Western Red Alder Raw Wood
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4407990263 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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π² Western Red Alder Raw Wood (Sawn/Sliced/Planed)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Is Your "Wood" Really Just Raw Material?
Western Red Alder (Alnus rubra) is a popular domestic hardwood in North America, prized for its workability, staining characteristics, and stability. In international trade, it is classified under Chapter 44 (Wood and articles of wood). However, the specific HS Code depends heavily on the processing state of the wood.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the wood is sawn, chipped lengthwise, sliced, or peeled AND has a thickness > 6mm (whether planed, sanded, or end-jointed), it falls under Heading 4407.
- If the wood is raw logs, unprocessed timber, or thickness β€ 6mm, it falls under different headings (e.g., 4403 or 4408).
- This guide specifically addresses the scenario where Alder is processed into lumber/boards > 6mm thick, which matches the provided data.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Key Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
4407.99.02.63 |
Wood sawn/chipped lengthwise, sliced/peeled, > 6mm: Other: Other Western Red Alder (Alnus rubra) | Planed Alder boards, sanded veneer bases, end-jointed lumber, sliced wood for furniture parts | β
Thickness > 6mm β Processed (sawn/sliced/planed) β Species: Alnus rubra |
4407.99.02.62 |
Western Red Alder - Sliced (Veneer) | Thin slices for veneer (< 6mm usually, but if >6mm and sliced, still 4407 but different sub-code depending on specific US list) | β Not this code if thick lumber |
4403.42.00.00 |
Western Red Alder - Untreated Wood | Logs, rough sawn timber, unprocessed rounds | β Not processed enough |
4408.90.00.00 |
Other plywood, veneer sheets for veneer plywood | Thin veneer sheets for lamination | β Different product type |
π Critical Reminder:
-4407.99.02.63is for Western Red Alder that has been sawn, sliced, or peeled and is greater than 6mm in thickness.
- It includes wood that has been planed, sanded, or end-jointed.
- Do not confuse with "Sliced Alder Veneer" (< 6mm) or "Raw Logs" (4403). The thickness and processing method are decisive.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN) (Assumed based on typical trade context for such queries; if origin is USA/Canada, rates differ significantly)
β Effective Date: 2025/2026 (Subject to current USITC/USMCA status)
π― 1. 4407.99.02.63 ββ Western Red Alder, Sawn/Sliced, > 6mm
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 0.0% (Free of duty under normal MFN rate for this subheading) |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | +25.0% (Applied to certain Chinese-origin wood products) |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable (Wood products are generally not eligible for de minimis if they are Section 301 items) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4407.99.02.63 β FOOTNOTE:301 (or relevant Section 301 listing) |
π Explanation:
- "Basic Tariff: 0.0%": The Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) often lists 0% for non-restricted wood products from most FTF countries.
- "Additional Tariff: 25.0%": This is the Section 301 tariff applied to many Chinese-manufactured or Chinese-origin wood products. Even if the wood is grown in the USA, if it is processed and exported from China, it may be subject to this.
- Total: 25%: This is a significant cost that must be factored into your FOB/CIF pricing.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Document Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "Western Red Alder (Alnus rubra)", "Sawn/Planed", "Thickness > 6mm", "HTS: 4407.99.02.63" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail dimensions, quantity, weight. Avoid vague terms like "Wood". |
| β Species Declaration | βοΈ | Must specify Alnus rubra. Do not use generic "Alder" if Alnus rubra is required for precise classification. |
| β ISPM 15 Phytosanitary Certificate | βοΈ | CRITICAL for wood. Proves wood is heat-treated/fumigated to prevent pest spread. Without it, shipment will be rejected or destroyed. |
| β Fumigation/Heat Treatment Label | βοΈ | Visible on packaging/wood itself. |
| β Bill of Lading/Air Waybill | βοΈ | Consistent with invoice description. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ "Species, Processing, Thickness: The Trinity of Wood Customs!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Action |
|---|---|---|
| Alder boards, planed, 10mm thick | 4407.99.02.63 + "Western Red Alder, Sawn/Planed" |
Call it "Lumber" only β Delayed clearance |
| Alder logs, unprocessed | 4403.42.00.00 |
Use 4407 code β Wrong classification, penalty |
| Alder veneer, 3mm thick | 4408.90.00.00 or 4407 with different sub-code |
Use 4407.99.02.63 β Wrong code (thickness issue) |
| Alder from USA/Canada | 4407.99.02.63 but 0% duty (USMCA) |
Assume 25% applies β Overpaying tariffs |
π Note on Origin:
- If the wood is grown in the USA/Canada and processed there, it may qualify for USMCA (CUSMA) preferential treatment, reducing the tariff to 0%.
