TS EN 13556

TS EN 13556 is a terminology standard that organises the commercial naming of timbers used in Europe. In the context of round and sawn timber, it provides a common and readable framework for the names used for different timber species, helping to reduce confusion when the same material may be identified differently across languages, regions, or trade practices.

For a standard of this type, the focus is not on mechanical performance or dimensional limits, but on the correct and consistent use of trade names. It is especially relevant where hardwood and softwood timbers are identified in supply chains, technical documents, specifications, and trade communication. That shared naming base supports clearer ordering, classification, and product description in the timber sector.

How timber nomenclature is used in practice

In general technical terms, timber nomenclature does more than name a botanical species. Regional usage, commercial tradition, and established common names can all influence how wood is identified in the market. Terminology standards help keep those names aligned so that the same species is not confused under different labels. The aim is consistency of naming, not a statement about wood quality or structural grade.

• Provides a common commercial terminology framework for round and sawn timber.
• Collects the European names used for hardwood and softwood timbers.
• Supports consistency in timber trade, technical specifications, and catalogues.
• Helps reduce confusion where different regions use different names for the same species.