Product classification

HS code for Aspen logs: 4403.97

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

Classification of aspen logs under HS 4403.97

The classification of Aspen logs under HS code 4403.97 is determined by the Harmonized System's hierarchical structure for wood products. Chapter 44 is dedicated to wood and articles of wood, with heading 4403 specifically covering wood in the rough. The term "in the rough" refers to timber in its natural state as felled, which may have the bark removed and the sapwood stripped. It also includes wood that has been roughly squared, meaning the outer girth has been removed by sawing or hewing to create a rectangular cross-section, though this is done primarily for ease of transport rather than as a final shaping process. Aspen belongs to the Populus genus, and the 4403.97 subheading specifically identifies "of poplar and aspen (Populus spp.)". This classification is crucial because it excludes wood that has been further processed, such as being sawn into planks or beams, which would move the product to heading 4407. Furthermore, the wood must be untreated. If the logs have been treated with paint, stains, creosote, or other preservatives to prevent decay or insect infestation, they are classified under subheading 4403.12. The distinction between coniferous and non-coniferous wood is also vital; aspen is a non-coniferous hardwood species, which is why it falls into the latter part of the 4403 heading. Importers must ensure that the logs do not have any decorative carving or structural joinery, as these features would shift the classification to more finished wood product categories.

Covers
  • Raw aspen logs with bark intact
  • Debarked aspen logs for pulpwood
  • Roughly squared aspen timber for transport
  • Aspen logs stripped of sapwood
  • Untreated aspen roundwood
Also under 4403.97
  • Georgia-Pacific (poplar pulp)
  • Weyerhaeuser (poplar timber)
  • Huhtamaki (poplar packaging)

Codes often confused with 4403.97

Common mistake. Aspen logs are frequently misclassified under HS code 4401.12, which covers fuel wood in logs. While aspen can be used as fuel, 4401 is intended for wood specifically destined for burning. If the logs are intended for industrial use, such as veneer or paper production, 4403.97 is the correct code. Another common error is using 4403.12, which is reserved for wood of the Populus genus that has been treated with preservatives. If the log has any chemical treatment, it must move to the treated category regardless of its species.

4401.12Wood; for fuel, in logs, in billets, in twigs, in faggots or similar forms, whether or not agglomerated, non-coniferous44.01Fuel wood, in logs, billets, twigs, faggots or similar forms; wood in chip or particles; sawdust and wood waste and scrap, whether or not agglomerated in logs, briquettes, pellets or similar forms4403.12Wood; 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

Top exporters and importers of HS 440397 (the code used for aspen logs), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 440397 (the code used for aspen logs) 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.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 440397, not only aspen logs.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 France $28M
  2. 2 Russia* ~$26M
  3. 3 United States $17M

World total: $120M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Italy $33M
  2. 2 China $29M
  3. 3 Belgium $14M

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 aspen logs

Brazil classifies aspen logs under NCM 4403.97.00: HS 4403.97 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

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 aspen logs

What is the HS code for Aspen logs?

The HS code for Aspen logs is 440397 (Wood; of poplar and aspen (Populus spp.), in the rough, whether or not stripped of bark or sapwood, or roughly squared, untreated). The primary HS code for untreated aspen logs is 4403.97, covering wood in the rough of the Populus species.

How do I classify Aspen logs for customs?

Aspen logs is classified under HS code 440397 — Wood; of poplar and aspen (Populus spp.), in the rough, whether or not stripped of bark or sapwood, or roughly squared, untreated. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Can aspen logs be classified as coniferous?

No, aspen is a deciduous tree and is classified as non-coniferous wood under the Harmonized System.

Which countries are the top exporters of aspen logs (HS 440397)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 440397 (the code used for aspen logs) 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 aspen logs (HS 440397)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 440397 (the code used for aspen logs) 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.

Is the HS code for Aspen logs the same in all countries?

The base HS code 440397 for Aspen logs is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.

What is the NCM code for aspen logs in Brazil?

In Brazil, aspen logs (HS 440397) is classified under NCM 4403.97.00.