- If the wood is grown in the USA but processed in China, it may still be subject to 25% Section 301 tariff depending on the "substantial transformation" rules.
- Always verify the Country of Origin of Processing, not just Growth.
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Mixed Shipments (Alder + Oak) | Declare separately! Each species may have different HS codes or origins. |
| End-Jointed Boards | Still 4407.99.02.63 if >6mm. Clearly state "End-Jointed" on invoice. |
| Sanded vs. Planed | Both are acceptable under 4407. Specify in description to avoid ambiguity. |
| Import from Non-China Origin | If from EU, Canada, Australia, etc., check for FTA/GSP benefits. The 25% is likely Section 301 (China-specific). |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4407.99.02.63 |
25% (Section 301) | ISPM 15 + Phytosanitary | High tariff if Chinese-processed |
| π¨π³ China | 4407.99.02.63 |
5-10% (Import Duty) | No special phytosanitary needed | Tariff varies by trade agreement |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4407.99.02.63 |
0-5% (if no trade barriers) | Fumigation certificate | Wood products are heavily regulated for pests |
| π¬π§ UK | 4407.99.02.63 |
0-5% | Phytosanitary Certificate | Post-Brexit rules apply |
π Conclusion:
- The 25% tariff is primarily a US-specific penalty on Chinese-origin goods.
- Phytosanitary compliance (ISPM 15) is globally mandatory for raw wood. Failure here leads to immediate rejection.
- Origin is key: If you can source Alder processed in the USA/Canada, you can eliminate the 25% tariff.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Blood Lessons)
β Error 1: Calling it "Raw Wood" or "Lumber" without specifying Alnus rubra
π Consequence: Customs may reclassify to a higher duty code or delay for species verification.
β Error 2: Forgetting ISPM 15 Fumigation Certificate
π Consequence: Shipment rejected, destroyed, or returned. No exceptions.
β Error 3: Misdeclaring thickness (e.g., saying >6mm when it's <6mm)
π Consequence: Wrong HS code β Penalty for misdeclaration.
β Error 4: Assuming USMCA applies to all North American wood
π Consequence: If the wood is grown in Canada but processed in China, USMCA does NOT apply. Tariff remains 25%.
β Correct Approach:
"Western Red Alder (Alnus rubra), Sawn and Planed, Thickness 15mm, Fumigated per ISPM 15, HS: 4407.99.02.63, Country of Origin: USA (or China)"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision in Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Species Matters, Thickness Defines, Origin Dictates Tax!"
πΉ "25% Tariff is China-Specific; ISPM 15 is Universal!"
π Pro Tip:
If you are importing from China, verify if your supplier has Section 301 exemptions (rare for raw wood) or if you can source US-grown, US-processed Alder to benefit from 0% USMCA duty.
For non-China origins, negotiate Duty-Free status if possible under FTAs.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Engage a licensed customs broker.
π Ensure ISPM 15 certificate is attached to every pallet.
π Accurate declaration = Smooth clearance + Cost savings!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your Profit Margin Depends on the Right HS Code!
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.