Product classification
HS code for Concrete formwork: 4418.40
Wood, shuttering for concrete constructional work.
Classification of concrete formwork under HS 4418.40
Concrete formwork, specifically when constructed from wood, is classified under HS code 4418.40. This classification is determined by the Harmonized System's General Interpretative Rules (GIR), specifically GIR 1, which dictates that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Heading 4418 covers builders' joinery and carpentry of wood, including cellular wood panels, assembled flooring panels, shingles, and shakes. Subheading 4418.40 specifically identifies shuttering for concrete constructional work. This classification applies because the primary material is wood and the product is a specialized assembly used to contain and shape poured concrete until it hardens. Even if the formwork consists of plywood panels, if those panels are specifically prepared or framed for use as shuttering, they move from the general plywood heading (4412) to this more specific functional heading.
- Covers
- Wooden shuttering panels for wall casting
- Timber formwork systems for columns
- Assembled wooden molds for concrete beams
- Plywood sheets specifically edged or reinforced for concrete pouring
- Wooden scaffolding components integrated into formwork systems
- Also under 4418.40
- Doka wooden formwork
- Peri wooden formwork
- ULMA wooden formwork
- RMD Kwikform timber formwork
Codes often confused with 4418.40
Common mistake. Concrete formwork is frequently misclassified under HS code 4412.33 or 4412.34, which covers general plywood. While formwork often uses plywood, 4418.40 is the more specific code for shuttering. Another common error is using HS code 7308.40, which is reserved for equipment for scaffolding, shuttering, or propping made of iron or steel. If the formwork is primarily metallic, it must be classified in Chapter 73, whereas wooden versions must remain in Chapter 44. Additionally, plastic formwork should be classified under 3926.90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 441840 (the code used for concrete formwork), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 441840 (the code used for concrete formwork) in UN Comtrade data was Austria, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 7.0% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 441840, not only concrete formwork.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Austria $216M 35% of world exports
- 2 Germany $82M 13% of world exports
- 3 Czechia $71M 12% of world exports
World total: $617M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $45M 7.0% of world imports
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$43M 6.7% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Austria $35M 5.6% of world imports
World total: $635M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for concrete formwork
Brazil classifies concrete formwork under NCM 4418.40.00: HS 4418.40 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
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.
Questions about concrete formwork
What is the HS code for Concrete formwork?
The HS code for Concrete formwork is 441840 (Wood; shuttering for concrete constructional work). The HS code for wooden concrete formwork is 4418.40. If the formwork is made of steel, the correct code is 7308.40.
How do I classify Concrete formwork for customs?
Concrete formwork is classified under HS code 441840 — Wood; shuttering for concrete constructional work. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does HS code 4418.40 include individual timber planks?
No, individual timber planks that have not been further worked into shuttering components are generally classified under 4407. To fall under 4418.40, the wood must be recognizable as part of a shuttering assembly.
Which countries are the top exporters of concrete formwork (HS 441840)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 441840 (the code used for concrete formwork) in UN Comtrade data were Austria ($216M, 35% of world exports), Germany ($82M) and Czechia ($71M). World exports came to about $617M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of concrete formwork (HS 441840)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 441840 (the code used for concrete formwork) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($45M, 7.0% of world imports), the United Arab Emirates (about $43M) and Austria ($35M). World imports came to about $635M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Is the HS code for Concrete formwork the same in all countries?
The base HS code 441840 for Concrete formwork is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for concrete formwork in Brazil?
In Brazil, concrete formwork (HS 441840) is classified under NCM 4418.40.00.