Importing Bamboo Products to the USA: Classification Guidance

There is a wide range of imported bamboo products in U.S. markets from all over the world. It’s considered one of the most versatile and environmentally friendly materials on the planet. However, that diversity can also make it difficult to properly classify it for entry through Customs. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Properly dried bamboo products are unlikely to require USDA import permits, but may still require a Lacey Act Declaration. 
• Fully finished products that happen to be made from bamboo are more likely to be regulated by partner government agencies other than the USDA. 
• Bamboo classification with the HTS is determined by multiple factors, but most finished goods will fall under their respective product categories. 
• Bamboo products sourced from China, for which they are the primary supplier, are subject to high tariffs likely to exceed 145% of value due to changing trade policies.

Find out what regulations affect bamboo products and how best to determine their entry classifications. 

Bamboo and Bamboo Product Import Regulations

Importing bamboo as a material is slightly different from importing products that happen to be made with or of bamboo. 

The material itself, as far as science is concerned, is a very sturdy grass. When it comes to import regulations, bamboo is treated as a wood product. This means it does fall under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). 

Whether it enters as a wood product, pulp, vegetable, or as plaited material that can be used in domestic manufacturing, it must meet certain USDA standards:

• In its raw form, bamboo must be dried and/or split with all leaves and seeds removed to enter without an import permit. 
• Bamboo that is used to support plants that are being imported require mandatory fumigation. 
• Bamboo that can spread (be planted or grown) is currently prohibited entry. 

Unlike most other raw lumber or wood imports, however, you will not need to fill out a timber permit. 

If you do want to import bamboo plants or seeds to the U.S. with permission from the USDA, check out our article, Importing Plants To The United States: What You Need To Know.

A bamboo product typically refers to a downstream commodity that happens to be made with bamboo. Due to its versatility and valuable natural qualities, there are simply too many to provide a list. 

In terms of regulations, however, you’re unlikely to need USDA approval. Finished products that happen to be made with bamboo do not need a USDA permit for entry. 

This can include commodities such as textile and apparel made with bamboo fibers, jewelry, and even electronics.

Successful importers are good at sourcing products requiring minimal licensing and are in high-demand fields.  

Is Bamboo Subject To The Lacey Act?

The majority of animal and plant products that enter the U.S. require a Lacey Act declaration from the importer, and that can include bamboo products.

Bamboo products are only subject to the Lacey Act if the plant was sourced from wild stands or there is no proof it came from cultivated farms.

Most commercial products come from well-established manufacturers who can provide this information. In that case, a Lacey Act declaration is most likely unnecessary. Your products will still be inspected by Customs and Border Protection (CBP), but only as part of standard inspection procedures. 

If you wish to double-check Lacey Act requirements to make sure a declaration is done properly, follow these additional steps:

• Find your products’ HTS Code
• Look for the code in the USDA’s APHIS implementation schedule
• Check with the Federal Register for updates and changes to requirements

APHIS is the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service branch that issues licenses and permits to importers of products that fall under its jurisdiction. 

If you are having trouble finding your bamboo product’s exact HTS code, it’s best to consult with a licensed customs broker who is familiar with import tariff codes and regulations. Failing to file, or incorrectly filing any import documents, such as a Lacey Act declaration, can result in thousands of dollars worth of fines. 

Regulations On Bamboo Handicrafts from China

Trade tensions between the U.S. and China go back many years and look to continue into the future.  

Since 2012, APHIS has had a rule requiring Chinese manufacturers to meet strict guidelines if they wanted their products to be allowed entry. The list of Approved Wooden Handicrafts Manufacturers is actually maintained by China in agreement with U.S. standards. APHIS updates the list for the benefit of U.S. importers. 

Manufacturing standards required for approval include:

• Heat treatment
• Methyl bromide fumigation  
• Kiln drying
• Quarantine 

Heat treated wood is seen as more ecologically friendly. If you are importing bamboo products for distributors that focus on being eco-friendly, you should take the time to ask about treatment methods.   

Wooden handicrafts can include items such as:

• Bird houses
• Baskets
• Pencils and pens
• Picture frames
• Garden fencing

Technically, any item with bamboo components qualifies. However, the more downstream the product is, the less necessary it’s likely to be. If you are importing from a country other than China, you should still contact the APHIS offices in case of other requirements. Double-checking requirements is always less costly than a fine. 

Do I Need A License to Import Bamboo Products?

As mentioned, fully finished products made with bamboo do not need a USDA import permit. Neither do imports of fully dried bamboo rods, split bamboo, or plaits.

However, bamboo has found its way into thousands of unique products.  The agencies regulating those downstream products are the ones to check with for possible licensing, permitting, or manufacturing needs. 

