Kiln-dried European whitewood and Canadian SPF construction softwood lumber stacks in a Dubai timber yard
    White Wood · SPF · Construction Softwoods

    White Wood, SPF & Construction Softwoods.

    European, Canadian, Scandinavian and Southern Hemisphere softwoods for construction, packaging, formwork, joinery and industrial applications throughout the Middle East.

    Global Sourcing

    From Nordic forests and Canadian mills to GCC sites.

    We coordinate mill-direct softwood supply from five major softwood-producing regions, matching species, grade, treatment and section to the application, framing, formwork, joinery, packaging or industrial.

    Europe
    • Austria
    • Germany
    • Slovenia
    • Croatia
    • Romania
    • Czech Republic
    • Slovakia
    • Latvia
    • Lithuania
    • Estonia

    Central and Baltic European whitewood (spruce / fir) and European redwood (Scots pine), kiln-dried and machine-graded to EN 338 / EN 1611-1.

    Scandinavia
    • Sweden
    • Finland

    Nordic spruce and Finnish redwood from slow-grown northern forests. Tight, even grain and excellent strength-to-weight for high-spec joinery and engineered packaging.

    Canada
    • Canadian SPF
    • Canadian S4S
    • Construction lumber
    • Stud grades

    Spruce-Pine-Fir commodity lumber, S4S surfaced four sides, stud and No.2 & Better grades, stamp-graded to NLGA rules for framing and engineered packaging.

    Oceania
    • New Zealand Radiata Pine
    • Australian Pine

    Plantation radiata pine, light density, easy to machine, takes preservative treatment well. Common in formwork, joinery and furniture components.

    South America
    • Brazil
    • Chile
    • Argentina
    • Uruguay

    Plantation Taeda pine (Pinus taeda), Elliottis pine (Pinus elliottii) and radiata pine, AST-treated and supplied for packaging, construction and industrial use.

    Species We Supply

    Nine softwood species, graded for every commercial use.

    Spruce (Picea abies)

    Appearance
    Pale cream to almost white, even-textured, small tight knots.
    Strength
    C16–C24 structural class.
    Density
    ≈ 450 kg/m³ at 12% MC.
    Applications
    Construction framing, joinery, packaging, glulam, CLT cores.
    Advantages
    Light, easy to work, low resin, dimensionally stable when kiln-dried.

    Pine (Pinus sylvestris, Scots Pine / Redwood)

    Appearance
    Pale yellow sapwood and reddish-brown heartwood, prominent annual rings.
    Strength
    C18–C24, denser than spruce.
    Density
    ≈ 510 kg/m³.
    Applications
    Joinery, pressure-treated decking, mouldings, doors, windows.
    Advantages
    Accepts preservative treatment readily, good for exterior joinery.

    Fir (Douglas Fir, European Silver Fir)

    Appearance
    Pale pink to reddish-brown, straight grain, fewer knots than spruce.
    Strength
    C24–C30, stiff and strong.
    Density
    ≈ 530 kg/m³ (Douglas Fir).
    Applications
    Heavy framing, beams, decking, structural joinery.
    Advantages
    High strength-to-weight, excellent for engineered structural use.

    Radiata Pine (Pinus radiata)

    Appearance
    Creamy white to pale yellow, uniform texture, soft.
    Strength
    C16–C18 typical.
    Density
    ≈ 480 kg/m³.
    Applications
    Formwork, packaging, furniture components, mouldings, finger-jointed sections.
    Advantages
    Plantation-grown, accepts treatment and finishing exceptionally well.

    Taeda Pine (Pinus taeda, Loblolly Pine)

    Appearance
    Light yellow with reddish heartwood, distinct grain.
    Strength
    C18–C24.
    Density
    ≈ 510 kg/m³.
    Applications
    Pallet wood, crating, formwork, construction-grade lumber.
    Advantages
    Fast-grown, cost-effective, widely available from South American plantations.

    Elliottis Pine (Pinus elliottii, Slash Pine)

    Appearance
    Pale yellow, denser than Taeda, slightly resinous.
    Strength
    C22–C27.
    Density
    ≈ 560 kg/m³.
    Applications
    Treated decking, structural framing, heavy packaging.
    Advantages
    Higher density and strength than typical plantation pines.

