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 focus on sustainable construction practices continues to grow, the demand for these types of composite materials is expected to rise, making this industry an important component of the broader economy.

The production of the materials covered under HS code 680800 typically involves a process of mixing and compressing the raw materials, which can include vegetable fibers, straw, wood shavings, sawdust, and other waste products. These materials are then combined with cement, plaster, or other mineral binders and formed into the desired shapes and sizes using specialized machinery. The final products are often designed to have improved thermal and acoustic insulation properties, making them attractive for use in a variety of construction applications.

The main inputs required for the production of the materials covered under HS code 680800 include the various natural fibers, wood waste, and mineral binders. Depending on the specific product, the raw materials may be sourced from agricultural or forestry waste, as well as from dedicated production of materials like straw or wood shavings. Additionally, the manufacturing process requires specialized equipment for mixing, forming, and curing the composite materials.

The primary outputs of the industry covered by HS code 680800 are the panels, boards, tiles, and blocks used in construction and building applications. These materials are often used as insulation, flooring, roofing, and wall coverings, and can be found in a wide range of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. The outputs of this industry may be consumed by other industries, such as 441011 Wood-cement, gypsum or other mineral binders composite siding, paneling and the like, 680690 Mineral wools and articles of mineral wools; mixtures and articles of heat-insulating, sound-insulating or sound-absorbing mineral materials, and 940690 Prefabricated buildings.