Browse node IDs are positive integers that uniquely identify product sets, for example, Literature & Fiction: (17), Medicine: (13996), Mystery & Thrillers: (18), Nonfiction: (53), Outdoors & Nature: (290060). Amazon uses over 120,000 browse node IDs in the US locale alone.
While top level browse node values tend to remain the same, the values of others change often. Browse nodes are created and eliminated without notification. For that reason, it is advisable not to hard code browse node IDs into applications.
Browse node IDs are unique in one locale only, that is, the same browse node ID might be used in two locales but the names and purposes of those browse nodes might be unrelated.
Browse node IDs are assigned internally by Amazon. There are no general rules for number assignments. You cannot assume, for example, that all IDs in the 2000s are related in any way.
http://docs.aws.amazon.com/AWSECommerceService/latest/DG/BrowseNodeIDValues.html