    European Whitewood

    Appearance
    Almost white to pale straw, very fine even texture.
    Strength
    C18–C24 graded.
    Density
    ≈ 450 kg/m³.
    Applications
    Joinery, mouldings, furniture, packaging, framing.
    Advantages
    Clean appearance, low resin, easy to paint and finish.

    Canadian SPF (Spruce-Pine-Fir)

    Appearance
    Pale cream with light knots, uniform commodity appearance.
    Strength
    Stud / No.2 & Better, equivalent to C16–C24.
    Density
    ≈ 460 kg/m³.
    Applications
    Wall framing, trusses, roof joists, engineered packaging.
    Advantages
    Consistent grading, kiln-dried to 19% MC, NLGA stamp-graded.

    Scandinavian Whitewood

    Appearance
    Tight, even rings from slow northern growth. Very clean surface.
    Strength
    C24 commonly, C30 available.
    Density
    ≈ 470 kg/m³.
    Applications
    High-spec joinery, engineered components, premium packaging, glulam.
    Advantages
    Tighter ring spacing, better stability, premium structural grade availability.
    Applications

    Where our softwood ships.

    Construction

    • Wall framing
    • Roof trusses
    • Floor joists
    • Studs & plates

    Packaging

    • Pallet manufacturing
    • Crates
    • Heat-treated export packaging
    • Dunnage

    Industrial Projects

    • Concrete formwork
    • Falsework supports
    • Temporary structures
    • Site hoarding

    Joinery

    • Furniture components
    • Mouldings & profiles
    • Doors & windows
    • Cabinet carcass

    Industrial Manufacturing

    • Engineered packaging
    • Sandwich panel cores
    • Finger-jointed sections
    • Glulam components
    Grade Guide

    Grading & finish explained.

    Grade / FinishWhat it means
    S4S (Surfaced Four Sides)Planed on all four faces to a uniform finished section. Used where a clean finish or precise dimensions are required.
    Rough SawnStraight from the saw, unplaned. Lower cost, used for packaging, dunnage and concealed framing.
    KD (Kiln Dried)Mechanically dried in kilns to a controlled moisture content, typically 12–18% for construction, 8–12% for joinery.
    AD (Air Dried)Naturally seasoned in stack. Moisture content typically 18–24%. Suitable for general construction and packaging.
    Stud GradeNLGA grade specifically for vertical wall studs. Limits on knot size, slope of grain and warp.
    No.2 & BetterNLGA grading rule covering most North American framing lumber. Combines No.1 and No.2 visual grades.
    Premium / Joinery (U/S)Unsorted (joinery) grade, best visible-face quality for mouldings, doors, windows and visible joinery.
    Industrial / ConstructionStandard construction-grade with limits suitable for framing, packaging and hidden structural use.
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    Anti-Sap-Stain

    AST treatment for transit & storage.

    AST (Anti-Sap-Stain) is a fungicidal solution applied at the mill to freshly sawn softwood to prevent surface fungi, blue stain, mould and mildew, developing during the weeks between sawing, kiln drying, packing and arrival at the destination port.

    Without AST, the natural sugars and moisture in green sapwood feed ophiostomatoid fungi within days, particularly in warm, humid conditions. The result is a blue-grey surface discolouration that, while cosmetic, downgrades the lumber for visible joinery and architectural use.

    • Protection during sea transit
    • Protection during open-air storage
    • Reduces fungal and mould growth
    • Prevents blue stain discolouration
    • Standard for GCC-bound containers
    • Surface-active, not a structural preservative
    Treatment Methods

    Spray vs immersion AST.

    CriterionSpray ApplicationImmersion Treatment
    CoverageSurface coating onlyFull surface coverage including end-grain
    PenetrationLimited, superficial filmDeeper absorption into outer fibres
    PerformanceEffective for short-term in-transit protectionMore reliable for longer transit and storage
    End-grain protectionPartialComplete
    CostLower per cubic metreHigher but reduces claims and rejections
    Typical useDomestic dispatch, short transitContainerised long-sea shipments to GCC
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    Blue Stain & Blue Mould

    Why softwood sometimes turns blue.

