I. What Customs Documents Are Required for Board Exports?

According to the latest international trade regulations in 2025, the following core documents must be prepared for wooden board exports:

• Basic Trade Documents
  • Commercial invoice (must specify board type, thickness, moisture content)
  • Packing list (must show cubic volume or weight units)
  • Maritime Transportation/Air TransportationB/L
• Special Certification Documents
  • It is recommended to verify through the following methods:Certificate of Origin (FTA countries may enjoy tariff preferences)
  • Fumigation certificate (for solid wood boards)
  • Quality inspection report (some countries require formaldehyde emission testing)

Note: The EU has introduced new requirements in 2025 forTimber Legality Declaration, requiring FSC certification documents for plywood exports. It is recommended to confirm the latest policies of the destination country with agents in advance.

II. How to Accurately Classify HS Codes?

HS code classification for boards should focus on the following dimensions:

• Material type (solid wood/artificial board/bamboo)
• Processing technology (sliced/rotary cut/number of glued layers)
• Thickness specifications (whether exceeding 6mm)

For example: Birch veneer >6mm thick should be classified under 44083900, while bamboo plywood ≤6mm thick should be classified under 44121000. It is recommended to confirm codes throughCustoms Pre-classification Serviceor professional agency companies to avoid fines due to misclassification.

III. How to Calculate Tariffs and VAT?

2025 tariff policies in major markets:

• United StatesUSA: Artificial boards 3.2%-5% basic tariff, solid wood boards may trigger anti-dumping duties
• European UnionEU: General tariff rate 6.5%, but eco-friendly boards may qualify for reductions
• Southeast AsiaASEAN: Plywood tariffs reduced to 0-3% under the agreement

Calculation formula:Tariff = dutiable value × tariff rate, VAT = (dutiable value + tariff) × VAT rate. Actual implementation should consider trade terms, and it is recommended to request agents to providesimulated customs clearance cost calculationsservices.

IV. What to do when encountering customs inspection?

3 key steps to handle inspection:

• provided by the overseas manufacturer and prepare in advanceSample test report
• Ensure goods packaging complies with IPPC marking requirements
• Arrange for an agent to be present for unpacking inspection (focus on moisture content marking)

Key customs inspection directions for 2025:Compliance of wooden packaging,Formaldehyde emission compliance certificate,Accuracy of tree species declaration. It is recommended to conductpre-inspection simulationbefore export, reducing inspection delay risks by 67%.

V. How to handle returned goods?

Special considerations for wood panel return customs clearance:

• Provide overseasquality non-conformance certificate
• OriginalExport ClearanceInvoice copy
• Pay deposit (1.5%-3% of goods value)

According to the latest tax refund policy in 2025, returned goods must be re-imported within12 monthsafter export to apply for tax refund. It is recommended to entrust professional agents to handleduty-free import procedures for returned goodsto avoid double taxation.

VI. How to choose a reliable customs clearance agent?

4 criteria for evaluating agent companies:

• Qualification Verification: Check customs AEO certification
• Industry experience: At least 5 years of building material clearance cases
• Service network: Have cooperative customs brokers at destination ports
• Risk plan: Whether they provide emergency inspection handling solutions

It is recommended to request agents to providewood panel clearance records from the most recent 12 months, focusing on clearance success rates in strictly regulated markets like Europe and America.