Product classification

HS code for Untreated 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 untreated birch logs under HS 4403.96

The classification of untreated birch logs under HS code 4403.96 is determined by several specific physical and botanical criteria. Firstly, the product must belong to the genus Betula. Secondly, the wood must be "in the rough," a term defined by the Harmonized System as wood in its natural state as felled, which may have the bark or sapwood removed or be roughly squared to remove the roundness. Crucially, this specific code is reserved for logs that are untreated, meaning they have not been injected with or otherwise treated with paint, stains, creosote, or other preservatives. Furthermore, HS code 4403.96 is size-specific, applying only to birch logs where any cross-sectional dimension is less than 15 cm. This distinction is vital for customs authorities to differentiate between smaller diameter logs, often used for pulp or specialized turnery, and larger sawlogs which are classified elsewhere. The classification follows General Interpretative Rules (GIR) 1 and 6, focusing on the terms of the headings and subheadings.

Covers
  • Small diameter birch logs for pulpwood
  • Untreated birch poles with cross-sections under 15 cm
  • Roughly squared birch timber (small dimension)
  • Birch logs stripped of bark but not further processed
Also under 4403.96
  • UPM-Kymmene (birch pulp)
  • Stora Enso (birch timber)
  • IKEA (birch furniture components)

Codes often confused with 4403.96

Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 4403.95, which is designated for birch logs with a cross-sectional dimension of 15 cm or more. Importers often fail to measure the narrowest point correctly. Another common error involves HS code 4403.12, which covers birch wood that has been treated with paint, stains, or preservatives. If the birch has been sawn lengthwise or sliced, it should be classified under heading 4407, specifically 4407.95, rather than 4403.

4403.95Wood; of birch (Betula spp.), in the rough, whether or not stripped of bark or sapwood, or roughly squared, untreated, of which the smallest cross-sectional dimension is 15 cm or more4403.12Wood; non-coniferous species, in the rough, whether or not stripped of bark or sapwood, or roughly squared; treated with paint, stains, creosote or other preservatives44.07Wood sawn or chipped lengthwise, sliced or peeled, whether or not planed, sanded or finger-jointed, of a thickness exceeding 6mm4407.95Wood; ash (Fraxinus spp.), sawn or chipped lengthwise, sliced or peeled, whether or not planed, sanded or finger-jointed, thicker than 6mm44.03Wood in the rough, whether or not stripped of bark or sapwood, or roughly squared

Top exporters and importers of HS 440396 (the code used for untreated birch logs), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 440396 (the code used for untreated 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 untreated birch logs.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Estonia $51M
  2. 2 Lithuania $25M
  3. 3 Latvia $24M

World total: $122M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Sweden $72M
  2. 2 Finland $26M
  3. 3 China $2.6M

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 untreated birch logs

Brazil classifies untreated 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 untreated birch logs

What is the HS code for Untreated birch logs?

The HS code for Untreated 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 untreated birch logs with a cross-sectional dimension of less than 15 cm is 4403.96.

How do I classify Untreated birch logs for customs?

Untreated 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.

Does this code include birch firewood?

No, birch wood intended for use as fuel is generally classified under HS code 4401.12, provided it is in the form of logs, billets, or similar forms specifically for fuel.

Which countries are the top exporters of untreated birch logs (HS 440396)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 440396 (the code used for untreated 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 untreated birch logs (HS 440396)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 440396 (the code used for untreated 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 Untreated birch logs the same in all countries?

The base HS code 440396 for Untreated 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 untreated birch logs in Brazil?

In Brazil, untreated birch logs (HS 440396) is classified under NCM 4403.96.00.