    Blue stain is the single most-misunderstood quality issue with imported softwood. The visual change is dramatic, but the structural consequence is zero. This section explains what it is, what causes it, and when it matters.

    What it is

    A sapwood discolouration caused by ophiostomatoid fungi feeding on tree sugars. It penetrates the sap layer but never the cell wall.

    Stain vs decay

    Stain fungi feed on sap sugars only. Decay (rot) fungi break down the cell wall. Stain does not weaken the timber; decay does.

    What causes it

    Warm temperatures (20–30 °C), high moisture (> 20% MC) and oxygen, the exact conditions of freshly sawn untreated softwood.

    Structural impact

    None. Strength, stiffness, density and durability are unaffected. The timber remains within its specified strength class.

    Visual impact

    Blue-grey to black surface streaks, typically along the grain. It can penetrate several millimetres into the sapwood.

    Mill prevention

    Rapid kiln drying immediately after sawing, plus AST treatment of the green or KD lumber before packaging.

    Importer prevention

    Specifying immersion AST for long-sea containers, breathable packaging, and prompt unloading at destination ports.

    End-user storage

    Stack flat with stickers, off the ground, under shade, with airflow. Avoid sealed plastic wrap which traps condensation.

    When to be concerned

    When the application is visible architectural or premium joinery and the specification calls for a clear finish on sapwood.

    When not to be concerned

    For framing, formwork, packaging, painted joinery, hidden structural use and any application where strength alone matters.

    Dimensional Tolerance

    Nominal size vs actual size.

    Softwood is sold in nominal sections, the rough-sawn size before planing and drying. The finished section a customer receives is always slightly smaller, governed by EN 1313-1 in Europe and the NLGA Standard Grading Rules in Canada. These are industry standards, not undersizing.

    Nominal sectionActual finished sizeNotes
    45 × 95 mm (European)44 × 94 mm planedEN 1313-1 planing allowance, ±1 mm common.
    50 × 100 mm rough sawn48–50 × 98–100 mm±2 mm tolerance on rough-sawn European whitewood.
    38 × 89 mm (Canadian 2×4)38 × 89 mm S4SNLGA, dressed dry. Variation ±0.8 mm when KD-HT stamped.
    38 × 140 mm (Canadian 2×6)38 × 140 mm S4SDressed dry. Tolerances per NLGA Standard Grading Rules.
    22 × 100 mm batten21–22 × 99–100 mmSmall variation acceptable. Confirm if S4S or rough-sawn.
    75 × 75 mm post73–75 × 73–75 mmPlaning and shrinkage tolerance combined.
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    European practice (EN 1313-1)

    Nominal size is the rough-sawn dimension. Planed S4S material is typically 1 mm smaller per planed face. A nominal 45 × 95 mm becomes 44 × 94 mm finished.

    Canadian practice (NLGA)

    Sizes are quoted in dressed dry actual dimensions. A "2×4" stud measures 38 × 89 mm S4S, stamped to NLGA grade. There is no further allowance for planing.

    Moisture & Movement

    Why softwood moves with the weather.

    Wood is hygroscopic, it continuously absorbs and releases water vapour until it reaches equilibrium with the surrounding air. Every change in humidity or temperature produces a corresponding change in dimensions.

    Why timber expands

    Higher humidity drives water vapour into the wood cell walls. Cells swell, the board grows wider and thicker (length barely changes).

    Why timber shrinks

    Lower humidity draws moisture out of the cell walls. Cells contract, the board becomes narrower and thinner across the grain.

    Impact of humidity

    Each 1% MC change produces ≈ 0.2–0.4% dimensional change tangentially, ≈ 0.1–0.2% radially. A 95 mm board can shift by ≈ 0.4 mm per 1% MC.

    Impact of temperature

    Temperature mainly affects the rate of moisture exchange, not the equilibrium itself. Hot warehouses dry timber faster than cool ones.

    UAE climate effect

    Coastal outdoor humidity averages 50–70%, indoor air-conditioned humidity 40–50%. Imported softwood equilibrates to ≈ 8–10% MC indoors.

    Storage conditions

    A bundle stored outdoors in summer humidity can gain 2–4% MC; in winter indoors it loses the same. Hence the seasonal size difference.

