Against a backdrop of problems caused by fake, non-European goods entering Russia (which is a key market), the EPLF has launched a Task Force Russia. The first meeting for this working group, which also includes producers from outside the EPLF, was held in March in Moscow. A technical working group of companies who produce in Russia will set about developing a new “GOST” standard (Gosudarstwenny Standart, which means Russian state standard), along the lines of European standards. At a later date, a second working group will carry out active promotional work for quality laminate in Russia. In future, the Task Force will also be open to companies importing into Russia.
With regard to the anti-dumping proceedings brought by the Turkish Ministry of Economics against German manufacturers, a public hearing has taken place in Ankara with the participation of the EPLF. The outcome of the proceedings for the companies involved is still uncertain but, in accordance with WTO regulations, a conclusion is anticipated mid-June within the 18-month time limit. In relation to this, EPLF President Ludger Schindler emphasised the neutral role held by the Association which is committed to the interests of all its members, also those in Turkey: “Within the meaning of fair competition, all market participants must abide by the rules. Should there really be justified grounds for complaints, these must be resolved in the interest of everyone.”
Max von Tippelskirch will represent the EPLF as part of the planning group of trade show organisers Deutsche Messe AG, in preparation for Domotex 2016 and the 3rd Wood Flooring Summit. Recently at the Annual General Meeting of EPLF in Altensteig-Wart, Susanne Klaproth (Deutsche Messe) took the opportunity to introduce and describe the concept to members in detail. The programme for this year’s EPLF meeting was rounded off by specialist presentations on the following topics: “Russia” (Sergej Sumlenny, Russia Consult, Moscow); “Smart Home” (Klaus Scherer, InHaus-Consult, Düsseldorf), and “Corporate Social Responsibility” (Prof. Nick Lin-Hi, University of Mannheim).
By the time the next Members’ Meeting comes round at the end of April 2016, the EPLF will have worked out a new format for this annual event – the intention is to use the expertise of the Association’s extraordinary members more extensively in future for the purpose of continuing to develop laminate flooring. The members’ meetings were conceived as a “Laminate Innovation Forum” to bring to life the diversity of this sector and the aim is to establish closer contact between the EPLF players and to build new networks.