About HS Code 440500
This HS code covers highly processed wood materials: wood wool and wood flour. Wood wool, also known as excelsior, consists of thin, curled strands of wood, primarily used for packaging, insulation, and animal bedding due to its cushioning and absorbent properties. Wood flour is finely ground wood, a powder-like material used extensively as a filler in plastics, composites, wood-plastic composites, and as a mild abrasive or absorbent. These products represent a significant 'waste-to-value' stream in the timber industry, utilizing sawmill by-products. Major importers and exporters are industrialized nations with strong manufacturing sectors that require these materials for various industrial applications. The trade is driven by industrial demand for sustainable fillers and packaging solutions.
Products Under This Code
Wood wool for packaging, wood wool for animal bedding, wood flour for plastic fillers, wood flour for composites, wood flour for cleaning products, wood flour for briquettes
Real World Examples
Ecovative (mycelium composites using wood flour), various packaging companies, animal bedding suppliers
Common Misclassification
Can be confused with wood chips (4401) if the material is not finely processed enough, or with sawdust (often considered waste, not a specific trade item under this code). The key is the specific forms: 'wool' (strands) and 'flour' (fine powder).
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 4405.00
Industry
This code belongs to the Wood & Wood Products industry.
Trade Overview
Industrialized nations with strong manufacturing and agricultural sectors are the primary producers and consumers, with trade often driven by specific industrial needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 440500?
HS code 440500 covers: Wood; wood wool and wood flour. This HS code covers highly processed wood materials: wood wool and wood flour. Wood wool, also known as excelsior, consists of thin, curled strands of wood, primarily used for packaging, insulation, and animal bedding due to its cushioning and absorbent properties. Wood flour is finely ground wood, a powder-like material used extensively as a filler in plastics, composites, wood-plastic composites, and as a mild abrasive or absorbent. These products represent a significant 'waste-to-value' stream in the timber industry, utilizing sawmill by-products. Major importers and exporters are industrialized nations with strong manufacturing sectors that require these materials for various industrial applications. The trade is driven by industrial demand for sustainable fillers and packaging solutions.
What products fall under HS code 440500?
Wood wool for packaging, wood wool for animal bedding, wood flour for plastic fillers, wood flour for composites, wood flour for cleaning products, wood flour for briquettes
What are common misclassifications for HS code 440500?
Can be confused with wood chips (4401) if the material is not finely processed enough, or with sawdust (often considered waste, not a specific trade item under this code). The key is the specific forms: 'wool' (strands) and 'flour' (fine powder).
How is HS code 440500 structured?
HS code 440500 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (44) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (05) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (00) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.