HS Code Subheading

Wood; of birch (Betula spp.), in the rough, whether or not stripped of bark or sapwood, or roughly squared, untreated, of which any cross-sectional dimension is less than 15 cm

4403.96 Subheading
Section IX — Wood and articles of wood; wood charcoal; cork and articles of cork; manufactures of straw, of esparto or of other plaiting materials; basketware and wickerwork

About HS Code 440396

This HS code covers rough birch wood, specifically timber with a cross-sectional dimension less than 15 cm, that has not been treated or further processed beyond stripping bark or rough squaring. Birch (Betula spp.) is a versatile hardwood, highly valued in international trade for its light color, fine grain, and strength. Major importers include countries with strong plywood, furniture, and pulp and paper industries, such as China, Germany, and other European nations. Exporters are typically countries with extensive birch forests, like Russia, Finland, and Sweden. Key things to know include the increasing demand for sustainably sourced wood, driven by regulations like EUDR and EUTR, which require due diligence on legality and sustainability. The smaller dimension often indicates its use for pulpwood, smaller furniture components, or specialized applications rather than large structural timber.

Products Under This Code

Birch pulpwood, small diameter birch logs, birch veneer logs (small), birch firewood, birch timber for craft

Real World Examples

UPM-Kymmene (birch pulp), Stora Enso (birch timber), IKEA (birch furniture components)

Common Misclassification

This code is often confused with 440395 (birch wood with cross-sectional dimension 15 cm or more) or 440399 (other non-coniferous rough wood). The critical distinction is the species (birch) and the specific dimension threshold.

EU Regulatory Requirements

This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.

This product is covered by the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR), requiring operators to exercise due diligence to minimize the risk of placing illegally harvested timber on the EU market.

Products Classified Under 4403.96

Birch logsUntreated birch logs

Related Codes

4403.11 Wood; coniferous species, in the rough, whether or not stripped of bark or sapwood, or roughly squared; treated with paint, stains, creosote or other preservatives 4403.12 Wood; non-coniferous species, in the rough, whether or not stripped of bark or sapwood, or roughly squared; treated with paint, stains, creosote or other preservatives 4403.21 Wood; coniferous species, of pine (Pinus spp.), in the rough, whether or not stripped of bark or sapwood, or roughly squared, untreated, of which the smallest cross-sectional dimension is 15 cm or more 4403.22 Wood; coniferous species, of pine (Pinus spp.), in the rough, whether or not stripped of bark or sapwood, or roughly squared, untreated, of which any cross-sectional dimension is less than 15 cm 4403.23 Wood; coniferous species, of fir (Abies spp.) and spruce (Picea spp.), in the rough, whether or not stripped of bark or sapwood, or roughly squared, untreated, of which the smallest cross-sectional dimension is 15 cm or more 4403.24 Wood; coniferous species, of fir (Abies spp.) and spruce (Picea spp.), in the rough, whether or not stripped of bark or sapwood, or roughly squared, untreated, of which any cross-sectional dimension is less than 15 cm 4403.25 Wood; coniferous species n.e.c. in headings 4403.21 or 4403.23, in the rough, whether or not stripped of bark or sapwood, or roughly squared, untreated, of which the smallest cross-sectional dimension is 15 cm or more 4403.26 Wood; coniferous species n.e.c in headings 4403.22 or 4403.24, in the rough, whether or not stripped of bark or sapwood, or roughly squared, untreated, of which any cross-sectional dimension is less than 15 cm 4403.41 Wood, tropical; as specified in Subheading Note 2 to this Chapter, dark red meranti, light red meranti and meranti bakau, in the rough, whether or not stripped of bark or sapwood, or roughly squared, untreated 4403.42 Wood, tropical; teak, in the rough, whether or not stripped of bark or sapwood, or roughly squared, untreated

Industry

This code belongs to the Wood & Wood Products industry.

Trade Overview

Russia, Finland, and Sweden are major exporters, while China and Germany are key importers for various industrial uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 440396?

HS code 440396 covers: Wood; of birch (Betula spp.), in the rough, whether or not stripped of bark or sapwood, or roughly squared, untreated, of which any cross-sectional dimension is less than 15 cm. This HS code covers rough birch wood, specifically timber with a cross-sectional dimension less than 15 cm, that has not been treated or further processed beyond stripping bark or rough squaring. Birch (Betula spp.) is a versatile hardwood, highly valued in international trade for its light color, fine grain, and strength. Major importers include countries with strong plywood, furniture, and pulp and paper industries, such as China, Germany, and other European nations. Exporters are typically countries with extensive birch forests, like Russia, Finland, and Sweden. Key things to know include the increasing demand for sustainably sourced wood, driven by regulations like EUDR and EUTR, which require due diligence on legality and sustainability. The smaller dimension often indicates its use for pulpwood, smaller furniture components, or specialized applications rather than large structural timber.

What products fall under HS code 440396?

Birch pulpwood, small diameter birch logs, birch veneer logs (small), birch firewood, birch timber for craft

What are common misclassifications for HS code 440396?

This code is often confused with 440395 (birch wood with cross-sectional dimension 15 cm or more) or 440399 (other non-coniferous rough wood). The critical distinction is the species (birch) and the specific dimension threshold.

How is HS code 440396 structured?

HS code 440396 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (44) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (03) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (96) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.