HS Code for Oak logs

Oak logs are classified under HS code 4403.91, which is situated within Chapter 44 of the Harmonized System. This chapter covers wood and articles of wood, while heading 4403 specifically addresses wood in the rough. To be accurately classified under this code, the wood must be of the Quercus species (oak) and remain in its natural, felled state. The classification includes logs that have had their bark or sapwood removed, as well as those that have been roughly squared. Roughly squared wood refers to logs that have had their rounded sides removed with an axe or saw to create a preliminary rectangular shape for easier transport, but which have not yet been sawn into lumber. A critical requirement for 4403.91 is that the wood must be untreated. If the logs have been painted, stained, or treated with creosote or other preservatives to prevent decay or insect infestation, they would typically be reclassified under subheading 4403.11. This code is essential for international trade monitoring, as oak is a high-value hardwood subject to various environmental and forestry regulations, including the Lacey Act in the United States and similar timber legality frameworks globally.

Products Included

• Oak roundwood with bark intact
• Oak logs with bark and sapwood removed
• Roughly squared oak timber for transport
• Oak pit-props and poles in the rough
• Felled oak trunks stripped of branches

Common Misclassification

The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 4407.91, which covers oak lumber that has been sawn or chipped lengthwise and is thicker than 6mm. Another common error involves HS code 4403.11, which is used if the oak logs have been treated with preservatives. Importers often confuse 'roughly squared' logs (4403) with 'sawn' timber (4407).

FAQ

What is the HS code for Oak logs?

The HS code for oak logs in the rough, whether or not stripped of bark or roughly squared and untreated, is 4403.91.

What is the difference between 4403 and 4407 for oak?

Heading 4403 is for raw logs and wood in the rough, while heading 4407 is for wood that has been sawn, chipped, or sliced into lumber thicker than 6mm.