Product classification
HS code for Birch logs: 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.
Classification of birch logs under HS 4403.96
Heading 440396 is specifically allocated for wood of birch (Betula spp.) that is "in the rough," meaning it is essentially raw timber. This includes logs that may or may not have their bark or sapwood stripped, or have been roughly squared, but remain untreated. A critical distinguishing factor for this particular subheading is the size limitation: any cross-sectional dimension must be less than 15 cm. This differentiates smaller diameter birch logs, often used for specific applications like pulpwood, firewood, or smaller woodworking projects, from larger timber. Chapter 44 covers "Wood and articles of wood," and within this, 4403 is for "Wood in the rough, whether or not stripped of bark or sapwood, or roughly squared." The specific species (birch) and the size constraint are key to this precise classification, ensuring accurate trade data for raw timber of a particular dimension.
- Covers
- Birch pulpwood logs with a diameter under 15 cm
- Small diameter birch timber for firewood
- Birch poles or posts with cross-sectional dimensions less than 15 cm, in their natural state
- Birch logs for chipping, where the diameter is less than 15 cm
- Untreated birch logs, roughly squared, with sides less than 15 cm
- Also under 4403.96
- UPM-Kymmene (birch pulp)
- Stora Enso (birch timber)
- IKEA (birch furniture components)
Codes often confused with 4403.96
Common mistake. 440399: This code covers "Other" wood in the rough, not specifically provided for in other subheadings of 4403. Birch logs with a cross-sectional dimension of 15 cm or more would fall under this broader category, as they exceed the size limit for 440396. The 15 cm threshold is the primary differentiator. 440796: This code is for wood of birch, sawn or chipped lengthwise, sliced or peeled, of a thickness exceeding 6mm, whether or not planed, sanded or finger-jointed. This heading applies to processed lumber, not wood "in the rough." Birch logs, even if roughly squared, are not considered sawn or chipped lengthwise in the context of 4407. 440111: This code covers coniferous firewood in logs, billets, twigs, faggots or similar forms. While birch logs can be used as firewood, 440111 is specifically for coniferous wood. Birch is a deciduous hardwood, thus it cannot be classified under this heading.
Top exporters and importers of HS 440396 (the code used for birch logs), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 440396 (the code used for birch logs) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 440396, not only birch logs.
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 birch logs
Brazil classifies birch logs under NCM 4403.96.00: HS 4403.96 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 birch logs
What is the HS code for Birch logs?
The HS code for Birch logs is 440396 (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). The HS code for birch logs (Betula spp.) in the rough, untreated, with any cross-sectional dimension less than 15 cm, is 440396.
How do I classify Birch logs for customs?
Birch logs is classified under HS code 440396 — 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 is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What does "in the rough" mean for wood classification?
"In the rough" refers to wood that is essentially in its natural state after felling. It may have been stripped of bark or sapwood, or roughly squared, but it has not undergone significant processing such as sawing lengthwise into planks or beams, or chemical treatment.
Which countries are the top exporters of birch logs (HS 440396)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 440396 (the code used for birch logs) 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 birch logs (HS 440396)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 440396 (the code used for birch logs) 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.
Is the HS code for Birch logs the same in all countries?
The base HS code 440396 for Birch 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 birch logs in Brazil?
In Brazil, birch logs (HS 440396) is classified under NCM 4403.96.00.