This standard outlines the essential quality criteria, classification, and measurement techniques for timber logs intended for the production of match splints and matchboxes. It specifies acceptable wood species, allowable defects, and necessary preservation treatments to guarantee the logs comply with industry benchmarks for dimensions, straightness, and soundness. It serves as a vital reference for forest authorities, timber vendors, and match manufacturers to uphold consistent raw material standards.
Overview
This standard outlines the essential quality criteria, classification, and measurement techniques for timber logs intended for the production of match splints and matchboxes. It specifies acceptable wood species, allowable defects, and necessary preservation treatments to guarantee the logs comply with industry benchmarks for dimensions, straightness, and soundness. It serves as a vital reference for forest authorities, timber vendors, and match manufacturers to uphold consistent raw material standards.
Audience
Contents
Structure
Scope:
Defines the specifications for timber logs and their treatment meant for match splint and box production.
Preservation Treatments (Section 7.1):
Log Examination (Section 5.1):
Eligible Timber Species (Table 1):
| Botanical Name | Commercial Name | Splints | Boxes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ailanthus spp. | Maharukh & Gokul | ✓ | ✗ |
| Alstonia scholaris | Chatian | ✓ | ✗ |
| Canarium strictum Roxb. | White Dhup (Raldhup) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Populus spp. | Poplar | ✓ | ✓ |
This section ensures proper species selection, preservation, and quality control tailored for match manufacturing per the standard.
Key Definitions and Standards Referenced
Terminology (Section 2.1):
Defect Inspection (Section 5.1):
Approved Species for Match Production (Table 1, Section 3.1):
Preservation Treatment (Section 7.1):
| Botanical Name | Splints | Boxes |
|---|---|---|
| Ailanthus spp. | x | - |
| Alstonia scholaris | x | - |
| Canarium strictum Roxb. | - | x |
| Mangifera indica | - | x |
| Populus spp. | x | x |
flowchart TD
A[Felling] --> B[Defect Inspection]
B -->|Pass| C[Preservative Treatment]
B -->|Fail| D[Reject Log]
C --> E[Seasoning & Storage]
E --> F[Match Manufacturing]
Refer to IS 707-1976 for definitions and IS 401, 1141, and 9104 for treatment protocols.
Timber Species for Match Splints and Boxes
| Botanical Name | Trade Name | Splints | Boxes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ailanthus spp. | Maharukh & Gokul | × | - |
| Alstonia scholaris | Chatian | × | - |
| Anthocephalus chinensis | Kadam | × | - |
| Canarium strictum Roxb. | White Dhup | - | × |
| Elacocarpus tuberculatus | Rudrak | × | × |
| Endospermum spp. | Bakota | × | × |
| Melia composite | Malabar Neem | × | × |
| Populus spp. | Poplar | × | × |
| Albizzia falcata | - | × | × |
flowchart TD
A[Log for Match Use]
A --> B{Species Listed in Table 1?}
B -->|Yes| C[Assign for Splints or Boxes]
B -->|No| D[Require Purchaser-Supplier Agreement]
C --> E{For Splints?}
E -->|Yes| F[Use Species Marked × for Splints]
E -->|No| G[Use Species Marked × for Boxes]
This ensures the selection of appropriate timber species for manufacturing quality matches.
Summary of General Requirements
| IS Code | Description |
|---|---|
| IS 401 | Timber preservation code (3rd rev) |
| IS 1141 | Timber seasoning code (1st rev) |
| IS 9104 | Storage and protection guidelines |
flowchart TD
A[Felling] --> B[Treat Ends & Exposed Bark]
B --> C[Preservative Application]
B --> D[Moisture Barrier Application]
C & D --> E[Defect Inspection]
E --> F[Accept or Reject]
This process guarantees the timber's durability and quality for match production.
Inspection and Defect Limits
Section 5.1: Logs must be checked for defects prior to usage.
Allowed Defects (Sections 5.2 - 5.19): Some defects such as dote, rot, and cracks are permissible within defined limits.
Specific Limits (Section 5.4):
Hollow Centers (Section 5.13):
Total Defects (Section 5.20):
| Defect Type | Threshold | Action if Exceeded |
|---|---|---|
| Dote/Rot/Cracks | ≤ 12 mm penetration | Girth deduction = 6 × penetration |
| Hollow Center | ≤ 50 mm diameter | Length deduction = hollow + 30 cm |
| Plugged Center | Not allowed | Log rejected |
| Total Defects | ≤ 4 per meter length | Reject or reduce accordingly |
flowchart TD
A[Inspect Log] --> B{Are Defects Present?}
B -- No --> C[Accept Log]
B -- Yes --> D{Defect Type}
D --> E[Dote/Rot/Cracks]
D --> F[Hollow Center]
D --> G[Plugged Center]
E --> H{Penetration ≤ 12 mm?}
H -- Yes --> I[Accept with Defect]
H -- No --> J[Apply Girth Deduction]
F --> K{Diameter ≤ 50 mm?}
K -- Yes --> L[Accept with Defect]
K -- No --> M[Apply Length Deduction]
G --> N[Reject Log]
This ensures only sound timber is utilized in match production.
Classification and Dimension Measurement
Grade 1:
Grade 2:
| Parameter | Grade 1 | Grade 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-girth | ≥ 90 cm | ≥ 90 cm |
| Length | ≥ 2.5 m | 1 m to < 2.5 m |
| Measurement | Length (m, 0.05 m) | Length (m, 0.05 m) |
| Girth (cm, 1 cm) | Girth (cm, 1 cm) | |
| Max Defects | ≤ 4 per meter | ≤ 4 per meter |
This classification ensures that logs meet size and quality standards for match manufacturing.
