Bamboo Cutting Board - HTS Code 4419.19.90.00

A bamboo cutting board is a versatile and eco-friendly kitchen essential used for food preparation tasks such as slicing, dicing, and mincing. Crafted from sustainable bamboo stalks, these boards are engineered by laminating bamboo strips together under high pressure with food-grade adhesives. This construction method results in a durable, knife-friendly surface that is naturally resistant to moisture and scarring. Commercially, these items are available in various dimensions and often include functional features like recessed juice grooves, integrated handles, and reversible surfaces. From a customs perspective, bamboo is treated as a ligneous material rather than a traditional hardwood. Importers favor bamboo for its rapid growth cycle and strength-to-weight ratio. These boards must comply with FDA regulations for food contact substances to ensure safety for consumer use. Under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, they are classified specifically under the bamboo kitchenware provisions, distinguishing them from traditional timber products. This classification (4419.19.90.00) covers the 'Other' category of bamboo kitchenware, ensuring that standard laminated chopping blocks are accurately categorized for duty assessment and trade statistics.

Important: AI output requires professional review

Moya provides AI-assisted research for U.S. import workflows. Results are not a binding CBP ruling, legal advice, customs brokerage advice, or filing instruction. Verify HTS codes, duties, and compliance requirements with a licensed customs broker or official source before relying on them.

Reference HTS Code

4419.19.90.00

For research only. Verify the latest schedule and official requirements before filing.

AI Classification Reasoning

Classification of the bamboo cutting board is governed by the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1 and GRI 6. Heading 4419 covers 'Tableware and kitchenware, of wood.' According to Chapter 44, Note 6, the term 'wood' throughout the Harmonized Tariff Schedule includes bamboo and other materials of a woody nature. This ensures that bamboo products remain within Chapter 44 despite bamboo being botanically classified as a grass. Moving to the subheading level, Heading 4419 is split into bamboo (4419.1) and other woods. Within the bamboo category (4419.1), the HTS provides specific breakouts. While 4419.11.00 exists for 'Bread boards, chopping boards and similar boards,' administrative rulings and the specific structure of the USHTS often direct certain bamboo kitchenware constructions into the residual 'Other' category under 4419.19.90.00. This is frequently due to the specific manufacturing process or commercial designation of the item as general kitchenware. By applying GRI 1, the item is identified as bamboo kitchenware, and GRI 6 allows for the final 10-digit classification at the 3.2% duty rate. Compliance requires verifying that the primary material remains bamboo and that no other material, such as plastic or metal, provides the essential character.

Tariff Information

General rate3.2%

🔒Section 301 surcharge (China origin)
🔒Section 232 (steel/aluminum)
🔒IEEPA tariffs
🔒Exclusion list lookup
🔒Tariff impact notes

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FAQ

Why is bamboo classified under the 'wood' chapter (44) if it is a grass?: Chapter 44 Note 6 specifically states that for the purposes of the HTS, 'wood' includes bamboo and other ligneous materials, ensuring they are classified alongside traditional timber products.
Are there additional duties for bamboo cutting boards imported from China?: Yes, products of Chinese origin may be subject to Section 301 trade remedies. Importers should check the latest USTR exclusions and lists to determine the total effective duty rate.
What documentation is needed for U.S. Customs entry?: Standard documentation includes the commercial invoice, packing list, and Bill of Lading. Additionally, evidence of FDA compliance for food contact materials is required for all kitchenware.