Global Bamboo Trade Regulations: Challenges & Solutions for Importers and Exporters

Introduction

The global bamboo products market was estimated to be US$75.6 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach US$82.9 billion in 2028. By 2031, its value is expected to reach US$138.9 billion. This means that this market records a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9%.

The fast growth of the bamboo industry is due to its sustainability and versatility. In fact, bamboo is now used in diverse sectors and applications such as in construction, furniture, textile, paper, and food and beverage sectors. For construction purposes, bamboo’s durability, flexibility, and lightweight nature make it an increasingly in-demand material especially in areas that are severely affected by earthquakes and other natural disasters.

In 2022, 65% of the world's bamboo exports came from China. Other regions such as South America and Africa are increasingly becoming significant sources of bamboo exports too (Business Wire, 2021; Markets & Data, 2024).

Despite the flourishing market for bamboo products and promising projections for the industry, regulation bamboo products is becoming more challenging for us at HTR Bamboo and other Chinese bamboo traders. Some of the key challenges are the ever-evolving U.S.-China trade relations, EU environmental regulations, and the barriers presented by sustainability requirements like FSC and ISO 14001. Misclassification issues and anti-dumping risks further complications to our endeavors.

This is why as the Vice President of Engineering & Research at HTR bamboo, I always emphasize that regulatory compliance is essential to our success.

Classification of Bamboo Products & HS Code Analysis

Although bamboo is a grass, it is classified under Chapter 44 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which covers wood and wood products. The classification of bamboo products is determined through various criteria such as construction, use and material composition. In this webinar, Laurel Duvall, a National Import Specialist for Wood Products shares insights on the complex classifications of bamboo products. This classification means that bamboo may be subjected to the strict trade and sustainability standards for wood products. Misclassification of bamboo products can result to expensive anti-dumping tariffs and trade restrictions.

The table below shows some bamboo products and their HTSUS classification codes:

Bamboo Products and their HTSUS Codes

Source: WTO & INBAR

Import Regulations & Compliance Requirements in Major Markets

United States

In the U.S., we ensure Lacey Act compliance, which requires proof of legal bamboo sourcing, including harvesting permits. The U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) collects these declarations (USDA, 2024).

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is also implementing the Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood Products Act under Title VI Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) to reduce formaldehyde emissions from wood products. EPA requires us to label our products as TSCA Title VI-compliant courtesy of a third-party certification program for laboratory testing and oversight of formaldehyde emissions (EPA, 2025).

There is also the antidumping law, which is also one of the primary concerns for Chinese bamboo exporters. The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) investigate whether imported products are being sold at less than fair value, which directly affect our pricing and marketing strategy.

European Union

In the EU, we also comply to various sourcing or origin requirements, chemical restrictions, and antidumping policies. The EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) prohibits illegal logging and trade. Acquiring the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) documentations helps us prove our due diligence in sourcing bamboo wood (European Commission, 2024).

There is also the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation which ensure that wood products are free from harmful chemical substances. We are required to gather and register information about the chemical substances that we use throughout the supply chain in the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) database. This is tricky considering that some EU countries are also requiring fumigation in imported wood products. We revolutionized our pest management system to adapt to these prevailing international regulations.

China

China enforces strict export regulations to enhance compliance to international markets. For one, China has a national forest certification scheme: the China Forest Certification Scheme (CFCS). To legally harvest bamboo, we are required to obtain forest harvesting permit. Certain bamboo species that are listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) require export permits (Li, 2024; CITES, 2024).

Non-Compliance Risk

Surely, complying to these bamboo product trade regulations entails various costs, but non-compliance risks are much greater. In 2024, the U.S. Department of Commerce concluded a violation of the antidumping duty on wood mouldings and millwork products from certain Chinese traders. The agency imposed 4.68% weighted average dumping margin (International Trade Administration, 2024). This decision and action demonstrate the commitment of U.S. trade enforcement to prevent unfair competition and to target Chinese bamboo and wood exports.

HTR Bamboo

At HTR Bamboo, we ensure that we comply closely to bamboo product trade regulations.

We start by ensuring that we classify our products correctly under the HTSUS Code. Moreover, we have officially achieved our FSC certification. Achieving this certification is one of our many efforts reflecting our commitment towards sustainable sourcing, production, and participation in the bamboo industry. FSC certification is mandatory for U.S. and EU markets. As we demonstrate our dedication to meeting international standards, HTR is also ready to be a key international player in sustainable bamboo solutions.

With the approval of the Eco-design Directive on July 18, 2024, which may cover bamboo furniture and wood materials in EU (European Commission, 2024), we are also gearing towards enhancing the reusability, reparability, and recyclability of our products. As the Vice President of Engineering & Research at HTR Bamboo, I take the lead in the development of durable and eco-friendly bamboo products. We are seeking for stronger eco-design principles to ensure compliance to this directive and beyond.

Conclusion

The global bamboo market is expanding rapidly due to its sustainability and versatility. However, compliance with international regulations remains a key challenge for exporters like HTR Bamboo. In the U.S., laws such as the Lacey Act, TSCA Title VI, and antidumping policies affect market entry. Similarly, the EU enforces strict sourcing, chemical, and sustainability standards. Finally, China regulates bamboo harvesting and exports to align with international trade laws.

Non-compliance can lead to expensive penalties. Others may also experience trade restrictions and difficulty to enter the market again. At HTR Bamboo, we prioritize regulatory compliance by classifying products correctly and securing necessary certifications like FSC. We are also enhancing our product designs to meet evolving sustainability requirements which we expect to become broader and more encompassing in the future.

As the bamboo industry continues to grow, maintaining compliance and innovation will be crucial for our long-term success. By focusing on sustainable practices and regulatory compliance, HTR Bamboo is ready to become a leader in the international bamboo market.

Got more questions about sustainable bamboo trade compliance solutions? Leave Well Nature Bamboo a message! 🌿

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