4407.96.00.11 - North American (Betula alleghaniensis, Betula papyrifera, Betula lenta, Betula nigra)

This HTS category, 4407.96.00.11, specifically classifies wood that has been sawn or chipped lengthwise, sliced or peeled, and has a thickness exceeding 6 millimeters. The defining characteristic of this classification is its origin from specific North American birch species. This includes, but is not limited to, Yellow Birch (Betula alleghaniensis), Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera), Sweet Birch (Betula lenta), and River Birch (Betula nigra). The wood may have undergone further processing such as planing, sanding, or end-jointing, but its primary classification remains based on the timber's origin and form.

It is crucial to distinguish this category from its siblings. Unlike the North American birch covered here, sibling category 4407.96.00.13 pertains to wood sourced from European birch species, commonly referred to as Baltic, Russian, or Chinese birch (e.g., Betula pendula, Betula pubescens). Category 4407.96.00.19 encompasses any other birch wood that does not fall under the specific North American or European designations. Therefore, the geographical origin and botanical species of the birch timber are the primary determining factors for classification within this subdivision.

As a leaf node within the HTS structure, 4407.96.00.11 does not have further subcategories. Classification is definitive at this level, relying solely on the identification of the timber as North American birch of the specified dimensions and processing. Importers and exporters must ensure accurate documentation supporting the origin of the birch lumber to comply with customs regulations and avoid misclassification.