HS Code for Birch lumber

Birch lumber is classified under Harmonized System (HS) code 440796. This code falls within Chapter 44, which pertains to "Wood and articles of wood; wood charcoal." The specific description for 440796 is "Wood; of birch (Betula spp.), sawn or chipped lengthwise, sliced or peeled, of a thickness exceeding 6mm, whether or not planed, sanded or finger-jointed." This detailed description highlights several key classification criteria: the specific wood species (birch, from the Betula genus), the processing methods (sawn, chipped lengthwise, sliced, or peeled), and a critical thickness threshold (exceeding 6mm). The inclusion of "whether or not planed, sanded or finger-jointed" indicates that various levels of finishing or joining do not alter its classification under this code, as long as the primary form and thickness criteria are met.

Products Included

• Sawn birch planks exceeding 6mm thickness
• Chipped lengthwise birch timber exceeding 6mm thickness
• Sliced birch boards exceeding 6mm thickness
• Peeled birch lumber exceeding 6mm thickness
• Planed birch lumber exceeding 6mm thickness
• Sanded birch lumber exceeding 6mm thickness
• Finger-jointed birch lumber exceeding 6mm thickness

Common Misclassification

Common misclassifications for birch lumber often involve other wood types or forms. For example, HS code 440711 covers "Coniferous wood," which is distinct from birch (a non-coniferous wood). HS code 440799 is for "Other non-coniferous wood," used if the species is not specifically enumerated elsewhere, but birch has its own dedicated code. A frequent point of confusion is with HS code 4408, which covers "Veneer sheets and sheets for plywood and other similar laminated wood," typically characterized by a thickness not exceeding 6mm. Therefore, birch wood thinner than 6mm would fall under 4408, not 440796. Additionally, wood that has been continuously shaped along any of its edges or faces, such as tongue-and-groove flooring, is classified under HS code 4409, not 4407.

FAQ

What is the HS code for Birch lumber?

The HS code for birch lumber, specifically wood of birch (Betula spp.) that is sawn, chipped lengthwise, sliced, or peeled, and has a thickness exceeding 6mm, is 440796.

Does HS code 440796 include birch veneer sheets?

No, HS code 440796 specifically covers birch wood with a thickness exceeding 6mm. Birch veneer sheets, which are typically much thinner (not exceeding 6mm), are classified under HS code 4408, which is designated for veneer sheets and similar laminated wood products.