Product classification
HS code for Hardwood LVL: 4412.42
Laminated veneered lumber (LVL), with at least one outer ply of non-coniferous wood.
Classification of hardwood LVL under HS 4412.42
Hardwood Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) is classified under HS code 4412.42 because it is a structural composite lumber product consisting of multiple layers of thin wood veneers oriented in the same direction. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) for the Harmonized System, products are classified based on their material composition and manufacturing process. Heading 4412 specifically covers plywood, veneered panels, and similar laminated wood. Subheading 4412.42 is designated for LVL that features at least one outer ply of non-coniferous (hardwood) species. The classification is determined by the parallel grain alignment of the veneers, which distinguishes it from standard plywood where grains are typically cross-laminated. Because the outer layer is hardwood, such as birch, poplar, or eucalyptus, it must be categorized under the non-coniferous sub-category. This code ensures that customs authorities can track the trade of high-strength engineered wood products used primarily in construction for headers, beams, and edge-forming material.
- Covers
- Hardwood structural LVL beams
- Laminated veneer lumber with birch outer plies
- Hardwood LVL headers for door and window openings
- Non-coniferous LVL rim boards
- Hardwood LVL planks for scaffolding
- Also under 4412.42
- Kerto LVL (Metsä Wood)
- Generic Birch LVL Beams
- Poplar LVL Headers
- Eucalyptus LVL Panels
Codes often confused with 4412.42
Common mistake. Hardwood LVL is frequently misclassified under HS code 4412.33, which is reserved for standard plywood with non-coniferous outer plies. The primary difference lies in the grain orientation; LVL veneers are parallel, whereas plywood veneers are cross-banded. Another common error is using HS code 4418.99 for builders' joinery and carpentry. While LVL is used in building, heading 4412 is more specific to the laminated nature of the wood itself before it is further processed into a specific joinery component.
Top exporters and importers of HS 441242 (the code used for hardwood LVL), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 441242 (the code used for hardwood LVL) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 50% 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 441242, not only hardwood LVL.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $62M 42% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$50M 34% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Germany $11M 7.6% of world exports
World total: $147M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $172M 50% of world imports
- 2 Canada $62M 18% of world imports
- 3 United States $49M 14% of world imports
World total: $345M 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 hardwood LVL
Brazil classifies hardwood LVL under NCM 4412.42.00: HS 4412.42 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 hardwood LVL
What is the HS code for Hardwood LVL?
The HS code for Hardwood LVL is 441242 (Laminated veneered lumber (LVL); with at least one outer ply of non-coniferous wood). The specific HS code for Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) with at least one outer ply of non-coniferous wood is 4412.42.
How do I classify Hardwood LVL for customs?
Hardwood LVL is classified under HS code 441242 — Laminated veneered lumber (LVL); with at least one outer ply of non-coniferous wood. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the thickness of the veneers affect the HS code?
Generally, for heading 4412, the individual veneers must not exceed 6mm in thickness. If the layers are thicker, the product might be classified as glulam under heading 4418.
Which countries are the top exporters of hardwood LVL (HS 441242)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 441242 (the code used for hardwood LVL) in UN Comtrade data were China ($62M, 42% of world exports), Vietnam (about $50M) and Germany ($11M). World exports came to about $147M, 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 hardwood LVL (HS 441242)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 441242 (the code used for hardwood LVL) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($172M, 50% of world imports), Canada ($62M) and the United States ($49M). World imports came to about $345M, 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 Hardwood LVL the same in all countries?
The base HS code 441242 for Hardwood LVL 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 hardwood LVL in Brazil?
In Brazil, hardwood LVL (HS 441242) is classified under NCM 4412.42.00.