HS Code for Teak logs

Teak logs are classified under HS code 4403.42. This classification is governed by Chapter 44 of the Harmonized System, which covers wood and articles of wood. Heading 4403 is specifically designated for wood in the rough, whether or not stripped of bark or sapwood, or roughly squared. The subheading 4403.42 is reserved for Teak (Tectona grandis), a tropical hardwood known for its durability and water resistance. To qualify for this code, the wood must not have been sawn or chipped lengthwise; it must remain in its natural cylindrical state or have undergone only preliminary squaring to facilitate transport. The classification remains 4403.42 even if the logs have been treated with paint, stains, or preservatives, provided the treatment is intended solely for protection during transit and not as a final finish. This code is critical for monitoring the international trade of tropical timber and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

Products Included

• Raw teak tree trunks stripped of branches
• Teak logs with bark removed (debarked)
• Roughly squared teak timber for export
• Untreated tropical teak logs in the rough
• Teak logs treated with basic preservatives for shipping

Common Misclassification

A frequent error is classifying teak logs under HS code 4407.23. However, 4407 is reserved for wood that has been sawn or chipped lengthwise and exceeds 6mm in thickness. If the log has been processed into planks or boards, it must move to 4407. Another misclassification occurs with 4403.49, which is a "catch-all" for other tropical woods. Because Teak is specifically named in 4403.42, using the general tropical wood code is incorrect under GRI 1.

FAQ

What is the HS code for teak logs?

The specific HS code for teak in the rough is 4403.42.

Are squared teak logs classified as lumber?

No, if they are only "roughly squared" to facilitate transport and not sawn into planks, they remain under 4403.42.