Product classification
HS code for Wooden shoe trees: 4417.00
Wood, tools, tool bodies, tool handles, broom or brush bodies and handles, boot and shoe lasts and trees, of wood.
Classification of wooden shoe trees under HS 4417.00
Wooden shoe trees are classified under HS code 4417.00, which is a specific heading within Chapter 44 of the Harmonized System. Chapter 44 covers "Wood and articles of wood; wood charcoal." Heading 4417 is quite detailed, encompassing "Tools, tool bodies, tool handles, broom or brush bodies and handles, boot or shoe lasts and trees, of wood." The inclusion of shoe trees in this heading is a result of the principle of specific description found in GRI 3(a), which states that the heading providing the most specific description shall be preferred to headings providing a more general description. A shoe tree is a device approximating the shape of a human foot that is placed inside a shoe to preserve its shape, prevent wrinkles, and absorb moisture. Because 4417.00 explicitly mentions "shoe trees," it takes precedence over more general headings like 4421, which covers "Other articles of wood." This classification applies regardless of the type of wood used—be it cedar, beech, or pine—and regardless of the complexity of the mechanism, such as spring-loaded or split-toe designs. The historical context of this classification stems from the time when shoe manufacturing and maintenance were heavily dependent on wooden forms and tools. Even in the modern era, where plastic alternatives exist, wooden shoe trees remain a significant trade item, particularly in the luxury footwear market. This code allows for the precise tracking of wooden tools and forms used in the footwear industry, distinguishing them from household furniture or decorative items. It also ensures that these functional items are not misclassified as parts of footwear under Chapter 64, as they are not components of the shoe itself but rather tools for its care. The Explanatory Notes for heading 4417 clarify that the items included are those used for manual work or as forms for manufacturing.
- Covers
- Cedar wood shoe trees
- Adjustable wooden boot trees
- Wooden shoe lasts used in cobbling
- Wooden forms for maintaining footwear shape
- Also under 4417.00
- Estwing wooden handles
- Fiskars wooden handles
- Allen Edmonds shoe trees
- Saphir Medaille d'Or shoe lasts
- Stanley wooden tool handles
Codes often confused with 4417.00
Common mistake. Wooden shoe trees are frequently misclassified under HS code 4421.99 (Other articles of wood) or HS code 6406.90 (Parts of footwear). Misclassification under 6406.90 is particularly common but incorrect because shoe trees are accessories/tools used for maintenance, not components that are physically part of the finished shoe.
Top exporters and importers of HS 441700 (the code used for wooden shoe trees), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 441700 (the code used for wooden shoe trees) in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 11% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 14% 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 441700, not only wooden shoe trees.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Italy $32M 11% of world exports
- 2 China $31M 10% of world exports
- 3 Brazil $23M 7.5% of world exports
World total: $306M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $46M 14% of world imports
- 2 United States $44M 13% of world imports
- 3 France $24M 7.1% of world imports
World total: $338M 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 codes for wooden shoe trees
Brazil splits HS 4417.00 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 4417.00.10Wooden tools
- 4417.00.20Wooden shoe lasts, stretchers and trees
- 4417.00.90Wooden tool bodies, handles and brush bodies
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.
Questions about wooden shoe trees
What is the HS code for Wooden shoe trees?
The HS code for Wooden shoe trees is 441700 (Wood; tools, tool bodies, tool handles, broom or brush bodies and handles, boot and shoe lasts and trees, of wood). The HS code for wooden shoe trees is 4417.00, which specifically includes boot and shoe lasts and trees of wood.
How do I classify Wooden shoe trees for customs?
Wooden shoe trees is classified under HS code 441700 — Wood; tools, tool bodies, tool handles, broom or brush bodies and handles, boot and shoe lasts and trees, of wood. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include plastic shoe trees?
No, plastic shoe trees are classified under Chapter 39 (Plastics), typically under HS code 3924.90 or 3926.90, as 4417.00 is strictly for wooden articles.
Which countries are the top exporters of wooden shoe trees (HS 441700)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 441700 (the code used for wooden shoe trees) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($32M, 11% of world exports), China ($31M) and Brazil ($23M). World exports came to about $306M, 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 wooden shoe trees (HS 441700)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 441700 (the code used for wooden shoe trees) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($46M, 14% of world imports), the United States ($44M) and France ($24M). World imports came to about $338M, 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 Wooden shoe trees the same in all countries?
The base HS code 441700 for Wooden shoe trees 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 wooden shoe trees in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 441700 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for wooden shoe trees depends on the product's details: 4417.00.10 (Wooden tools), 4417.00.20 (Wooden shoe lasts, stretchers and trees), 4417.00.90 (Wooden tool bodies, handles and brush bodies).