Is Wood Veneer a Semi-Finished or Finished Product?

According to FSC product classification standards, wood veneer is broadly categorized as a processed product, but it is more accurately classified as a semi-finished product within the wood product supply chain.

Veneer is produced from roundwood through slicing or peeling. However, it typically requires further processing, such as lamination, pressing, or trimming, before becoming a finished product like furniture, flooring, or decorative panels. Therefore, veneer clearly fits the definition of a semi-finished product.

Below is the supporting evidence based on official FSC standards:

1. FSC STD 40 004a V2 1, Product Classification
   Under the WOOD PRODUCTS category, "W7 Veneer" is listed as a Level 1 category, with Level 2 sub categories including "W7.1 Peeled veneer", "W7.2 Sliced veneer", "W7.3 Saw veneer", "W7.4 Veneer strips".
   This indicates that veneer is a processed material, beyond the raw material stage, but not yet a finished product.
2. FSC STD 50 001 V2 1, Definition of a Finished Product
   A finished product is a product that requires no further transformation in terms of processing or packaging prior to its intended end use — i.e., it will not be remanufactured for the production of other FSC-certified products.
   Veneer is typically used as an intermediate product for producing downstream goods such as plywood (W8), joinery (W11), and furniture (W12).
   Since it undergoes further transformation and is not intended for end-use as-is, it does not meet the definition of a finished product.
3. FSC Trademark Standards, Use on Semi-Finished Products
   FSC trademark standards allow certified companies to use FSC labels on semi-finished products only if the label is removable before further processing or transfer to non-certified entities.
   This requirement further confirms that materials like veneer are considered semi-finished in the FSC Chain of Custody system.