HS Code for Excelsior

Excelsior, commonly known as wood wool, is classified under HS code 4405.00. This classification is determined by the physical state of the wood and its intended primary use as a packing, stuffing, or filtration material. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the Explanatory Notes to Chapter 44, wood wool consists of slender slivers of wood, usually of coniferous origin, which are curled or twisted. Unlike wood chips or sawdust, excelsior is manufactured through a specific shaving process that preserves the length and flexibility of the fibers, making it suitable for cushioning fragile goods or for use in evaporative cooling pads. The classification 4405.00 specifically groups wood wool and wood flour together because they represent the finest mechanical reductions of wood that do not yet constitute wood pulp for papermaking. The material must be in a bulk state or in simple bundles to remain under this code; if it is further processed into specific articles like finished acoustic panels, it may move to other headings.

Products Included

• Wood wool (excelsior) in bulk or bundles
• Wood flour (finely ground wood powder)
• Curled wood shavings for packaging
• Excelsior pads for evaporative coolers
• Wood wool used for animal bedding

Common Misclassification

Excelsior is frequently misclassified under HS code 4401.21 or 4401.22, which covers wood chips or particles. However, 4401 is intended for wood used as fuel or for particle board manufacturing, whereas 4405.00 is specific to the curled, fibrous nature of wood wool. Another common error is using 4403, which is for wood in the rough (logs). If the wood wool is dyed or used for decorative purposes, some importers mistakenly look at Chapter 46 for plaiting materials, but 4405.00 remains the primary classification for the raw material.

FAQ

What is the HS code for excelsior?

The HS code for excelsior (wood wool) is 4405.00.

Is wood flour classified differently than wood wool?

No, both wood wool and wood flour are grouped together under the same HS code, 4405.00, as they are both considered basic mechanical reductions of wood.