HS 441881 Engineered structural timber products
Quick Answer: Engineered structural timber products imported under HS 441881 enter the UK duty-free, the EU duty-free, and the US at 3.2% ad valorem under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate, with preferential rates available for certain trade partners. This classification covers composite timber products, such as laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and glulam beams, manufactured by bonding together wood veneers, strands, or plies with adhesives to create structural components for construction. These are distinct from solid sawn timber. Importers should verify specific product composition and origin to confirm eligibility for preferential duty rates in the US. CustomTariffs aggregates this data for trade professionals.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4418810090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 4418810000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 4418810010 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4418810000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 4418810010 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 4418810090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4418810000 | 3.2% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 4418.81?
Imports of Engineered structural timber products may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, and 15 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 441881 cover?
This subheading covers engineered structural timber products, specifically laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and glulam (glued laminated timber). These products are manufactured by bonding together wood veneers or laminations with adhesives under heat and pressure, forming structural elements like beams, joists, and headers. The WCO Harmonized System Nomenclature defines these as "Builders' joinery and carpentry of wood, including cellular wood panels, assembled flooring panels, shingles and shakes," with 441881 specifically detailing these engineered wood structural components, as further elaborated in official tariff schedules like the USITC HTS and EU TARIC.
What falls outside HS 441881?
The following products are excluded from HS 441881: solid timber sawn or roughly shaped, plywood, particle board, and fiberboard, even if used in construction. Also excluded are prefabricated wooden buildings (HS 9406), wooden furniture (Chapter 94), and wooden doors, windows, and their frames (HS 441820). Products that are not specifically engineered for structural load-bearing applications, such as decorative wood paneling or non-structural timber components, are also classified elsewhere, often under HS 4409 or HS 4412.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 441881?
A common error is misclassifying laminated wood products that are not specifically engineered for structural purposes under HS 441881. For instance, decorative laminated wood panels or composite wood boards intended for non-load-bearing applications are often incorrectly entered. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. If the product's primary function is not structural load-bearing, it likely falls under a different heading, such as HS 4412 for plywood or HS 441899 for other builders' joinery and carpentry.
How should importers classify products under HS 441881?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 441881 involves a detailed examination of the product's manufacturing process, intended use, and structural properties. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the product is indeed engineered structural timber, such as LVL or glulam, manufactured through lamination for load-bearing applications. Consulting the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and reviewing the explanatory notes for heading 4418 is crucial. Providing detailed product specifications and technical data sheets to customs authorities will facilitate accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 441881?
A shipment of glulam beams weighing 5,000 kilograms and declared at a customs value of $15,000 USD would attract a US duty of $2,250. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 15% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value. The calculation is: 15% of $15,000 = $2,250. This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) under subheading 4418.81.00. It is important to note that specific rates can vary based on origin and trade agreements.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 441881?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 441881, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, qualifying products originating from Canada or Mexico can enter the United States duty-free. Similarly, the EU's Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or zero duties for eligible developing countries. To claim these preferential rates, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a EUR.1 movement certificate for certain other agreements, depending on the specific jurisdiction and trade pact.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 441881 (Engineered structural timber products)?
Duty rates for HS code 441881 can vary significantly by country. For example, the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (USHTS) generally lists a Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.2% ad valorem for these products. However, preferential rates under various trade agreements may apply. For instance, under the U.S. tariff system, certain countries may have duty-free access (Free). It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the definitive rate applicable to your shipment.
How is the import duty for HS 441881 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 441881 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if the MFN duty rate is 3.2% and you import engineered structural timber products valued at $10,000 USD, the import duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (Value) × 0.032 (Duty Rate) = $320 USD. Always ensure your customs value is accurate and includes all assessable costs as defined by the importing country's customs regulations.
What are the key classification criteria for products to be classified under HS 441881?
HS code 441881 covers 'Engineered structural timber products.' This generally includes products made from wood, such as veneers, particles, or fibers, which have been bonded together with adhesives or other binding agents to form structural components. Examples include glulam (glued laminated timber), laminated veneer lumber (LVL), and cross-laminated timber (CLT). The key is that these are manufactured wood products designed for structural applications in construction, often exhibiting enhanced strength, stability, and dimensional accuracy compared to solid sawn timber. The WCO Explanatory Notes and national tariff rulings provide detailed guidance on specific product types.
Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS 441881, and how can importers verify eligibility?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates, often leading to duty-free entry, for HS 441881. Examples include agreements like the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), CAFTA-DR (Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement), and various bilateral agreements. To verify eligibility, importers must obtain a Certificate of Origin from the exporter, which certifies that the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant trade agreement. This document is essential for claiming preferential treatment at customs. Always check the specific requirements of the trade agreement and the importing country's customs authority.
What documentation is typically required when importing engineered structural timber products under HS 441881?
When importing products classified under HS 441881, standard import documentation is required, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Additionally, depending on the importing country and any claimed preferential treatment, specific documents may be necessary. This could include a Certificate of Origin to support claims under trade agreements, phytosanitary certificates to ensure compliance with plant health regulations, and potentially product-specific certifications or declarations demonstrating compliance with structural or safety standards in the destination market. Consulting the importing country's customs authority or a licensed customs broker is recommended for a comprehensive checklist.