Product classification
HS code for Meranti veneer sheets: 4408.31
Wood, tropical, as specified in Subheading Note 2 to this Chapter, dark red meranti, light red meranti, meranti bakau, sheets for veneer, plywood or other wood, sawn lengthwise, sliced or peeled, planed or not, sanded or end-jointed, not thicker than 6mm.
Classification of meranti veneer sheets under HS 4408.31
Meranti veneer sheets are classified under HS code 4408.31. Heading 4408 covers sheets for veneering (including those obtained by slicing laminated wood), for plywood, or for other similar laminated wood and other wood, sawn lengthwise, sliced or peeled, whether or not planed, sanded, spliced, or end-jointed. The defining characteristic for classification under this heading is that the thickness must not exceed 6 mm. Subheading 4408.31 is specific to tropical woods, specifically Dark Red Meranti, Light Red Meranti, and Meranti Bakau. These sheets are typically produced by rotary peeling or slicing logs. Even if the sheets are reinforced with paper, plastic, or fabric on the back to prevent splitting, they remain classified here as long as they retain the character of wood veneer. If the sheets are glued together to form plywood, the classification would shift to heading 4412. The accuracy of this classification depends on verifying both the species and the exact thickness of the sheets, as even a slight increase over 6mm would change the heading.
- Covers
- Dark Red Meranti veneer sheets (≤6mm)
- Light Red Meranti sliced sheets for plywood
- Rotary peeled Meranti Bakau sheets
- Spliced or end-jointed Meranti veneer
- Also under 4408.31
- Samling Global Meranti Veneer
- Ta Ann Holdings Meranti Plywood
- Shin Yang Meranti Sliced Wood
- WTK Holdings Meranti Lumber
Codes often confused with 4408.31
Common mistake. Meranti veneer is often misclassified under HS code 4407.25. The distinction is strictly based on thickness; wood thicker than 6mm belongs in 4407, while wood 6mm or thinner belongs in 4408. Another common error is classification under 4412.31 if the veneer is already part of a plywood panel. Heading 4408 is only for individual sheets. Additionally, if the veneer is surface-covered with plastic or high-pressure laminates in a way that it loses its essential wood character, it might be classified in Chapter 39.
Top exporters and importers of HS 440831 (the code used for meranti veneer sheets), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 440831 (the code used for meranti veneer sheets) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 48% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Denmark, with 36% 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 440831, not only meranti veneer sheets.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $6.9M 48% of world exports
- 2 Canada $3.6M 25% of world exports
- 3 Russia* ~$583K 4.0% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $14M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Denmark $8.1M 36% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $3.0M 14% of world imports
- 3 Ireland $2.0M 8.9% of world imports
World total: $22M 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 codes for meranti veneer sheets
Brazil splits HS 4408.31 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 4408.31.10Meranti veneer sliced from laminated wood
- 4408.31.90Other red or bakau meranti veneer sheets
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 meranti veneer sheets
What is the HS code for Meranti veneer sheets?
The HS code for Meranti veneer sheets is 440831 (Wood, tropical; as specified in Subheading Note 2 to this Chapter, dark red meranti, light red meranti, meranti bakau, sheets for veneer, plywood or other wood, sawn lengthwise, sliced or peeled, planed or not, sanded or end-jointed, not thicker than 6mm). The HS code for Meranti veneer sheets (Dark Red, Light Red, and Bakau) with a thickness of 6mm or less is 4408.31.
How do I classify Meranti veneer sheets for customs?
Meranti veneer sheets is classified under HS code 440831 — Wood, tropical; as specified in Subheading Note 2 to this Chapter, dark red meranti, light red meranti, meranti bakau, sheets for veneer, plywood or other wood, sawn lengthwise, sliced or peeled, planed or not, sanded or end-jointed, not thicker than 6mm. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can veneer sheets be sanded or planed?
Yes, sheets classified under 4408.31 can be planed, sanded, spliced, or end-jointed without changing their HS classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of meranti veneer sheets (HS 440831)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 440831 (the code used for meranti veneer sheets) in UN Comtrade data were India ($6.9M, 48% of world exports), Canada ($3.6M) and Russia (about $583K). World exports came to about $14M, 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 meranti veneer sheets (HS 440831)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 440831 (the code used for meranti veneer sheets) in UN Comtrade data were Denmark ($8.1M, 36% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($3.0M) and Ireland ($2.0M). World imports came to about $22M, 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 Meranti veneer sheets the same in all countries?
The base HS code 440831 for Meranti veneer sheets 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 meranti veneer sheets in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 440831 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for meranti veneer sheets depends on the product's details: 4408.31.10 (Meranti veneer sliced from laminated wood), 4408.31.90 (Other red or bakau meranti veneer sheets).