Bayswood Timber Wholesalers Pty Ltd, a Victorian timber wholesaler, has paid a penalty of $19,800 after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued an infringement notice for allegedly misleading statements regarding its Meranti timber product.

The ACCC's investigation revealed that Bayswood marketed its Meranti timber as suitable for certain building applications in bushfire-prone areas, claiming it had a density of 400kg per cubic metre. However, the timber did not meet the necessary density requirements for the specified bushfire standard, particularly for applications like door frames and window assemblies.

ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh emphasized the importance of accurate claims about timber properties, stating that builders and homeowners must rely on these claims to comply with building standards. The Australian Standard 3959-2018 outlines minimum density requirements for timber used in bushfire-prone areas, categorized by Bushfire Attack Levels (BALs).

During the investigation, the ACCC also engaged with other timber suppliers regarding potentially misleading BAL claims, leading to prompt corrections in their public materials. The ACCC expressed concern that builders may have unknowingly used non-compliant timber based on Bayswood's misleading statements.

The National Construction Code incorporates the Australian Standard for buildings in bushfire-prone areas, mandating compliance for construction permits in designated regions. The ACCC has informed state and territory building regulators about the investigation's findings to assist consumers with concerns regarding their building projects.