Panels, boards, tiles, blocks and the like; of vegetable fibre, of straw, shavings, chips, particles, sawdust or other waste, of wood, agglomerated with cement, plaster or other mineral binders

HS code 680800 covers a diverse range of construction materials, including panels, boards, tiles, and blocks made from agglomerated vegetable fibers, straw, wood waste, and other natural materials. These products play a crucial role in the building and construction industry, providing cost-effective and environmentally-friendly alternatives to traditional building materials. As the global demand for sustainable construction solutions continues to grow, the importance of this industry within the broader economy is expected to increase.

The production of HS 680800 items typically involves a process of agglomeration, where the raw materials (such as vegetable fibers, straw, wood waste, etc.) are combined with cement, plaster, or other mineral binders. This mixture is then pressed, molded, or extruded into the desired shape and size. The specific production techniques may vary depending on the type of product being manufactured, but the core process of binding natural materials with mineral-based binders remains consistent.

The main inputs required for the production of HS 680800 items include a variety of natural raw materials, such as 440121 wood waste, 140490 vegetable fibers, and 120100 straw. Additionally, mineral binders like cement, plaster, and other aggregates are essential for the agglomeration process. Specialized machinery, such as presses, molds, and extruders, are also necessary to shape and form the final products.

The primary outputs of the HS 680800 industry are the various types of panels, boards, tiles, and blocks made from the agglomerated natural materials. These products are widely used in the construction and building industry, serving as insulation, flooring, roofing, and wall materials. The outputs of this industry may be consumed by other HS codes, such as 680911 building boards of gypsum or of plaster, 441011 particle board and similar board of wood or other ligneous materials, and 680919 boards, sheets, panels, tiles and similar articles of plaster or of compositions based on plaster, among others.