HS Code for Glued laminated timber
Glued laminated timber, commonly referred to as glulam, is classified under HS code 4418.81. This classification is part of Chapter 44, which covers wood and articles of wood, specifically under heading 4418 for builders' joinery and carpentry of wood. The 2022 Harmonized System updates introduced specific subheadings for engineered structural timber products to better track these sustainable building materials. Glulam is distinguished by its construction: multiple layers of dimensional lumber bonded together with moisture-resistant structural adhesives. Because these are finished structural components intended for use in the construction of buildings or civil engineering works, they are classified as "builders' joinery" rather than simple sawn wood or basic plywood. The classification requires that the product be an engineered structural member where the grain of all laminations runs parallel to the longitudinal axis, providing high strength and stability for large-scale architectural projects.
Products Included
- Glulam beams and columns
- Curved structural glulam members
- Glulam roof trusses
- Engineered wood headers
- Glulam arches for bridges
Common Misclassification
Glulam is frequently misclassified under HS code 4407, which covers wood sawn or chipped lengthwise. However, 4407 is for basic lumber, whereas glulam is a manufactured structural component. It is also confused with HS code 4412, which covers plywood and veneered panels; glulam differs because its laminations are parallel, unlike the cross-grained layers in plywood. Furthermore, it must be distinguished from Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), which is classified under 4418.82.
FAQ
What is the HS code for Glued laminated timber?
The specific HS code for glued laminated timber (glulam) is 4418.81.
What is the difference between HS 4418.81 and 4418.82?
HS 4418.81 is specifically for glulam, where wood layers are parallel. HS 4418.82 is for Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), where layers are glued at right angles to one another.
Industry
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HS code for Glued laminated timber?
The HS code for Glued laminated timber is 441881 (Wood; engineered structural timber products, glue-laminated timber (glulam)).
How do I classify Glued laminated timber for customs?
Glued laminated timber is classified under HS code 441881 — Wood; engineered structural timber products, glue-laminated timber (glulam). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is the HS code for Glued laminated timber the same in all countries?
The base HS code 441881 for Glued laminated timber is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.