HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 4403.97 – Wood; of poplar and aspen (Populus spp.), in the rough, whether or not stripped of bark or sapwood, or roughly squared, untreated
HS code 4403.97 is the 6-digit subheading for wood, of poplar and aspen (Populus spp.), in the rough, whether or not stripped of bark or sapwood, or roughly squared, untreated. It is used for poplar logs, aspen pulpwood, poplar veneer logs, aspen timber and poplar packaging wood.
What HS 4403.97 covers
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.
- Covers
- Poplar logs
- Aspen pulpwood
- Poplar veneer logs
- Aspen timber
- Poplar packaging wood
- Matchstick blanks
- Examples
- Georgia-Pacific (poplar pulp)
- Weyerhaeuser (poplar timber)
- Huhtamaki (poplar packaging)
Codes often confused with 4403.97
Common mistake. Confusion can arise with other non-coniferous rough wood, particularly 440399 (other non-coniferous rough wood). The key differentiator is the specific Populus species.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 440397, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 440397 in UN Comtrade data was France, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 27% 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 France $28M 23% of world exports
- 2 Russia* ~$26M 22% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 United States $17M 14% of world exports
World total: $120M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $33M 27% of world imports
- 2 China $29M 24% of world imports
- 3 Belgium $14M 12% of world imports
World total: $122M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 4403.97
Brazil does not split HS 4403.97: its NCM code is 4403.97.00.
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 4403.97
What is HS code 440397?
HS code 440397 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that 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.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 440397?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 440397 in UN Comtrade data were France ($28M, 23% of world exports), Russia (about $26M) and the United States ($17M). World exports came to about $120M, 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 440397?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 440397 in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($33M, 27% of world imports), China ($29M) and Belgium ($14M). World imports 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.
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.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 440397?
In Brazil, HS code 440397 is NCM 4403.97.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.