Product classification
HS code for Fiber cement panels: 6811.82
Cellulose fibre-cement, articles or the like, sheets, panels, tiles and similar articles (other than corrugated sheets), not containing asbestos.
Classification of fiber cement panels under HS 6811.82
Fiber cement panels are classified under HS code 6811.82 because they are articles of cellulose fiber-cement, a composite material consisting of Portland cement, sand, and cellulose fibers derived from wood pulp. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Heading 6811 specifically covers articles of asbestos-cement, cellulose fiber-cement, or the like. Since these panels are manufactured without asbestos, they are directed toward the subheadings for non-asbestos products. Subheading 6811.82 is specifically designated for sheets, panels, tiles, and similar articles that are not corrugated. These panels are typically used for exterior cladding, interior wall linings, and tile backer boards. The classification is determined by the material composition and the physical form. The absence of asbestos is a critical factor in selecting the 6811.8x series over the 6811.40 series. Furthermore, the non-corrugated nature of the panels distinguishes them from 6811.81. The manufacturing process involves the Hatschek process where layers of the composite material are built up to the desired thickness before being pressed and cured. This industrial process results in a durable, fire-resistant material that fits the criteria for Chapter 68, which encompasses articles of stone, plaster, cement, and similar mineral substances. The panels must be flat and of a uniform thickness to meet the definition of sheets or panels under this code. If the panels were further worked or combined with other materials to form a composite product of a different character, the classification might change, but standard fiber cement siding and boards remain firmly within 6811.82.
- Covers
- Fiber cement siding panels
- Interior wall backer boards
- Soffit panels
- Flat architectural facade panels
- Underlayment sheets for flooring
- Also under 6811.82
- James Hardie (HardiePlank, HardieBacker)
- Cembrit (Patina, Solid)
- Equitone (various facade panels)
- Nichiha (fibre cement siding)
Codes often confused with 6811.82
Common mistake. Fiber cement panels are frequently confused with wood-based fiberboard classified under heading 4411. While both contain fibers, heading 4411 is for wood-based products, whereas 6811.82 is for cement-based products. They may also be misclassified under 6811.81 if the panels are corrugated, or 6810 if they are considered cast concrete blocks rather than fiber-reinforced sheets.
Top exporters and importers of HS 681182 (the code used for fiber cement panels), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 681182 (the code used for fiber cement panels) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 14% 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 681182, not only fiber cement panels.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $236M 19% of world exports
- 2 Thailand $183M 15% of world exports
- 3 China $178M 14% of world exports
World total: $1.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $188M 14% of world imports
- 2 United States $159M 12% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $114M 8.4% of world imports
World total: $1.4B 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 fiber cement panels
Brazil classifies fiber cement panels under NCM 6811.82.00: HS 6811.82 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fiber cement panels
What is the HS code for Fiber cement panels?
The HS code for Fiber cement panels is 681182 (Cellulose fibre-cement; articles or the like, sheets, panels, tiles and similar articles (other than corrugated sheets), not containing asbestos). The HS code for fiber cement panels that do not contain asbestos and are not corrugated is 6811.82.
How do I classify Fiber cement panels for customs?
Fiber cement panels is classified under HS code 681182 — Cellulose fibre-cement; articles or the like, sheets, panels, tiles and similar articles (other than corrugated sheets), not containing asbestos. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are these panels classified differently if they contain asbestos?
Yes, if the panels contain asbestos, they must be classified under subheading 6811.40, regardless of whether they are corrugated or flat.
Which countries are the top exporters of fiber cement panels (HS 681182)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 681182 (the code used for fiber cement panels) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($236M, 19% of world exports), Thailand ($183M) and China ($178M). World exports came to about $1.3B, 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 fiber cement panels (HS 681182)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 681182 (the code used for fiber cement panels) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($188M, 14% of world imports), the United States ($159M) and the United Kingdom ($114M). World imports came to about $1.4B, 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 Fiber cement panels the same in all countries?
The base HS code 681182 for Fiber cement panels 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 fiber cement panels in Brazil?
In Brazil, fiber cement panels (HS 681182) is classified under NCM 6811.82.00.