HS Code Subheading

Wood; of poplar and aspen (Populus spp.), in the rough, whether or not stripped of bark or sapwood, or roughly squared, untreated

4403.97 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 440397

This category encompasses rough wood from poplar and aspen (Populus spp.), which is untreated and may be stripped of bark or roughly squared. Poplar and aspen are fast-growing, relatively soft hardwoods known for their light weight and pale color. They are extensively traded for applications requiring these characteristics, such as plywood cores, matchsticks, packaging materials, and pulp production. Countries with large plantations or natural stands of poplar and aspen, like China, the USA, and Canada, are significant exporters. Importers include manufacturing hubs in Asia and Europe that utilize these woods for various industrial processes. The trade is influenced by demand for sustainable, rapidly renewable resources, with regulations like EUDR and EUTR playing a role in ensuring responsible sourcing.

Products Under This Code

Poplar logs, aspen pulpwood, poplar veneer logs, aspen timber, poplar packaging wood, matchstick blanks

Real World Examples

Georgia-Pacific (poplar pulp), Weyerhaeuser (poplar timber), Huhtamaki (poplar packaging)

Common Misclassification

Confusion can arise with other non-coniferous rough wood, particularly 440399 (other non-coniferous rough wood). The key differentiator is the specific Populus species.

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 4403.97

Poplar logsAspen logsUntreated poplar 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

China, USA, and Canada are significant producers/exporters, with Europe and Asia being major importers for various applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 440397?

HS code 440397 covers: Wood; of poplar and aspen (Populus spp.), in the rough, whether or not stripped of bark or sapwood, or roughly squared, untreated. This category encompasses rough wood from poplar and aspen (Populus spp.), which is untreated and may be stripped of bark or roughly squared. Poplar and aspen are fast-growing, relatively soft hardwoods known for their light weight and pale color. They are extensively traded for applications requiring these characteristics, such as plywood cores, matchsticks, packaging materials, and pulp production. Countries with large plantations or natural stands of poplar and aspen, like China, the USA, and Canada, are significant exporters. Importers include manufacturing hubs in Asia and Europe that utilize these woods for various industrial processes. The trade is influenced by demand for sustainable, rapidly renewable resources, with regulations like EUDR and EUTR playing a role in ensuring responsible sourcing.

What products fall under HS code 440397?

Poplar logs, aspen pulpwood, poplar veneer logs, aspen timber, poplar packaging wood, matchstick blanks

What are common misclassifications for HS code 440397?

Confusion can arise with other non-coniferous rough wood, particularly 440399 (other non-coniferous rough wood). The key differentiator is the specific Populus species.

How is HS code 440397 structured?

HS code 440397 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 (97) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.