Oriented strand board (OSB) of wood, whether or not agglomerated with resins or other organic binding substances

HS code 441012 covers oriented strand board (OSB), a type of engineered wood panel that has become increasingly important in the construction and furniture industries. OSB is a cost-effective and versatile material, made by arranging wood strands or flakes in specific orientations and binding them together with resin. This process results in a strong, durable panel that can be used for a wide range of applications, from wall sheathing and roof decking to furniture and packaging. As a key component in the global wood products trade, OSB plays a vital role in the broader construction and manufacturing sectors.

The production of OSB typically involves several key steps. First, logs are debarked and then sliced or flaked into thin, elongated wood strands. These strands are then dried and sorted by size before being coated with a resin binder. The resin-coated strands are then formed into mats, with the strands oriented in specific directions to provide the desired strength and stability properties. Finally, the mats are pressed under heat and pressure to create the finished OSB panels, which are then trimmed and cut to size as needed.

The main inputs required for the production of OSB include raw wood materials, such as softwood logs or flakes, as well as various resin binders, such as phenol-formaldehyde or methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI). Specialized machinery, including flakers, dryers, and presses, is also essential for the manufacturing process. Additionally, energy sources, such as electricity or natural gas, are needed to power the production equipment.

The primary output of HS code 441012 is oriented strand board (OSB) panels, which are widely used in the construction industry for applications such as wall sheathing, roof decking, and flooring. OSB is also consumed by the furniture and packaging industries, where it is used to produce items like cabinets, shelving, and shipping containers. Other related HS codes that may consume OSB include 441011 Waferboard, including oriented strand board and 441019 Particle board and similar board of wood, whether or not agglomerated with resins or other organic binding substances.