Core Requirements:
Special Clause (7.1.1): For species prone to blue stain fungi (e.g., Rubberwood, Semul), the entire log must be treated, not just exposed parts.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Tree Felling | Harvesting and preparing logs |
| 2. Immediate Treatment | Apply preservatives and moisture barriers on ends and exposed bark |
| 3. Full Log Treatment | For susceptible species, treat entire log |
| 4. Storage | Store logs following IS 9104 to avoid deterioration |
flowchart TD
A[Felling] --> B[Treatment on Ends & Exposed Bark]
B --> C{Species Susceptibility}
C -->|High| D[Treat Entire Log]
C -->|Low| E[Store per IS 9104]
D --> E
E --> F[Inspection and Quality Control]
Refer to IS 401:1982 for detailed preservative types and procedures.
1. Preservation (Section 7.1):
2. Defect Assessment (Sections 5.1 & 5.20):
3. Classification and Measurement:
| Parameter | Limit |
|---|---|
| Maximum defects/meter | 4 |
| Applicable Treatment Standards | IS 401, IS 1141, IS 9104 |
| Botanical Name | Trade Name | Usage (Splints/Boxes) |
|---|---|---|
| Ailanthus spp. | Maharukh & Gokul | Splints (✓), Boxes (✗) |
| Canarium strictum Roxb. | White Dhup | Splints (✗), Boxes (✓) |
| Melia composite | Malabar Neem | Splints (✓), Boxes (✓) |
flowchart TD
A[Felling] --> B[Immediate Treatment]
B --> C[Preservative & Moisture Barrier]
C --> D[Defect Inspection]
D --> E{Defects ≤ 4 per m?}
E -- Yes --> F[Grading & Measurement]
E -- No --> G[Reject Log]
Consult IS 1140 full text for detailed defect and grading criteria.
Packaging and Supply Protocols
| Area Treated | Standard References | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Log ends and exposed bark | IS 401, IS 1141, IS 9104 | Preservation and moisture protection |
flowchart TD
A[Felling] --> B[Treatment of Ends & Exposed Bark]
B --> C[Apply Preservative & Moisture Barrier]
C --> D[Defect Inspection]
D --> E[Packaging and Dispatch]
For in-depth species selection and treatment details, refer to IS 1140 and cited standards.
| Sl No. | Botanical Name | Trade Name | Splints (✓) | Boxes (✓) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ailanthus spp. | Maharukh & Gokul | ✓ | - |
| 2 | Alstonia scholaris | Chatian | ✓ | - |
| 4 | Canarium strictum Roxb. | White Dhup | - | ✓ |
| 7 | Elacocarpus tuberculatus | Rudrak | ✓ | ✓ |
| 20 | Populus spp. | Poplar | ✓ | ✓ |
| 26 | Tiewia nudiflora | Gutel | ✓ | - |
flowchart LR
A[Felling] --> B[Preservative Treatment]
B --> C[Moisture Barrier Application]
C --> D[Storage & Protection]
D --> E[Defect Inspection]
E --> F[Selection for Match Production]
F --> G[Manufacturing Process]
This annexure aids in maintaining quality control throughout the match log supply chain.
Frequently Asked
Per Clause 3.1 and Table 1 of IS 1140, acceptable timber species for match splints and boxes include:
| Botanical Name | Trade Name | Splints Suitable | Boxes Suitable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salmalia malabarica (Dc.) | Semul | Yes | Yes |
| Salmalia insignis (Wall.) | Didu | Yes | Yes |
| Albizzia falcata | - | Yes | Yes |
| Canarium strictum Roxb. | White Dhup (Raldhup) | No | Yes |
| Canarium spp. (other than strictum) | White Dhup | No | Yes |
| Endospermum spp. | Bakota | Yes | Yes |
| Elacocarpus tuberculatus | Rudrak | Yes | Yes |
| Melia composite | Malabar Neem | Yes | Yes |
| Planchohella longipetiolata | Lambapatti | Yes | Yes |
| Populus spp. | Poplar | Yes | Yes |
| Spondias spp. | Amra | Yes | Yes |
| Lophopetalum wightianum | Banati | Yes | Yes |
Other species can be used upon mutual agreement. Species like Rubberwood and Semul, susceptible to blue stain fungi, require treatment of the entire log.
According to IS 1140:
Summary:
| Defect Type | Limit | Action if Exceeded |
|---|---|---|
| Total defects/meter | Maximum 4 | Reject or reduce log |
| Dote, rot, cracks | Penetration ≤ 12 mm | Girth deduction applies |
| Hollow center diameter | ≤ 50 mm | Length deduction applies |
| Plugged defects | Not permitted | Log rejected entirely |
Per IS 1140 Clause 6.2:
Measurement varies with taper type:
This standardization ensures consistent evaluation of log dimensions.
IS 1140 defines two grades for match logs based on mid-girth and length:
| Grade | Mid-Girth (Min) | Length Range |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 | ≥ 90 cm | ≥ 2.5 meters |
| Grade 2 | ≥ 90 cm | 1 meter to < 2.5 m |
Logs not meeting minimum girth or shorter than 1 meter are excluded. Logs must pass defect inspection before grading.
According to IS 1140 Clause 7.1:
Key points:
Typical preservatives include copper-chrome-arsenate, creosote, or other approved chemicals, with sealing materials like paint or wax to reduce moisture loss.
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