CLSAB is responsible for accrediting all Canadian Lumber Grading Agencies.

Categories 

An Agency may be accredited to supervise and grade stamp in one or more of the following categories:

• visually graded lumber
• machine graded lumber
• fingerjoined lumber
• HT (heat treatment) program
• preservative treated products
• other special product standards

Initial review 

Before accreditation, CLSAB examines each Lumber Grading Agency as required by the regulations and best practices. The review includes but is not limited to:

• qualifications of management and inspectors
• competence and reliability
• independence
• financial stability
• procedures for certifying and supervising graders, on-site inspections, and record keeping

The Lumber Grading Agency must show that it is not controlled by any company or individual whose products it inspects. 

Contract

As part of the accreditation process, the Lumber Grading Agency must sign an agreement with CLSAB setting out policies and procedures which must satisfy CLSAB requirements, including, but not limited to:

• procedures for training and certifying graders
• acceptable performance by and procedures for supervising graders
• controls on use and disposal of grade stamps
• CLSAB’s authority to check lumber wherever it may be located
• content and timing of the Agency’s reports to the CLSAB
• quality control requirements to be included in all grade stamp licensing agreements between the Agency and a mill/treatment facility
• frequency of inspections (at least monthly at each mill/treatment facility)
• disciplinary actions the Agency will take against the mill/treatment facility if necessary