HS Code for Softboard

HS code 4411.94 is designated for fibreboard of wood or other ligneous materials with a density not exceeding 0.5 g/cm³. The classification is strictly based on the physical property of density and the manufacturing process. Unlike Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF), which typically ranges from 0.5 to 0.8 g/cm³, softboard is produced using a wet process where the fibres are felted together, often without the addition of significant amounts of resin. This results in a porous, lightweight material used primarily for thermal and acoustic insulation, or as expansion joint fillers in construction. The classification remains under 4411.94 regardless of whether the board has been mechanically worked, surface-covered, or impregnated with substances like bitumen, provided the density remains within the specified limit. The material must be made from wood fibres or other vegetable fibres that have been reduced to a pulp before being formed into sheets.

Products Included

• Low-density insulation board for walls and roofs
• Acoustic ceiling tiles made of wood fibre
• Pinboards and bulletin board cores
• Bitumen-impregnated expansion joint fillers
• Underlayment boards for flooring with density < 0.5g/cm³

Common Misclassification

Softboard is most commonly misclassified under 4411.12, 4411.13, or 4411.14, which are the codes for MDF. The distinction is purely density-based; any fibreboard exceeding 0.5 g/cm³ cannot be classified as softboard. It is also sometimes confused with 44.10 (particle board), but particle board is made from wood chips or flakes rather than refined fibres.

FAQ

What is the HS code for Softboard?

The HS code for softboard with a density not exceeding 0.5 g/cm³ is 4411.94.

Is MDF classified under the same code as softboard?

No, MDF is classified under subheadings 4411.12 through 4411.14 because its density is higher than the 0.5 g/cm³ threshold required for softboard.