HS Code 4406

Wooden Railway and Tramway Sleepers

HS code 4406 covers wooden railway or tramway sleepers, also known as cross-ties, used to support tracks, spanning both treated and untreated timber varieties.

4-digit Section IXBulk

HS Code 4406 — Wooden Railway and Tramway Sleepers

This category includes heavy wooden cross-ties used to support railway tracks or tram lines. It covers both impregnated wood (treated with creosote or preservatives) and non-impregnated wood specifically shaped for rail infrastructure.

What's included

  • Creosote-treated sleepers
  • Hardwood rail ties
  • Switch ties
  • Untreated timber sleepers

What's excluded

  • Concrete sleepers → use 6810 (Classified by material (concrete) rather than function.)
  • Steel sleepers → use 7302 (Classified under railway track construction material of iron or steel.)

Common examples

  • Creosote-impregnated oak sleepers
  • Untreated Jarrah railway ties
  • Standard gauge pine sleepers
  • Industrial tramway cross-ties

Frequently asked questions

Are treated sleepers restricted?

Many countries restrict the import of creosote-treated wood due to environmental regulations; check local chemical laws.

Trade & shipping notes

  • Typical duty range: 0% - 6.5%
  • Documentation: Impregnated wood often requires a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) detailing chemical treatments.
  • Typical shipping mode: Bulk
  • Top exporters: United States, France, Ukraine
  • Top importers: United Kingdom, Germany, Australia

Key takeaway

Strict regulations often apply to treated wood (creosote) depending on the destination.

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