Every four years, the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) in the United States reviews the hardwood lumber grading rules and accepts rules change proposals for consideration. The window for submitting change proposals for the 2023 NHLA Rules Book is now open. Changes for consideration should be submitted to the Chief Inspector by 31 March 2021.
The Rules Committee will review the submitted changes during a meeting at NHLA headquarters. The day and time of the Rules meeting is to be announced. Industry professionals have an opportunity to be present at the beginning of the meeting to explain his/her reason for asking for the change or to state a case against any proposed change.
During the 2021 NHLA Annual Convention & Exhibit Showcase in West Palm Beach, Florida, there will be a Rules Open Forum. The forum will be held Thursday, 23 September, and will give all members the ability to discuss these proposals in detail prior to the vote. The Chief and members of the Rules Committee will be available during this meeting to answer any questions you may have.
In the final step of the process, ballots containing new rules change proposals will be sent to all Active Members after the 2021 NHLA Annual Convention. Each Active Member may vote for or against the proposed rules change provided such ballot is returned to and received by NHLA within 30 days from the date on the ballot. Rules change proposals that receive a favorable vote on a two-thirds majority of the votes properly cast by the Active Members will be adopted and become effective 1 January 2023.
If you have questions regarding the rules change process, please contact Dana Spessert, Chief Inspector, at 901-399-75551 or by email at d.spessert@nhla.com.
Submit all Rules change proposals to the Chief Inspector by one of these methods:
Mail to:
Dana Spessert NHLA Chief Inspector
PO Box 34518
Memphis, TN 38184-0518
OR
Email to: d.spessert@nhla.com
OR
Fax: 901-382-6419
