HS 441251 Blockboard, laminboard and battenboard

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What products does HS 441251 cover?

This subheading covers blockboard, laminboard, and battenboard, as defined by the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System (HS) Explanatory Notes. These are composite wood panels made from a core of wooden strips (blockboard and battenboard) or a core of wooden strips glued together to form a block (laminboard), with outer veneers or plies of wood applied to one or both sides. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC system align with this definition, specifying that the core strips must be of a certain thickness, typically not exceeding 10 mm, and the outer plies are usually of a different wood species or grain direction.

What falls outside HS 441251?

The following products are excluded from HS 441251: plywood (HS 441290), particle board (HS 441290), and fiberboard (HS 441290), which are classified under different subheadings within Heading 4412 or other headings entirely. Also excluded are veneered panels where the core is not composed of wooden strips or blocks, such as those made from reconstituted wood or other materials. Products that are further processed beyond simple veneering, like those with decorative laminates or surface treatments not inherent to the wood structure itself, may also fall outside this classification.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 441251?

A common error is misclassifying composite wood panels based solely on their appearance without verifying the core construction. For instance, panels with a core made from particle board or fiberboard, even if they have wooden strips incorporated, should not be classified under 441251. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the heading and any relative section or chapter notes. Importers may also incorrectly classify products if they do not adhere to the specific thickness requirements for the core strips as outlined in the WCO HS Explanatory Notes.

How should importers classify products under HS 441251?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 441251 involves a detailed examination of the product's construction. Importers and customs brokers must ascertain the nature of the core material, confirming it consists of wooden strips or blocks. They should also verify the thickness of these core strips, typically not exceeding 10 mm, and the presence and construction of any outer veneers. Reviewing product specifications, manufacturing details, and consulting the WCO HS Explanatory Notes or national tariff schedules like the USITC HTS or EU TARIC is crucial for accurate classification.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 441251?

A shipment of 100 sheets of 4'x8' birch blockboard, each 18mm thick, declared at a customs value of $2,500 USD, would attract a US duty of $125.00. This is calculated using the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule's Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 5.0% ad valorem (HTS code 4412510000) applied to the declared value ($2,500 USD × 0.05 = $125.00). It is imperative to check the specific HTS code and its associated duty rate for the exact product and origin country.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 441251?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 441251, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating goods from Canada and Mexico can enter the US duty-free. For goods originating from countries benefiting from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), the US may offer reduced or free entry, requiring a GSP Form A. Documentation like a Certificate of Origin is typically required to claim preferential treatment under these agreements, with specific forms varying by jurisdiction and trade pact.

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