The Southern Pine Association was formed in 1915 to provide a common set of grading standards for the industry. Prior to the formation of the SPA, each regional pine association published their own grading rules using different grades and sizes. With the advent of World War I, the Department of Commerce required standardization of lumber sizes and moisture specification, and the SPA was instrumental in leading this industry transition. In 1941, as courts sought to separate inspection and grading services from trade associations, the Southern Pine Inspection Bureau was created as a non-profit organization with an elected Board of Governors. SPIB incorporated in Louisiana in 1969 and since 1993 has been incorporated under Florida law. All grading rules for Southern Pine are maintained by SPIB and are the standards for the entire Southern Pine industry.