Product classification
HS code for Thin MDF: 4411.12
Medium density fibreboard (MDF), of a thickness not exceeding 5 mm.
Classification of thin MDF under HS 4411.12
Thin MDF is classified under HS code 4411.12 because it falls within the category of medium density fibreboard (MDF) with a thickness not exceeding 5 mm. The Harmonized System organizes wood products in Chapter 44, where 4411 specifically addresses fibreboard of wood or other ligneous materials, whether or not bonded with resins or other organic substances. The sub-classification 4411.12 is determined by the density and the specific thickness threshold. MDF is distinguished from other fibreboards like hardboard or particle board by its manufacturing process, which involves dry-forming fibres with synthetic resin adhesives under heat and pressure. For a product to be classified here, it must meet the density requirements of MDF (typically between 0.5 g/cm³ and 0.8 g/cm³) and remain at or below the 5 mm thickness limit. This classification applies regardless of whether the board is sanded, surface-worked, or coated, provided the essential character remains that of MDF.
- Covers
- Standard thin MDF panels
- Lacquered or painted thin MDF
- Veneered thin MDF (where the core is MDF)
- High-density thin fibreboard meeting MDF specifications
- Thin MDF used for picture frame backings
- Also under 4411.12
- IKEA furniture back panels
- Kronospan thin MDF
- Egger thin MDF
- Medite Lite MDF
Codes often confused with 4411.12
Common mistake. Thin MDF is frequently confused with HS code 4411.13, which covers MDF with a thickness exceeding 5 mm but not exceeding 9 mm. It is also often misclassified under 4411.92, which refers to other fibreboards like hardboard that are manufactured using a wet process rather than the dry process used for MDF. Additionally, some importers mistakenly use 4410.11 for particle board, which is made from wood chips rather than wood fibres.
Top exporters and importers of HS 441112 (the code used for thin MDF), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 441112 (the code used for thin MDF) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 14% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% 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 441112, not only thin MDF.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $203M 14% of world exports
- 2 Thailand $160M 11% of world exports
- 3 Poland $146M 10% of world exports
World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $220M 14% of world imports
- 2 Italy $138M 9.0% of world imports
- 3 Japan $127M 8.2% of world imports
World total: $1.5B 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 thin MDF
Brazil splits HS 4411.12 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 4411.12.10MDF up to 5 mm, not worked or surface covered
- 4411.12.90Other MDF up to 5 mm thick
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 thin MDF
What is the HS code for Thin MDF?
The HS code for Thin MDF is 441112 (Medium density fibreboard (MDF), of a thickness not exceeding 5 mm). The HS code for Thin MDF with a thickness not exceeding 5 mm is 4411.12.
How do I classify Thin MDF for customs?
Thin MDF is classified under HS code 441112 — Medium density fibreboard (MDF), of a thickness not exceeding 5 mm. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is MDF distinguished from hardboard in the HS system?
MDF is generally produced via a dry process using resin, whereas hardboard (classified under 4411.92 or 4411.93) is typically produced via a wet process where the fibres are felted in water.
Which countries are the top exporters of thin MDF (HS 441112)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 441112 (the code used for thin MDF) in UN Comtrade data were China ($203M, 14% of world exports), Thailand ($160M) and Poland ($146M). World exports came to about $1.4B, 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 thin MDF (HS 441112)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 441112 (the code used for thin MDF) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($220M, 14% of world imports), Italy ($138M) and Japan ($127M). World imports came to about $1.5B, 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 Thin MDF the same in all countries?
The base HS code 441112 for Thin MDF 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 thin MDF in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 441112 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for thin MDF depends on the product's details: 4411.12.10 (MDF up to 5 mm, not worked or surface covered), 4411.12.90 (Other MDF up to 5 mm thick).