§ 250.3 - Identity of woods.

Industry members should not use any direct or indirect representation concerning the identity of the wood in industry products that is false or likely to mislead purchasers as to the actual wood composition.

(a) Walnut. The unqualified term walnut should not be used to describe wood other than genuine solid walnut (genus Juglans). The term black walnut should be applied only to the species Juglans nigra.

(b) Mahogany. (1) The unqualified term mahogany should not be used to describe wood other than genuine solid mahogany (genus Swietenia of the Meliaceae family). The woods of genus Swietenia may be described by the term “mahogany” with or without a prefix designating the country or region of its origin, such as “Honduras mahogany”, “Costa Rican mahogany”, “Brazilian mahogany” or “Mexican mahogany”.

(2) The term “mahogany” may be used to describe solid wood of the genus Khaya of the Meliaceae family, but only when prefixed by the word “African” (e.g., “African mahogany desk”).

(3) In naming or designating the seven non-mahogany Philippine woods Tanguile, Red Lauan, White Lauan, Tiaong, Almon, Mayapis, and Bagtikan, the term “mahogany” may be used but only when prefixed by the word “Philippine” (e.g., “Philippine mahogany table”), due to the long standing usage of that term. Examples of improper use of the term “mahogany” include reference to Red Lauan as “Lauan mahogany” or to White Lauan as “Blond Lauan mahogany”. Such woods, however, may be described as “Red Lauan” or “Lauan” or “White Lauan”, respectively. The term “Philippine mahogany” will be accepted as a name or designation of the seven woods named above. Such term shall not be applied to any other wood, whether or not grown on the Philippine Islands.

(4) The term “mahogany”, with or without qualifications, should not be used to describe any other wood except as provided above. This applies also to any of the woods belonging to the Meliaceae family, other than genera Swietenia and Khaya.

(c) Maple. The terms “hard maple”, “rock maple”, “bird's-eye maple”, “Northern maple” or other terms of similar nature should not be used to describe woods other than those known under the lumber trade names of Black Maple (Acer nigrum) and Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum).

Note:

Nothing in this section should be construed as prohibiting the nondeceptive use of wood names to describe the color, stain, simulated finish or appearance of industry products, provided that appropriate qualifications are made in accordance with provisions in § 250.2(d).

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