Product classification
HS code for Fuel pellets: 4401.31
Wood, for fuel, sawdust and wood waste and scrap, agglomerated in wood pellets.
Classification of fuel pellets under HS 4401.31
The classification of fuel pellets under HS code 4401.31 is determined by the material composition and the physical form of the product. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1, products are classified according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Chapter 44 covers wood and articles of wood, while heading 4401 specifically addresses fuel wood in various forms. Subheading 4401.31 is strictly reserved for wood pellets, which are defined as wood waste or scrap that has been agglomerated either by direct compression or by the addition of a small amount of binder, such as starch or resin, not exceeding 3% by weight. The classification relies on the fact that the wood has been processed into a specific cylindrical or spherical shape to facilitate its use as a combustible fuel source in residential or industrial heating systems. The uniformity of the pellets is a key identifying feature for customs authorities.
- Covers
- Softwood fuel pellets
- Hardwood fuel pellets
- Agglomerated sawdust pellets
- Compressed wood scrap pellets
- Biomass wood pellets for residential stoves
- Also under 4401.31
- Enviva wood pellets
- Lignetics wood pellets
- ÖkoFEN pellets
- specific brands of certified biomass fuel pellets
- Home Depot wood pellets
Codes often confused with 4401.31
Common mistake. Fuel pellets are frequently confused with wood briquettes, which are classified under HS code 4401.32. While both are agglomerated wood waste, briquettes are typically much larger and have different shapes, such as rectangular blocks or large cylinders. Another common error is using HS code 4401.39, which is a residual category for wood waste and scrap that has not been agglomerated into pellets or briquettes, such as loose sawdust or wood chips. Additionally, pellets made from non-wood biomass, such as agricultural waste, should not be classified here; they often fall under 1404.90 or 1214.90 depending on the specific material.
Top exporters and importers of HS 440131 (the code used for fuel pellets), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 440131 (the code used for fuel pellets) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 31% 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 440131, not only fuel pellets.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $1.9B 28% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$1.4B 20% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Canada $548M 8.1% of world exports
World total: $6.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Kingdom $2.3B 31% of world imports
- 2 Japan $1.7B 23% of world imports
- 3 Denmark $594M 8.1% of world imports
World total: $7.3B 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 fuel pellets
Brazil classifies fuel pellets under NCM 4401.31.00: HS 4401.31 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 fuel pellets
What is the HS code for Fuel pellets?
The HS code for Fuel pellets is 440131 (Wood; for fuel, sawdust and wood waste and scrap, agglomerated in wood pellets). The specific HS code for wood fuel pellets is 4401.31.
How do I classify Fuel pellets for customs?
Fuel pellets is classified under HS code 440131 — Wood; for fuel, sawdust and wood waste and scrap, agglomerated in wood pellets. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can agricultural waste pellets use this code?
No, HS code 4401.31 is strictly for wood-based pellets. Pellets made from straw, husks, or other agricultural residues are classified under different headings such as 1404.90.
Which countries are the top exporters of fuel pellets (HS 440131)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 440131 (the code used for fuel pellets) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.9B, 28% of world exports), Vietnam (about $1.4B) and Canada ($548M). World exports came to about $6.8B, 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 fuel pellets (HS 440131)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 440131 (the code used for fuel pellets) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($2.3B, 31% of world imports), Japan ($1.7B) and Denmark ($594M). World imports came to about $7.3B, 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 Fuel pellets the same in all countries?
The base HS code 440131 for Fuel pellets 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 fuel pellets in Brazil?
In Brazil, fuel pellets (HS 440131) is classified under NCM 4401.31.00.