    Indoor vs outdoor

    Indoor storage in air-conditioned conditions stabilises softwood at joinery moisture content. Outdoor storage will always cycle with the season.

    Moisture equilibrium

    Every site has an Equilibrium Moisture Content (EMC). Specify softwood at, or just below, the EMC of the final installation to minimise movement.

    Kiln vs air drying

    Kiln drying delivers controlled, predictable MC and kills insects and fungi. Air drying is cheaper but less controlled and slower to reach low MC.

    Common Site Issues, Explained

    Why your timber looks different after delivery.

    These are the questions buyers actually search for after a site delivery. Most are not defects, they are normal physical behaviour of natural softwood, explained below.

    Why is my timber smaller than the section I ordered?

    Sawmills produce to nominal size, then surface-plane to a finished size. A nominal 45 × 95 mm planed European section is 44 × 94 mm, this is EN 1313-1 standard, not undersizing. Canadian 2×4 SPF is supplied at 38 × 89 mm dressed dry.

    Why has my SPF changed size after delivery?

    Softwood moves with humidity. Material shipped at 12–18% MC will adjust to the ambient equilibrium moisture content. In an air-conditioned warehouse in Dubai (≈40–50% RH) timber equilibrates to ≈8–9% MC, causing slight shrinkage across the section.

    Why is my timber warped?

    Warp (bow, twist, cup, crook) usually develops when one face dries faster than the other, unequal exposure, poor stacking without stickers, or direct sunlight on one side of a bundle. Store flat, stickered, under shade.

    Why are there blue marks on my white wood?

    Blue stain is a sapwood fungal discolouration, not decay. It does not weaken the timber. It develops when freshly sawn lumber sits warm, wet and oxygenated before kiln drying or AST treatment. It is purely cosmetic in non-visible applications.

    Why did the dimensions change between when it was loaded and when I received it?

    Sea transit times of 4–8 weeks combined with humidity changes between the origin port and the GCC port allow the timber to lose or gain moisture, with associated shrinkage or swelling, typically 0.2–0.4% per 1% MC change across the section.

    Why are my boards bowing?

    Bow (end-to-end curve along the face) is most often caused by uneven drying or by storing boards on edge over an unsupported span. Lay flat with stickers every 600 mm and bowing will usually self-correct.

    Why are my boards twisting?

    Twist is the result of spiral grain in the original log combined with uneven drying. Specifying KD-graded material and stickering bundles immediately on arrival minimises twist.

    Why are my boards cupping?

    Cup (curve across the width) occurs when one face loses moisture faster than the other. Stack with stickers, allow air circulation on both faces, and avoid one-sided sun exposure.

    Technical Reference

    Density, strength, dimensions.

    Density (12% MC)
    Spruce 430–470 kg/m³ · Pine 480–550 kg/m³ · Douglas Fir 510–540 kg/m³ · Radiata 470–500 kg/m³
    Moisture content
    Construction 12–18% · Joinery 8–12% · Air-dried 18–24% · Green > 30%
    Strength classes (EN 338)
    C16 · C18 · C20 · C22 · C24 · C27 · C30 (special order)
    Common dimensions
    22, 25, 38, 45, 50, 75, 100, 150, 200 mm thickness · widths to 300 mm
    Available lengths
    1.8 m – 6.0 m standard · 7.2 m on order · finger-jointed up to 12.0 m
    Tolerances
    Sawn ± 2 mm · Planed ± 1 mm · KD-HT stamped ± 0.8 mm
    Comparison

    European Whitewood vs Canadian SPF.

    CriterionEuropean WhitewoodCanadian SPF
    OriginNorthern & Central EuropeCanada (NLGA mills)
    Typical speciesSpruce, FirSpruce, Pine, Fir mix
    Grading ruleEN 338 / EN 14081NLGA Standard Grading Rules
    Standard finishPlaned S4S, 44 × 94 etc.Dressed dry S4S, 38 × 89 etc.
    Moisture content12–18% KD≤ 19% KD-HT
    Typical useJoinery, framing, packagingFraming, trusses, engineered packaging
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    SPF vs Radiata Pine.

