HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 4403.96 – 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
HS code 4403.96 is the 6-digit subheading for 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. It is used for birch pulpwood, small diameter birch logs, birch veneer logs (small), birch firewood and birch timber for craft.
What HS 4403.96 covers
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.
- Covers
- Birch pulpwood
- Small diameter birch logs
- Birch veneer logs (small)
- Birch firewood
- Birch timber for craft
- Examples
- UPM-Kymmene (birch pulp)
- Stora Enso (birch timber)
- IKEA (birch furniture components)
Codes often confused with 4403.96
Common mistake. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 440396, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 440396 in UN Comtrade data was Estonia, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Sweden, with 66% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Estonia $51M 42% of world exports
- 2 Lithuania $25M 21% of world exports
- 3 Latvia $24M 20% of world exports
World total: $122M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Sweden $72M 66% of world imports
- 2 Finland $26M 23% of world imports
- 3 China $2.6M 2.4% of world imports
World total: $110M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 4403.96
Brazil does not split HS 4403.96: its NCM code is 4403.96.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 44.03 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
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.
Questions about HS 4403.96
What is HS code 440396?
HS code 440396 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that 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.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 440396?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 440396 in UN Comtrade data were Estonia ($51M, 42% of world exports), Lithuania ($25M) and Latvia ($24M). World exports came to about $122M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 440396?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 440396 in UN Comtrade data were Sweden ($72M, 66% of world imports), Finland ($26M) and China ($2.6M). World imports came to about $110M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
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.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 440396?
In Brazil, HS code 440396 is NCM 4403.96.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.