If you’re planning to purchase or sell HDHMR boards (or are just curious about the technical specs), it’s useful to know two key things: the tax and classification details (HSN code & GST rate), and the standard thicknesses and sizes these boards come in. In this guide, we’ll break down the HSN code for HDHMR and its GST rate in India, and then outline common thickness standards and sheet dimensions for HDHMR boards. This information will help you with proper billing, compliance, and selecting the right board size for your project.
HSN Code for HDHMR Board
HSN stands for Harmonized System of Nomenclature, a code used to classify goods for taxation and international trade. HDHMR boards, being a type of engineered wood panel, fall under the HSN category for fiberboard or similar wood panels.
The likely HSN code for HDHMR board is 4411, which corresponds to “Fiberboard of wood or other ligneous materials, whether or not bonded with resins or other organic substances”. Within 4411, there are sub-codes based on density and thickness. For example:
· HSN 44111200 – might refer to medium density fiberboard of certain thickness (e.g., not exceeding 5mm).
· HSN 44111300 / 44111400 – these can refer to MDF/HDF of higher thickness (e.g., >5mm and >9mm respectively). In fact, 44111400 is often used for MDF of thickness > 9mm. An Indian customs duty reference explicitly linked HDHMR to code 44111400 (Medium density fibreboard >9mm).
However, HDHMR is technically a high-density fiberboard, but Indian tariff schedules may not have a separate code for HDF vs MDF – they all fall under 4411 with sub-categories by thickness. So, for practical purposes, when invoicing HDHMR sheets, suppliers commonly use HSN 4411 (and the relevant 4-digit extension depending on thickness). For example, an invoice might show 4411 94 or similar codes which are within that range (the exact extension can denote whether it’s decorative laminated or plain, etc., but 4411 covers plain fiberboards).
To be safe, if you’re specifying on paperwork, you can use 4411 as the broad category, or if needed use 4411 94 90 (in some tax documents, 44119490 could be fiberboard other, not mechanically worked, etc.). For exports or imports, one might use 4411. The CBIC (Central Board of Indirect Taxes) in India lists fibreboard under HSN 4411 and assigns it an 18% GST rate.
GST Rate for HDHMR
In India, Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates for wood panels have been revised in the past. As of the current regime:
HDHMR boards attract an 18% GST rate.
Originally, many wood panel products (including particle boards, MDF, etc.) were in the 28% bracket when GST launched in 2017. But the government later reduced these to 18% to boost the industry. For instance, an entry shows “18% has replaced 28%” for MDF boards under 4411 effective 15/11/2017. Fiberboard items like insulation board, acoustic board, etc., are also listed at 18%.
The CBIC’s official GST rate schedule confirms: HSN 4411 Fiberboard... other than specified boards: 9% CGST + 9% SGST = 18% total. (The “specified boards” with lower rates in the schedule usually refer to things like certain straw boards, etc., which are not our concern here).
So if you buy an HDHMR board, the invoice will likely have 18% GST on the taxable value (if you’re in India). For example, if the board’s price is ₹2000 per sheet, GST would be ₹360 (18%) making total ₹2360.
Note: If someone charges 28%, they are likely outdated. Conversely, a few wood items have 12% GST but those are specific (like bamboo wood products or composite items). Engineered wood panels like HDHMR definitely fall under 18% as of now. Always check the latest government notifications if in doubt, but multiple sources corroborate the 18% for fiberboards.
Quick GST Tip:
For contractors and businesses, HDHMR board would be treated like any other building material. Input tax credit can be claimed if you’re GST registered and using it for taxable works. Just ensure the HSN is properly mentioned as 4411 on the invoice.
Standard Thicknesses of HDHMR Boards
HDHMR boards come in various thicknesses to suit different needs. Standard available thicknesses typically include:
- 4mm and 6mm: Thin HDHMR boards (often 4mm, 5.5mm, 6mm range) are used for back panels of furniture, wall panel overlays, or any application where you need a thin sheet with moisture resistance. They could replace 4mm MDF or plywood in many cases. For example, if you’re making the back of a wardrobe that often is a thin plywood, using 5.5mm HDHMR gives a sturdier, moisture-proof back. Some vendors list 4mm HDHMR for sale with smooth surfaces, great for painting or laminating thinly.
- 8mm and 9mm: Mid-thickness boards like 8 or 9mm can be used for drawer bottoms, cabinet backs (if you want something thicker than 6mm), or even certain paneling jobs. 9mm could also work for small cabinet doors or CNC cut designs that don’t need full 18mm.
- 12mm: A common thickness for many uses – shelves for light loads, inner partitions in cabinets, or even wall paneling pieces. 12mm HDHMR has decent strength while being lighter than the thicker ones, and is easier to cut for intricate shapes (e.g., jali or CNC patterns for wall decor). It’s also used in speaker boxes or acoustic panels since it’s dense.
- 16mm & 17mm (16.75mm): This is an interesting one – some brands have a 16.75mm which they call 17mm often. Century’s “BSB HDHMR” for example is 16.75mm. These mid-high thickness boards are great for most furniture – lots of wardrobes and kitchen cabinets use 16 or 17mm boards for the carcass and doors. They strike a balance between strength and weight.
