The grading frameworks in use
Three reference systems dominate the GCC. NHLA (American hardwood): FAS, F1F, Selects, No.1 Common, No.2A/B Common. ATIBT (African tropical): LM (Loyale Marchand), CE (Choix et Economique), CI (Choix Industriel). European: per species-specific national rules, broadly aligned to first / second / third quality. For squared logs, the grading focuses on the visible squared face, not the round-log equivalent.
What each grade includes
FAS / LM-Premium: 83%+ clear face yield, minimum 6' x 6" pieces, the joinery and visible-furniture standard. Selects / LM: similar yield, smaller minimum size, accepted for cabinetry. No.1 Common / CE: 66% clear yield, accepted for utility joinery and component plants. No.2 / CI: 50% yield, accepted for cores, structural use and re-export.
Defects that downgrade
Heart shake, ring shake, end checks beyond 100 mm, wane, insect borer holes (active), powder-post or termite damage, fungal staining beyond 10% of face area, warp beyond 10 mm per 3 m, twist beyond 5 mm per 3 m. Aesthetic defects (mineral streaks, character marks, sound knots within size limits) are accepted as species character.
Writing the tender line
State: species (botanical name + trade name), section, length, MC range, grade reference (e.g. "ATIBT LM" or "NHLA FAS"), origin certification (FSC/PEFC/OLB), inspection authority, and discharge port. Example: "Sapele (Entandrophragma cylindricum), 200×200 mm × 4.0 m, KD 10-12% MC, ATIBT LM grade, FSC® Mix, SGS load-port inspection, CFR Jebel Ali."