    CriterionCanadian SPFRadiata Pine
    Density≈ 460 kg/m³≈ 480 kg/m³
    StrengthC16–C24C16–C18
    WorkabilityEasy, low resinEasy, accepts treatment exceptionally well
    Treatment uptakeModerateHigh, preferred for pressure treatment
    Typical useFraming, joinery, packagingFormwork, furniture, treated decking
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    Spruce vs Pine vs Fir.

    CriterionSprucePineFir
    ColourPale cream/whiteYellow with red heartPinkish to reddish-brown
    Density≈ 460 kg/m³≈ 510 kg/m³≈ 530 kg/m³
    ResinLowModerateLow–moderate
    StrengthC16–C24C18–C24C24–C30
    Best forGeneral framing, joineryJoinery, treated exteriorHeavy structural, beams
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    Regional Supply Coverage

    White wood, SPF & softwood across the GCC and Middle East.

    Direct mill containers and consolidated loads coordinated to construction projects, joineries, formwork specialists, packaging plants and industrial manufacturers across the region.

    Ports & Logistics
    • Jebel Ali
    • Khalifa Port
    • Hamad Port
    • Dammam Port
    • Jeddah Islamic Port
    • Shuwaikh Port
    • Shuaiba Port
    • Sohar Port
    • Salalah Port
    • Aqaba Port
    • Umm Qasr Port
    United Arab Emirates
    • Dubai
    • Abu Dhabi
    • Sharjah
    • Ajman
    • Ras Al Khaimah
    • Fujairah
    • Umm Al Quwain
    Saudi Arabia
    • Riyadh
    • Jeddah
    • Dammam
    • Al Khobar
    • Jubail
    • Yanbu
    Qatar
    • Doha
    • Hamad Port
    Kuwait
    • Kuwait City
    • Shuwaikh
    • Shuaiba
    Bahrain
    • Manama
    Oman
    • Muscat
    • Sohar
    • Salalah
    Jordan
    • Amman
    • Aqaba
    Iraq
    • Baghdad
    • Basra
    • Erbil
    • Umm Qasr
    Knowledge & Resources

    White wood & SPF: technical reading.

    Species identification, treatment standards and moisture-content guidance for GCC specifiers, importers and traders.

    All articles
    Frequently Asked Questions

    White wood, SPF & softwood FAQ

    What is white wood?

    White wood is a trade term for the pale-coloured European softwoods, primarily Norway spruce (Picea abies) and silver fir (Abies alba), supplied for construction, joinery and packaging.

    What does SPF stand for?

    SPF stands for Spruce-Pine-Fir, a graded group of Canadian softwood species supplied as a single structural commodity to NLGA grading rules.

    What is the difference between white wood and red wood?

    White wood is European spruce/fir, lighter, lower density, low resin. Red wood is European Scots pine, denser, slightly resinous, preferred for joinery and pressure treatment.

    What is ESPF?

    ESPF is European Spruce-Pine-Fir, a European-origin equivalent of Canadian SPF, supplied to similar structural grades for framing and engineered packaging.

    What is S4S lumber?

    S4S means Surfaced Four Sides, the board has been planed on all four faces to a uniform finished section. Standard for joinery and visible framing.

    What is the difference between KD and AD timber?

    KD is Kiln Dried, controlled mechanical drying to a target moisture content. AD is Air Dried, naturally seasoned in stack. KD is preferred for joinery and air-conditioned interiors.

    What moisture content should I specify for the UAE?

    For visible joinery, doors, windows and air-conditioned interiors specify 8–12% MC. For general construction framing, 12–18% MC is acceptable. Avoid green or AD material for visible interior work.

    Why does my 45 × 95 timber actually measure 44 × 94?

    Nominal sizes refer to the rough-sawn section before planing. Standard planing allowance under EN 1313-1 removes approximately 1 mm per face, giving a finished S4S section of 44 × 94 mm.

    What is blue stain on softwood?

    Blue stain is a sapwood fungal discolouration caused by ophiostomatoid fungi. It is purely cosmetic, it does not affect strength, density or structural performance of the timber.

    Is blue stain the same as decay or rot?

    No. Blue stain fungi feed on sap sugars only, not on cell walls. The wood retains its full structural strength. Decay fungi, in contrast, do break down the cell wall and weaken timber.

