This European Standard specifies the general requirements including in particular the grading and classification by appearance quality of timber in joinery products or individual joinery parts. This European Standard is intended to be used at the time of manufacture of a product. However this Standard may be used to evaluate products at a later stage, but in these situations storage and service conditions, subsequent to manufacture, shall be taken into account (surface checks). Where European product standards exist their timber requirements shall take precedence, unless an alternative improved specification is given as identified in Annex D. If reference to this European Standard is made the specific grade and requirements shall be identified. This European Standard covers solid, finger-jointed, end-jointed, edge-jointed and laminated timber products. Matters relating to the influence of timber characteristics on strength and durability are not covered in this Standard.