Pacific Lumber Inspection Bureau

The Pacific Lumber Inspection Bureau (PLIB) is a private, non-profit 501(c)(6) member-based organization founded in 1903. It specializes in providing third-party inspection services, grade stamping, and educational training primarily to the lumber industry. PLIB serves over 450 softwood lumber manufacturers, re-manufacturers, drying facilities, and wood packaging facilities in North America and Europe.

Services

PLIB offers a wide range of services, including:

• Lumber Inspection and Grade Stamping: PLIB provides these services for various types of lumber according to both domestic and international standards.
• Certifications: PLIB certifies Heat-Treated (HT) lumber, ISPM 15 Wood Packaging, Glulam, Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), Wood Trusses, and CE Marking. It also provides WUI (Wildland-Urban Interface) registration services.
• Export Services: PLIB supports international export by issuing the Export R-List Grading and Dressing Rules, facilitating compliance with multiple international standards such as CE Marking, AQIS Certification for Australia, British Standard 4978 for the UK, and the CFLA JPS 1 standard.

Operations

Headquartered in the United States with additional operations in Canada and Europe, PLIB has expanded its reach after merging with the West Coast Lumber Inspection Bureau (WCLIB) and the American Institute of Timber Construction (AITC) in 2019. This merger enhanced PLIB's capabilities in Glulam and CLT quality control certification and extended its coverage into the southern U.S. and Europe.

Accreditations

PLIB is accredited by the American Lumber Standard Committee (ALSC) and the Canadian Lumber Standards Accreditation Board (CLSAB), along with the International Accreditation Service (IAS). It also has Memorandums of Understanding with the USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and is recognized by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

Financials

As a 501(c)(6) organization, contributions to PLIB are not tax-deductible. Its primary source of revenue comes from program services, with a substantial portion going towards salaries and executive compensation. PLIB maintains a significant asset base to support its operations.

Impact

PLIB plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and conformity of lumber products in both domestic and international markets. Its certifications and inspection services help facilitate trade and compliance with various regulatory standards, making it a key player in the global wood products industry.