates a basis for using timber suitable for each specific purpose.

“Timber classification is not only a management tool but also a foundation for sustainable forestry development” – Dr. Zachary Lawrence, Director of International Programs, USFS.

Why must we classify wood groups?

Timber classification plays an important role in the management of timber exploitation, ensuring their appropriate use and preventing illegal logging. In order to protect the country's precious forest resources and maintain the balance in the ecosystem.

Furthermore, this division also helps businesses, investors and users to understand each type of wood more easily. From there, it helps them find the most suitable product for their needs and purposes.

This not only helps create clarity in the timber market, but also enables consumers to differentiate between timber types and prices that are commensurate with the true quality of the product, thereby reducing false price increases.

Wood group classification table according to Vietnamese standards

Density is an important characteristic and is often used in the classification of wood groups. Classification standards based on density must be measured when the wood has a moisture content below 15%. Specifically according to the results below:

• Really heavy wood: From 0.95 to 1.40 kg/m³
• Heavy wood: From 0.80 to 0.95 kg/m³
• Medium heavy wood: From 0.65 to 0.80 kg/m³
• Light wood: From 0.50 to 0.65 kg/m³
• Real light wood: From 0.20 to 0.50 kg/m³
• Super light wood: From 0.04 to 0.20 kg/m³.

Thereby, specific wood groups are divided into 8 types from group I to group VIII and based on Decision No. 2198-CNR dated November 26, 11 of the Ministry of Forestry (now the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development) on the construction of a temporary classification table of wood types used uniformly nationwide, which was adjusted and supplemented on May 1977, 10.

Wood group I

This is a group of heavy and very heavy wood including precious woods with beautiful colors, grain, strong aroma, longevity and high economic value, most of which are on the list of prohibited exploitation and protected.

Group I wood is often used to build projects that require high durability and good weather resistance, or used for high-end interior decoration, making fine art, etc. Group I wood includes the following 41 types of wood:

Wood group II

Surely you have heard of the phrase “Dinh – Lim – Sen – Tau,” this is a fairly common phrase and they all belong to group II natural wood. Group II wood is a group of wood with heavy and very heavy density, they have high hardness and water resistance.

Furniture products such as tables, chairs, beds, cabinets, doors, etc. made from these types of wood are often of superior quality. Ancient communal houses, ancient pagodas, and ancient houses hundreds of years old, using columns, rafters, mortises, and doors made from Dinh - Lim - Sen - Tau wood, still maintain their sturdiness and are less susceptible to termite attacks.

Below is a list of 26 tree species belonging to group II timber.

Wood group III

This is a group of wood with heavy density (but lighter and softer than groups I and II), good durability, strength and toughness. Therefore, they are often used for flooring, ceilings, walls, etc.

List of 23 tree species belonging to group III timber

Wood group IV

This is a group of wood with medium and heavy density, relatively durable, fine grain, easy to process and manufacture. Group IV wood has many useful applications in life, for example:

• Washed wood: Used to make beds, wardrobes, dressing tables, etc.
• Jackfruit wood: Used to make statues, worship objects, fine art objects, etc.
• Fat wood: Used as chopsticks, ice cream stick handles, etc.
• Yellow heart wood: Used to make coffins, boxes, spiritual objects, etc.

List of 25 tree species belonging to group IV timber

Wood group V

This is a group of wood with average density, suitable for projects that do not require high load-bearing capacity, making boards, molds, etc. Some typical applications are making tables, cabinets, kitchen shelves at affordable prices.

List of 65 tree species belonging to group V timber

Wood group VI

This is a group of wood with light and medium density. They have poor bearing capacity, are susceptible to termites, but are very easy to process and manufacture. This group of wood is considered popular and does not have many restrictions in exploitation management. Many types of wood in this group are often planted in forests, so the supply of group VI wood is very diverse.

This results in a generally lower price, wood in group VI is widely used in the construction industry, the production of popular furniture and is also used in the production of particle board and veneer for the wood industry.

List of 70 group VI timber species

Wood group VII

This is a group of wood with light density, poor bearing capacity, and average termite resistance. Most of Group VII wood is from planted forests, abundant raw materials, and reasonable prices. They are widely used in furniture manufacturing, construction, handicraft production, as well as in the process of peeling veneer and producing particle board.

List of 46 tree species belonging to group VII timber

Wood group VIII

This is a group of light-weight wood, with very poor load-bearing capacity and is susceptible to termites. This is a fairly diverse source of wood, including some types of forest wood, with a fast growth rate. Wood belonging to group VIII is often grown in many local areas and is commonly used to produce paper, pallets, veneer, as well as to make Wood Industry and make cheap furniture products.

List of 48 tree species belonging to group VIII wood

Types of wood are processed for export in Vietnam

Below is a list of natural wood types that can be exported or used to produce products for the export market. For more details and specific regulations, you can refer to the Decision "On the export of wood and forest products" No. 664-TTg, signed by Prime Minister Phan Van Khai on January 18. October 10 and still in effect today. At the same time, you also need to review other related documents to ensure full compliance with regulations and proper implementation of procedures.

Types of wood are banned from exploitation in Vietnam

Below is a list of types of wood prohibited from exploitation according to Decree No. 18/HDBT of the Government dated January 17, 1 on regulations on the list of precious and rare forest plants and animals and the management and protection regime:

Group IA

Group IIA

Wood classification plays an important role in the sustainable management and use of wood resources. The wood classification table according to Vietnamese standards helps businesses, investors and consumers easily choose the right type of wood for each purpose.

At the same time, banning the exploitation of some rare woods also contributes to protecting forest resources and maintaining ecological balance. If you need more detailed information about the wood group classification table or have any questions, please contact Kosmos at 0932 067 388 for a quick answer.