US Lumber Suppliers: Hardwoods and Forest Products
Hardwood lumber, panels, veneers and logs: this guide sums up how the quality of U.S. hardwoods is specified and which plant health documents to ask for.
| Industry | Lumber |
|---|---|
| Main tariff headings (Harmonized System) | 4403, 4407, 4408, 4410, 4411, 4412 |
| U.S. agencies involved | USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS); U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) |
| Official sources cited | 5 |
| Last reviewed | 2026-10-07 |
Tariff headings you should know
- 4403: wood in the rough.
- 4407: wood sawn or chipped lengthwise, sliced or peeled.
- 4408: sheets for veneering and for plywood.
- 4410: particle board and OSB. 4411: fiberboard. 4412: plywood and similar panels.
Quality and plant health
- NHLA rules (National Hardwood Lumber Association): the rules for the measurement and inspection of U.S. hardwoods, in force since 1898 and updated every four years. They define grades such as FAS and No. 1 Common; specify them in the contract.
- APHIS export phytosanitary certificate when your country requires it.
- ISPM 15: in the countries that require it, wood packaging (such as pallets) must be treated with an approved method and bear the official mark (HT for heat treatment, MB for methyl bromide). APHIS publishes the list of countries that require it.
How to choose and verify the supplier
- Specify the species, NHLA grade, thickness, moisture content and measurement in the quotation.
- If you need wood with forest certification, ask for the supplier’s current certificate.
- Check that the company exists: business registration in its state, physical address, website and references from other buyers.
- Check that it does not appear on the U.S. restricted-party lists, and ask for a formal quotation with the Incoterm, lead time and payment terms.
Frequently asked questions
What are NHLA grades?
They are the quality grades of the measurement and inspection rules of the National Hardwood Lumber Association, the reference for buying U.S. hardwoods (for example, FAS and No. 1 Common).
What is ISPM 15?
It is the international standard for wood packaging: it must be treated with an approved method and bear the official mark. It applies in the countries that require it.
Official sources
- NHLA: grading rules
- USDA APHIS: export certification of plants and plant products
- IPPC: ISPM 15, wood packaging material
- USDA APHIS: countries requiring ISPM 15 wood packaging
- USITC: Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States
This page is general information to help you get started. It is not legal, tax or customs advice, and regulations change. Confirm current requirements with the official sources above or with a licensed customs broker, freight forwarder or trade compliance professional.