- 18mm: Perhaps the most popular thickness for structural parts of furniture. 18mm HDHMR is excellent for cabinet carcasses, doors, tabletops, etc. It’s comparable to the typical 19mm plywood used in carpentry. If you’re replacing plywood with HDHMR, 18mm is usually the go-to for an apples-to-apples thickness. It’s very strong and rigid. Many pricing references of HDHMR are for 18mm because that’s widely demanded (material depot site lists 18mm HDHMR board, as do others).
- 25mm: Thick HDHMR boards (24mm, 25mm) exist for heavy-duty applications. If you need a really solid countertop substrate or a door that is extra thick (like certain decorative doors or workbench tops), 25mm provides that heft. It’s also useful for making raised platforms or flooring underlay in some modular constructions. However, 25mm is heavy, so you’ll mostly see it used where the extra thickness is structurally needed or for large span tables without support.
- Other intermediate thicknesses: Some suppliers mention 5.5mm, 16mm, 19mm, 20mm or 21mm as options. For instance, 19mm is often actually 18mm marketed. There’s also mention of 19mm blockboard but that’s a different product. Typically, the range is from ~4mm up to ~25mm. Not all suppliers stock every increment, but commonly 6, 9, 12, 16, 18, 25 are available.
According to a sales listing: Action Tesa’s HDHMR boards are available in thicknesses from 4mm to 25mm. That covers pretty much all needs. Another wholesale spec might list: 4, 6, 8, 12, 18, 25 (this covers the key ones).
Standard Sheet Sizes
Along with thickness, you should know the typical sheet dimensions:
- 8ft x 4ft (2440mm x 1220mm): This is the most standard size for HDHMR boards, same as plywood sheets. Almost all HDHMR will come in 8x4 sheets. That’s convenient for most carpentry as it matches existing cut lists and modular standards.
- 8ft x 6ft or 7ft x 4ft: Some manufacturers might offer longer boards like 8x6 feet, or other variants, but they are less common. 7x4 is actually not common; perhaps 6x4 (approx 1825x1220mm) is sometimes seen in MDF/HDF for specific uses. But for HDHMR specifically, 8x4 is overwhelmingly standard.
- 9ft x 6ft or Custom: In some cases, if the manufacturing line supports, they might cut larger boards. However, handling becomes an issue with heavier HDHMR, so 8x4 remains the practical optimum.
From a seller’s site: one HDHMR variant was available in “Size: 8’x4’, 7’x4’”, suggesting there are a few options. Also, one “Green HDHMR” spec sheet indicated sizes 8x4 and possibly 6x4. So check with suppliers if you need something like 8x6.
Keep in mind that like plywood, the actual dimension might be a few mm short (for example 2440 x 1220mm exactly, which is 8x4 in metric).
Thickness and Pricing Consideration (Info)
Just for your knowledge, thickness affects price: thicker boards cost more. MagicBricks gave a price range per sheet by thickness – e.g., ₹500-550 for 3mm sheet up to ₹4350-4500 for 25mm sheet. That shows how as thickness increases, price jumps significantly (since you get more material). Most people use 18mm for main structures and maybe 12mm or 9mm for secondary parts to optimize cost and weight.
Also, thicker boards (18mm+) will be heavier to move and cut, so ensure you have the capability to handle that if DIY.
Putting It All Together: Example
Suppose you are ordering HDHMR for a kitchen project. You might order:
· 4 sheets of 18mm HDHMR (8x4) for the main cabinets and shutters.
· 2 sheets of 6mm HDHMR for backing and drawer bases.
· On the invoice, it would list HSN 4411 for these, with GST 18%.
· Each sheet’s price would be according to thickness (say ₹3000/sheet for 18mm and ₹800/sheet for 6mm, just an example), then GST 18% on each line.
Knowing this, you ensure the billing is correct and you also ensure your contractor uses the right thickness in the right place (no skimping by using thinner where thick was specified).
In summary, HSN Code 4411 and GST 18% are what you need to remember for HDHMR boards in India’s context. And when it comes to thickness, you have a wide range – from very thin 4mm for backs to hefty 25mm for structural pieces – with 18mm being a common workhorse. Standard sheets are 8x4 feet, making them easy replacements for plywood in any design. This knowledge helps you plan your material purchase accurately, avoiding surprises at checkout or during installation.
If you’re interested in more practical knowledge on HDHMR, you might check out Where is HDHMR Used? Kitchen, Doors & Modular Furniture to see how these different thicknesses get applied in real projects. And for a competitive edge in cost planning, understanding how HDHMR’s quality compares to cost, our earlier discussion in HDHMR vs MDF vs Plywood might shed light on why those price differences exist.
Disclaimer: This article is generated using AI-assisted research and is intended for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, readers are advised to verify all technical, pricing, and brand-specific details with official sources. hdhmr.in is not liable for any decisions made based on this content.
