Product classification

HS code for Wood pellets: 4401.31

Wood, for fuel, sawdust and wood waste and scrap, agglomerated in wood pellets.

Classification of wood pellets under HS 4401.31

Wood pellets are classified under HS code 4401.31, which falls within Chapter 44 of the Harmonized System, covering wood and articles of wood. Heading 4401 specifically addresses fuel wood in various forms, including logs, billets, twigs, and faggots, as well as wood waste and scrap. Subheading 4401.31 is dedicated to wood waste and scrap that has been "agglomerated" into pellets. Agglomeration is the process of compressing wood by-products like sawdust or shavings under high pressure, often without the need for added binders, as the natural lignin in the wood acts as a glue. This product is primarily used as a renewable energy source for heating and power generation. To qualify for this code, the pellets must meet specific physical dimensions and density requirements typical of fuel pellets, distinguishing them from larger briquettes or loose sawdust. The classification is based on the state of the wood (waste/scrap) and the form of agglomeration (pellets). If the wood waste is not agglomerated, it falls under other subheadings of 4401.

Covers
  • Compressed sawdust pellets
  • Wood waste pellets for residential heating
  • Industrial grade wood pellets
  • Biomass wood pellets
  • Softwood and hardwood fuel pellets
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. Wood pellets are often confused with 4401.32, which is for wood briquettes (larger agglomerated forms). They may also be misclassified under 4402, which covers wood charcoal. It is vital to ensure the product is made from wood waste and not virgin wood processed into other forms.

4401.32Wood; for fuel, sawdust and wood waste and scrap, agglomerated in wood briquettes44.02Wood charcoal (including shell or nut charcoal), whether or not agglomerated

Top exporters and importers of HS 440131 (the code used for wood pellets), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 440131 (the code used for wood 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 wood pellets.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $1.9B
  2. 2 Vietnam* ~$1.4B
  3. 3 Canada $548M

World total: $6.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United Kingdom $2.3B
  2. 2 Japan $1.7B
  3. 3 Denmark $594M

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 wood pellets

Brazil classifies wood 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 wood pellets

What is the HS code for Wood pellets?

The HS code for Wood pellets is 440131 (Wood; for fuel, sawdust and wood waste and scrap, agglomerated in wood pellets). The specific HS code for wood pellets made from agglomerated wood waste and scrap is 4401.31.

How do I classify Wood pellets for customs?

Wood 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.

What is the difference between pellets and briquettes in HS codes?

Pellets (4401.31) are small, cylindrical shapes usually under 25mm in diameter, while briquettes (4401.32) are larger compressed blocks used for fuel.

Which countries are the top exporters of wood pellets (HS 440131)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 440131 (the code used for wood 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 wood pellets (HS 440131)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 440131 (the code used for wood 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 Wood pellets the same in all countries?

The base HS code 440131 for Wood 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 wood pellets in Brazil?

In Brazil, wood pellets (HS 440131) is classified under NCM 4401.31.00.