CECAEN Rev 3
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Group 162

Manufacture of veneers and wood-based panels

This category covers the manufacture of thin wood veneers and various types of panels (plywood, OSB, MDF, HDF) used in construction, furniture, and interior design. Essentially, base materials for the industry are produced here, starting from logs or wood waste, through processes of slicing, drying, and pressing.

Included Activities & Applicability

  • ✅ Manufacture of wood veneers
  • ✅ Manufacture of plywood and veneer panels
  • ✅ Manufacture of OSB (oriented strand board)
  • ✅ Manufacture of MDF (medium density fibreboard)
  • ✅ Manufacture of HDF (high density fibreboard)
  • ✅ Manufacture of particle board
  • ✅ Manufacture of fibreboard
  • ✅ Manufacture of laminated wood
  • ✅ Manufacture of decorative plywood
  • ✅ Manufacture of wood panels for construction

Excluded Activities & Restrictions

  • ❌ Manufacture of parquet flooring (included in division 1622) Manufacture of furniture (included in division 31) Manufacture of wooden packaging (included in division 1624) Manufacture of cork boards (included in division 1629) Manufacture of agglomerated boards from other materials (textile waste
  • ❌ straw
  • ❌ etc.) Forestry and logging of raw wood Sawmilling and planing of wood (included in division 1610) Manufacture of plaster or cement boards (construction)

Subordinate Structure

1621 Manufacture of veneer sheets and wood-based panels
→
1622 Manufacture of assembled parquet panels
→
1623 Manufacture of other builders' carpentry and joinery
→
1624 Manufacture of wooden packaging
→
1625 Manufacture of wooden doors and windows
→
1626 Manufacture of solid fuels from vegetable biomass
→
1627 Finishing of wooden articles
→
1628 Manufacture of other products of wood; manufacture of articles of cork, straw and plaiting materials
→

Detailed Analysis & Commercial Insights

Industry overview

The manufacture of veneers and wood-based panels, coded under CAEN 162, represents an essential link in the wood processing value chain in Romania. This division transforms raw wood material, whether from quality logs or recycled waste, into semi-finished products with high added value, such as plywood, OSB boards, MDF, or decorative veneers. The technological processes involve slicing, drying, sorting, and pressing at high temperatures and pressures, using special adhesives to obtain homogeneous and resistant panels.

At the macroeconomic level, this branch significantly contributes to Romania's exports, with the country being one of the main European producers of wood-based panels. Domestic demand is supported by related industries such as construction (for formwork, walls, roofs), furniture, and interior fittings. At the European level, sustainability trends and the circular economy favor the use of wood-based panels as ecological alternatives to conventional materials, opening new market opportunities.

Challenges and opportunities

Challenges for entrepreneurs in this field include raw material price volatility, dependence on imports of adhesives and finishes, as well as the need for technological modernization to remain competitive. Moreover, strict regulations on formaldehyde emissions and waste management require additional investments in compliance. However, innovations in eco-friendly panels, such as formaldehyde-free MDF or fire-retardant plywood, offer competitive advantages to companies aligning with green standards.

The evolution of this niche in Romania is closely linked to forest resources and forestry policy. Mountainous and hilly areas (Suceava, Neamț, Brașov, Gorj) concentrate integrated production units, from logging to panel manufacturing. Digitalization of processes and automation of sorting have reduced costs, but specialized labor remains a limited resource. In conclusion, CAEN 162 is a growth division that requires strategies adapted to global market demands and environmental legislation.