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IS 1150:2000 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for trade names and abbreviated symbols for timber species. This standard provides uniform trade names and standard abbreviated symbols for various timber species grown in India. Engineers and architects use it to clearly specify timber types in drawings, BOQs, and schedules, eliminating confusion caused by regional naming differences.
Trade names and abbreviated symbols for timber species
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! Always use the standard 3-letter abbreviated symbols in architectural and structural drawings to avoid ambiguity during procurement.
! Since local names for timber vary widely across India, referencing both the standard trade name and the botanical name prevents costly material substitutions.
EN 13556:2003European Committee for Standardization (CEN), Europe
HighCurrent
Round and sawn timber - Nomenclature of timbers used in Europe
Provides standardized names and four-letter codes for timber species commercially important in Europe.
ASTM D1165 - 09(2019)ASTM International, USA
MediumCurrent
Standard Practice for Nomenclature of Domestic Hardwoods and Softwoods
Standardizes commercial names for domestic US timber species, but does not provide a formal coding system.
AS/NZS 1148:2001Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand, Australia/New Zealand
HighCurrent
Timber - Nomenclature of Australian, New Zealand and imported species
Establishes nomenclature for timber species used in Australia and New Zealand, including a three-letter code.
BS 589:1974British Standards Institution (BSI), UK
HighWithdrawn
Nomenclature of commercial timbers, including sources of supply
Provided standard names for commercial timbers in the UK prior to harmonization with European standards.
Key Differences
≠The primary difference is the geographic and botanical scope; IS 1150 focuses on species relevant to the Indian subcontinent, while international equivalents like EN 13556 and ASTM D1165 focus on European and North American species, respectively. The actual lists of timber have minimal overlap.
≠The coding system varies significantly. IS 1150 uses a 2-4 letter abbreviated symbol (e.g., 'TKA' for Teak). EN 13556 uses a standardized 4-letter code derived from the botanical name (e.g., 'TEGR' for Tectona Grandis), while ASTM D1165 does not mandate a coding system at all, focusing only on names.
≠IS 1150 provides a single, definitive 'Standard Trade Name' for each species. Other standards like EN 13556 may acknowledge and list various 'pilot names' or other common trade names used in different regions, in addition to the standard name.
Key Similarities
≈All standards share the fundamental purpose of eliminating ambiguity in timber trade by establishing a standardized nomenclature to avoid confusion from multiple local or folk names for the same species.
≈The botanical name (genus and species) serves as the ultimate, unambiguous anchor for all standards. Standard trade names and codes are always mapped directly back to a specific scientific name.
≈The structure of the standards is similar, typically presenting information in tabular formats that clearly link the botanical name, the standardized trade name, and (where applicable) a unique code or symbol.
≈None of these nomenclature standards include physical or mechanical properties of the timber. They are purely focused on naming and identification, with properties being covered in separate, dedicated standards (e.g., IS 883 in India, EN 350 in Europe).
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Coding System
2-4 letter alphabetic 'Abbreviated Symbol'
4-letter alphabetic code derived from botanical name
EN 13556:2003
Nomenclature for Teak (Tectona grandis)
Symbol: TKA; Trade Name: Teak
Code: TEGR; Standard Name: Teak
EN 13556:2003
Nomenclature for Sal (Shorea robusta)
Symbol: SAL; Trade Name: Sal
Not listed as a primary European commercial species, but would be coded as 'SHRO' if included.
EN 13556:2003
Geographic Scope
Timber species of commercial importance in India.
Timber species of commercial importance in Europe.
EN 13556:2003
Primary Reference
Botanical Name
Botanical Name
EN 13556:2003
Inclusion of Physical Properties
No, this is a pure nomenclature standard.
No, properties are covered in separate standards like the EN 350 series.
EN 13556:2003
Handling of Regional Names
Establishes one 'Standard Trade Name' to supersede regional variations.
Lists a single 'Standard Name' but may also list other common 'pilot names' for reference.
EN 13556:2003
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values6
Quick Reference Values
Symbol format length3 letters (typically)
Teak (Tectona grandis) symbolTEK
Sal (Shorea robusta) symbolSAL
Deodar (Cedrus deodara) symbolDEO
Mango (Mangifera indica) symbolMAN
Rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia) symbolROS
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Standard Trade Names and Abbreviated Symbols for Timber Species