Wood panel Industries must realise that government can act in favour of 5% only if it is proved that "present entire wood panel produced in India is an outcome of agro forestry and plantation led product which support farmers and hugely benefit green cover across the country.
Demand for wood panel products grew during August, reveals the data of various Industries. The next 6 months look promising in terms of demand because the pace of work is catching up after the flood destruction led re- build activities. The branded products and industry’s transitions to organised sector is slowly reflecting in market share and is set to take over unorganized segment in time to come. Heavy Rains this year obstructed the consumption of materials so far but by Jan-Feb 2026, I am hoping for a more consistent demand for panels and decorative products.
Wood panel Industries must realise that government can act in favour of 5% only if it is proved that "present entire wood panel produced in India is an outcome of agro forestry and plantation led product which support farmers and hugely benefit green cover across the country. If cement board, bagasse board and unpolished tiles can be in 5% slab, it means these products are helping masses either in supply chain or in consumption and hence bringing them in lowest slab is a convincing reality for policymakers.
The seasoned industry professionals have openly expressed their views on the great miss to bring wood based panels in 5% slab just because a substantial communication and convincing efforts, addressed to Ministry of Environment and forest ( MoEF) and Ministry of Agriculture should have been made with the indisputable facts of agro forestry role and use of plantation timbers- poplar, eucalyptus, Melia dubia etc. Probably establishing the fact that 90% uses are from plantation and farmers led cultivation will be easier but rationalizing remaining percent can be a tricky part where our association need to work upon (a) The imported timber raw materials & (b) The non-plantation species that are also being used though very sparingly.
Largely plywood and wood panel Industries in India are using sustainable timbers and carbon positive material thus making a strong case for GST reduction. It’s about time, all wood panel industry associations, dealerstraders and merchant associations demand for 5% GST on plywood, MDF, PB and affordable furniture.
I can see desired GST rates can be achieved within a year if everyone begins a uni-directional effort to convince the policymakers within a timeline.
Matecia is fast emerging as a great platform to connect, discuss and frame up greater visions for industry sectors and also a big place to do big business deals. I thank everyone whoever contributed in making Matecia 2025 a hugely liked, loved and must attend show. I thank every retail counter who travelled miles to reach at the venue and trusted the efforts, put in the show. Stay tuned to our social media handles for highlights and snippets of IIR, India Furniture Conclave and Material and Technology Conference.
Pragat Dvivedi
Founder Editor