HS Code Subheading

Plywood; consisting only of sheets of wood (not bamboo), each ply 6mm or thinner, with at least one outer ply of tropical wood

4412.31 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 441231

This HS code covers plywood consisting solely of wood sheets, excluding bamboo, where each ply is 6mm or thinner, and critically, at least one outer ply is made from tropical wood. These panels are highly valued in international trade for their superior durability, natural resistance to moisture and pests, and often striking aesthetic qualities, making them indispensable for marine applications, high-quality furniture, exterior cladding, and decorative interior finishes. Major importers are typically developed nations in Europe, North America, and Japan, seeking specific performance characteristics or exotic appearances. Exporters are predominantly countries in Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America, rich in tropical forest resources. Key considerations for trade include stringent compliance with timber regulations like EUDR and EUTR to combat illegal logging, ensuring the sustainability of sourcing, and verifying the specific tropical species used, as this impacts both performance and market acceptance.

Products Under This Code

Okoume plywood, Meranti plywood, Keruing plywood, Sapele plywood, Teak faced plywood, Marine plywood (tropical species), Decorative tropical plywood, Bintangor plywood

Real World Examples

Sapele marine plywood, Meranti structural plywood, Okoume exterior plywood, Teak veneer panels

Common Misclassification

This code is distinct from 4412.33 or 4412.34 by specifically requiring at least one outer ply of *tropical* wood, whereas others specify temperate or non-coniferous woods.

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 4412.31

Tropical wood plywood

Related Codes

4412.10 Plywood, veneered panels and similar laminated wood; of bamboo 4412.33 Plywood; with sheets of wood only; not bamboo; each ply 6mm or less, with at least one outer ply of alder, ash, beech, birch, cherry, chestnut, elm, eucalyptus, hickory, horse chestnut, lime, maple, oak, plane, poplar, aspen, robinia, tulipwood or walnut 4412.34 Plywood; consisting only of sheets of wood (not bamboo), each ply 6mm or thinner, with at least one outer ply of non-coniferous wood not listed in subheading 4412.33 4412.39 Plywood; consisting only of sheets of wood (not bamboo), each ply 6mm or thinner, with both outer plies of coniferous wood 4412.41 Plywood, veneered panels and similar laminated wood; laminated veneered lumber (LVL); with at least one outer ply of tropical wood 4412.42 Laminated veneered lumber (LVL); with at least one outer ply of non-coniferous wood 4412.49 Laminated veneered lumber (LVL); with both outer plies of coniferous wood 4412.51 Blockboard, laminboard and battenboard; with at least one outer layer of tropical wood 4412.52 Blockboard, laminboard and battenboard; with at least one outer ply of non-coniferous wood, (not containing particle board) 4412.59 Blockboard, laminboard and battenboard; with both outer plies of coniferous wood

Industry

This code belongs to the Wood & Wood Products industry.

Trade Overview

Indonesia, Malaysia, and Gabon are major exporters, with the USA, Japan, and EU countries being top importers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 441231?

HS code 441231 covers: Plywood; consisting only of sheets of wood (not bamboo), each ply 6mm or thinner, with at least one outer ply of tropical wood. This HS code covers plywood consisting solely of wood sheets, excluding bamboo, where each ply is 6mm or thinner, and critically, at least one outer ply is made from tropical wood. These panels are highly valued in international trade for their superior durability, natural resistance to moisture and pests, and often striking aesthetic qualities, making them indispensable for marine applications, high-quality furniture, exterior cladding, and decorative interior finishes. Major importers are typically developed nations in Europe, North America, and Japan, seeking specific performance characteristics or exotic appearances. Exporters are predominantly countries in Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America, rich in tropical forest resources. Key considerations for trade include stringent compliance with timber regulations like EUDR and EUTR to combat illegal logging, ensuring the sustainability of sourcing, and verifying the specific tropical species used, as this impacts both performance and market acceptance.

What products fall under HS code 441231?

Okoume plywood, Meranti plywood, Keruing plywood, Sapele plywood, Teak faced plywood, Marine plywood (tropical species), Decorative tropical plywood, Bintangor plywood

What are common misclassifications for HS code 441231?

This code is distinct from 4412.33 or 4412.34 by specifically requiring at least one outer ply of *tropical* wood, whereas others specify temperate or non-coniferous woods.

How is HS code 441231 structured?

HS code 441231 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (44) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (12) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (31) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.