From Approval to Action: Malaysia approved first import of timber treated with EDN®

  • EDN® has now been commercially applied for timber exports to Malaysia.
  • This follows Malaysia’s recent adoption of EDN® as a phytosanitary treatment for imported timber.
  • The breakthrough confirms adoption of EDN® as environmentally sustainable treatment solution for the worldwide timber industry.
 

INTRESO Group, in collaboration with a local fumigation partner, has successfully completed the first commercial application of Ethanedinitrile (EDN®) for timber exports from New Zealand to Malaysia. This marks a significant advancement in the global transition toward environmentally sustainable phytosanitary treatment solutions.

The milestone follows Malaysia’s recent approval of EDN® as an authorised fumigant for imported wood, opening the door to sustainable end-to-end treatment between nations that have registered the solution, including New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Turkey, and Uruguay.

The successful export shipment demonstrates that EDN® is not only a scientifically validated and approved alternative to traditional fumigants like methyl bromide, but that it is now operationally deployed in commercial supply chains. The application was made possible through close coordination between INTRESO Group, the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), the Malaysian National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO), and key stakeholders in the log export sector.

“This achievement is a product of years of scientific studies, intergovernmental alignment, and industry dedication,” said Kambiz Esfandi, Managing Director New Zealand at INTRESO Group. “We’re proud to see EDN® being used commercially in New Zealand exports to Malaysia. It’s a true milestone for sustainable trade and a significant win for both the environment and the timber industry.”

The combination of increasing timber imports, now valued at over USD $1 billion annually, and the ongoing expansion of Port Klang underscores the need for sustainable solutions such as EDN® to reduce environmental impact while maintaining strong biosecurity standards. It provides a powerful solution by combining high efficacy with rapid application, deep penetration, and a non-toxic, environmentally profile that aligns with global sustainability goals.

INTRESO Group, a global leader in sustainable treatment technologies, welcomed this development as the next major step in EDN®’s commercial rollout: “Malaysia’s regulatory approval was a crucial step, and now, with the first successful export, EDN® has moved from promise to proven practice,” said Kade McConville, Executive Director at INTRESO Group.

“The timber industry cannot afford to wait any longer for sustainable alternatives. We are committed to continuing our work alongside regulatory bodies and industry partners to ensure sustainable alternatives like EDN® become the standard across global markets.”