HS Code for Wood fuel chips

Wood fuel chips derived from non-coniferous (hardwood) species are classified under HS code 4401.22. This classification falls within heading 4401, which covers fuel wood, wood in chips or particles, and sawdust or wood waste. The subheading 4401.22 is specific to wood that has been mechanically reduced into small, relatively uniform pieces and is sourced from non-coniferous trees such as oak, beech, or maple. Classification is determined by GRI 1 and GRI 6, focusing on the botanical origin of the wood. These chips are primarily used as biomass fuel for industrial energy production or as raw material for the manufacture of particle board and fiberboard. It is important to note that the HS system distinguishes chips (4401.21/22) from wood waste (4401.31/39) based on the intentional processing into chip form. Even if the chips are intended for the pulp and paper industry, they are classified here because the heading covers wood in chips regardless of the final industrial application, provided they meet the physical description of the subheading.

Products Included

• Hardwood fuel chips
• Non-coniferous wood particles
• Oak and maple biomass chips
• Hardwood chips for particle board manufacturing
• Deciduous wood chips

Common Misclassification

The most frequent error is misclassifying these under HS code 4401.21, which is reserved for coniferous (softwood) chips like pine or spruce. Another common mistake is using 4401.12, which is for non-coniferous fuel wood in the form of logs, billets, or twigs, rather than chips.

FAQ

What is the HS code for Wood fuel chips?

Non-coniferous wood fuel chips are classified under HS code 4401.22.

What is the difference between 4401.21 and 4401.22?

4401.21 is for chips from coniferous (softwood) trees, while 4401.22 is for chips from non-coniferous (hardwood) trees.