    What is AST treatment?

    AST stands for Anti-Sap-Stain treatment, a fungicidal solution applied at the mill to prevent blue stain, mould and surface fungi developing during transit and storage of freshly sawn green or KD lumber.

    What is the difference between spray AST and immersion AST?

    Spray AST applies the chemical as a surface mist, quick, low cost, surface protection only. Immersion AST dips the bundle into the solution, deeper absorption, end-grain coverage, preferred for long-sea containerised shipments to the GCC.

    Does AST treatment make timber food-safe or pressure-treated?

    No. AST is a transit and storage protection only. It is not a structural preservative and does not provide long-term ground-contact protection. For that, specify pressure-treated material (CCA, ACQ, Tanalith).

    Why does softwood expand and shrink?

    Wood is hygroscopic, its cells absorb or release water vapour until they reach equilibrium with the surrounding humidity. Each 1% change in MC causes approximately 0.2–0.4% dimensional change across the grain.

    How does the UAE climate affect imported softwood?

    Imported softwood usually arrives at 12–18% MC. Inside air-conditioned spaces (≈40–50% RH) it equilibrates to ≈8–9% MC, causing slight shrinkage. Outdoor exposure in coastal humidity can take it back up to 14–16%.

    How should I store softwood on site?

    Store flat, stickered every 600 mm, off the ground, under shade, with air circulation on all faces. Avoid sealed plastic wrap which traps condensation and triggers blue stain and mould.

    What is C24 timber?

    C24 is a structural strength class under EN 338. It indicates a characteristic bending strength of 24 N/mm². It is the most common structural grade for framing, trusses and engineered packaging in Europe.

    What is the difference between stud grade and No.2 & Better?

    Stud is an NLGA grade specifically for vertical wall studs, with limits on warp and slope of grain. No.2 & Better is a broader framing grade covering most general construction applications.

    Can softwood be used for concrete formwork?

    Yes. Radiata pine, Taeda pine and SPF are widely used for traditional formwork shuttering, falsework supports and H20-type timber beams. For film-faced formwork, see our Film Faced Plywood page.

    What lengths are available?

    Standard mill lengths are 1.8 m to 6.0 m in 30 cm increments. 7.2 m is available on special order. Finger-jointed sections up to 12.0 m can be supplied for engineered applications.

    Can you supply heat-treated (HT) softwood for export packaging?

    Yes. We supply ISPM-15 compliant heat-treated softwood with the IPPC stamp for international pallet, crate and dunnage manufacturing.

    Do you supply finger-jointed and planed sections?

    Yes. Finger-jointed, planed and primed softwood sections are supplied for door, window and moulding manufacturers, minimum order quantity applies.

    What is the difference between radiata pine and Taeda pine?

    Both are plantation pines. Radiata (NZ, Chile) is lower density and softer, easy to machine. Taeda (Brazil, Argentina) is slightly denser with stronger grain, often used for pallets and crating.

    Is Brazilian pine the same as Chilean pine?

    Both are plantation pines but different species. Brazilian pine is usually Pinus taeda or Pinus elliottii. Chilean pine is usually Pinus radiata. Strength, density and appearance differ accordingly.

    What ports do you ship through?

    Containers route through Jebel Ali, Khalifa, Hamad, Dammam, Jeddah, Shuwaikh, Shuaiba, Sohar, Salalah, Aqaba and Umm Qasr depending on destination.

    What is the minimum order quantity?

    We supply from single mixed containers (≈ 25–55 m³ depending on section) up to multi-vessel break-bulk volumes. Smaller part-loads can be coordinated for GCC consolidated shipments.

    Do you provide grading certificates?

    Yes. All structural softwood ships with mill grading certificates (EN 14081 / NLGA), KD-HT stamps where applicable, and ISPM-15 marks for packaging-grade material.

    SERVING EGYPTIAN BUYERS

    European spruce & pine for the Egyptian market

    Egyptian workshops, furniture producers and traders import European spruce and radiata / Scots pine through TIC on CFR terms to Alexandria, Damietta, Port Said and Sokhna. KD sawn and planed timber ships factory-direct in container loads.

    Egypt supply page
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