HS Code Subheading

Wood, tropical; as specified in Subheading Note 2 to this Chapter, dark red meranti, light red meranti, meranti bakau, sheets for veneer, plywood or other wood, sawn lengthwise, sliced or peeled, planed or not, sanded or end-jointed, not thicker than 6mm

4408.31 Subheading
Section IX — Wood and articles of wood; wood charcoal; cork and articles of cork; manufactures of straw, of esparto or of other plaiting materials; basketware and wickerwork

About HS Code 440831

This specific code targets thin sheets (under 6mm) of particular tropical woods: dark red meranti, light red meranti, and meranti bakau. These species are highly valued for their durability, attractive grain, and workability, making them popular choices for decorative veneers, high-quality plywood, and furniture components. International trade in these specific meranti varieties is significant, with major importers being manufacturers in Asia (e.g., China, Vietnam), Europe, and North America, who utilize them for interior finishing, boat building, and premium furniture. Exporters are predominantly Southeast Asian countries where these species are native, such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Due to concerns about deforestation and illegal logging, strict adherence to regulations like EUDR and EUTR is paramount, requiring robust due diligence on the legality and sustainability of sourcing. The market is sensitive to environmental policies and consumer demand for ethically sourced materials.

Products Under This Code

Dark Red Meranti veneer, Light Red Meranti plywood sheets, Meranti Bakau sliced wood, Tropical hardwood face veneer, Meranti decorative sheets, Plywood core (Meranti), Meranti furniture components

Real World Examples

Samling Global Meranti Veneer, Ta Ann Holdings Meranti Plywood, Shin Yang Meranti Sliced Wood, WTK Holdings Meranti Lumber

Common Misclassification

This code is often confused with 440839 (other tropical wood veneer sheets <6mm) if the specific meranti species are not identified, or with 44072x series (tropical sawn wood >6mm) if thickness is misjudged.

EU Regulatory Requirements

This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.

This product is covered by the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR), requiring operators to exercise due diligence to minimize the risk of placing illegally harvested timber on the EU market.

Products Classified Under 4408.31

Industry

This code belongs to the Wood & Wood Products industry.

Trade Overview

Top importers include China, Japan, and the Netherlands, with major exports from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 440831?

HS code 440831 covers: Wood, tropical; as specified in Subheading Note 2 to this Chapter, dark red meranti, light red meranti, meranti bakau, sheets for veneer, plywood or other wood, sawn lengthwise, sliced or peeled, planed or not, sanded or end-jointed, not thicker than 6mm. This specific code targets thin sheets (under 6mm) of particular tropical woods: dark red meranti, light red meranti, and meranti bakau. These species are highly valued for their durability, attractive grain, and workability, making them popular choices for decorative veneers, high-quality plywood, and furniture components. International trade in these specific meranti varieties is significant, with major importers being manufacturers in Asia (e.g., China, Vietnam), Europe, and North America, who utilize them for interior finishing, boat building, and premium furniture. Exporters are predominantly Southeast Asian countries where these species are native, such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Due to concerns about deforestation and illegal logging, strict adherence to regulations like EUDR and EUTR is paramount, requiring robust due diligence on the legality and sustainability of sourcing. The market is sensitive to environmental policies and consumer demand for ethically sourced materials.

What products fall under HS code 440831?

Dark Red Meranti veneer, Light Red Meranti plywood sheets, Meranti Bakau sliced wood, Tropical hardwood face veneer, Meranti decorative sheets, Plywood core (Meranti), Meranti furniture components

What are common misclassifications for HS code 440831?

This code is often confused with 440839 (other tropical wood veneer sheets <6mm) if the specific meranti species are not identified, or with 44072x series (tropical sawn wood >6mm) if thickness is misjudged.

How is HS code 440831 structured?

HS code 440831 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (44) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (08) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (31) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.