Some agencies to look out for include:

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Their guidelines for textile labels include specific instructions for items made from bamboo fibers.
• Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC): Safety standards are very specific, especially if products are aimed at children. The CPSC can issue holds for any product out of compliance.
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): Standards specific to fire hazards are addressed and may be required for distribution in some states. 
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Enforcement of laws that set formaldehyde standards and certain wood product certifications are covered by the EPA.
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Any product that is meant to come into contact with food, like a bamboo bowl, may need to submit product samples for lab testing to make sure chemical coatings don’t exceed safety standards. 

Anytime you are importing a new product, it’s important to do your research. Finding suppliers and products that people want is only half the battle. Having those items clear U.S. customs for distribution requires a different set of skills.

Bamboo Product Classification

Correctly classifying your bamboo imports according to the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) is the best way to narrow down which agency you may need to seek approval from. It’s also going to help you better determine your import costs. 

The first step is determining whether your bamboo imports are considered raw materials or finished products. In this case, raw means that it has been minimally transformed by chemicals or shaping. Lacey Act declarations are likely to be required. 

The HTS headings provided here are subject to change. In some cases, bamboo may not be mentioned specifically and fall under an “other” category within the listed HS chapters. 

Finished products are harder to classify, especially as you get further downstream in terms of manufacturing. The more transformation it undergoes, the more likely you should focus on what the end product’s HTS code is. 

For finished products that are primarily bamboo, there are separate HTS codes. I’ll provide you with a list of the most commonly imported. Depending on the amount of bamboo used and its origin, a Lacey Act Declaration may be required. 

Like the list of raw materials, the provided descriptions and potential HTS codes are not all-inclusive. There are potentially hundreds of products that use bamboo materials in some capacity.

If it’s the first time you’re importing such a product, or even changing where you are importing from, HTS confirmation from a customs broker is highly recommended. 

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Where Are Most Bamboo Products Imported From?

Bamboo product imports are closely tied to the nations with the largest bamboo industries with regard to harvesting, processing, and manufacturing. 

The top three in each of these categories are:

• China
• India
• Indonesia

U.S.-based manufacturers producing items that contain bamboo will most likely get their raw materials from one of these nations. 

It’s far more common for the U.S. to import the finished product. Because China has been dominant in the industry for so long, it’s still likely to be the top source, even as other countries try to boost their manufacturing. 

As an example, let’s look at bamboo flooring. In 2023, on a global scale, Chinese products accounted for about 58% of bamboo flooring exports. All of Europe combined accounted for another 33%. 

However, U.S. import numbers for that same year reveal that only 15% of its bamboo flooring was sourced from European nations. Products from China accounted for 73%. 

This example shows that while you can get your bamboo products from other places, China is still likely to be the top source in terms of both price and selection. 

Costs to Import Bamboo Products

The general rate of duty (as assigned by the HTS code) ranges between 0% to 30% depending on the bamboo product. Furniture and textiles produced from bamboo tend to be at the higher end of that scale. 

However, since the vast majority of bamboo products are sourced from China, there are a variety of other tariffs to consider. 

• Section 301 Tariffs: 

These started being applied to nearly all Chinese imports in 2018. However, there is a list of products that are excluded, which currently includes some bamboo-containing products. Rates for non-excluded items typically range from 7.5% to 25%, but can be higher. 

• Executive Order Tariff, March 2025:

This tariff is currently set at 20% ad valorem and applies to all products from China as well as Hong Kong (which was excluded from Section 301). 

• Reciprocal / Retaliatory Tariffs (Ongoing):

In April 2025, the U.S. began applying a 10% flat reciprocal tariff on nearly all trading partners. These are added onto assigned general rates of duty. Due to ongoing trade disagreements, the rate for China’s products has gone as high as 145% ad valorem in some cases. 

Be aware that even if you choose not to source your bamboo products from China, the 10% flat reciprocal tariff may still apply. 

Because the currently applied tariffs are prone to sudden changes, we urge importers to carefully consider where they are importing from and to use the services of an experienced customs brokerage to provide cost calculations and clearance services. 

If you wish to estimate costs on your own for budgeting purposes, also be aware that tariff stacking is now more common. This means that the application of one tariff (such as Section 301) can be placed in addition to general rates and other tariffs, rather than in lieu of them. 

Related: What are Reciprocal Tariffs? Definition and Purpose

No Bamboozling — Just Honest Help From USA Customs Clearance

Set yourself up as a trustworthy supplier of imported bamboo products. Importing bamboo products into U.S. distribution centers is a long process. The smoother you can make it, the better it will be for business. 

USA Customs Clearance is here to help with that process. We offer a variety of import services and have a trusted team of licensed and experienced customs brokers ready to tackle any and all import challenges. 

Get the tools you need for import. 

• 1-on-1 Consulting Sessions with Licensed Customs Consultants
• Importer of Record Registration
• Complete Customs Clearance Brokerage 

Take your import business to the next level with USA Customs Clearance. Call us today at (855) 912-0406 to speak directly with a representative, or schedule your consulting session online now with just a click. ne now with just a click.