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44
Tariff Chapter 44
Wood marquetry and inlaid wood; caskets and cases for jewellery or cutlery, and similar articles, of wood; statuettes and other ornaments, of wood; wooden articles of furniture not falling in Chapter 94
What does heading 4420 of the customs tariff cover?
Heading 4420 covers wood marquetry; caskets for jewellery; statuettes and ornaments of wood. Wood and articles of wood constitute an important import category covering raw timber, semi-finished products and finished construction, furniture and packaging products. Customs duty rates range from 0% to 7% depending on product type and processing level. Wood and wooden packaging must undergo phytosanitary heat treatment in accordance with ISPM 15. Wooden products must meet formaldehyde emission requirements under European standards. Heading 4420 is part of Chapter 44 (wood, paper, cardboard and cellulose products) of the Combined Nomenclature (CN) used in the European Union. This classification is based on the Harmonized System (HS) developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), which is used in over 200 countries worldwide. The EU Combined Nomenclature extends the HS with additional 8-digit subheadings, while the TARIC system adds 10-digit codes for identifying specific trade measures. Each 4-digit heading such as 4420 is subdivided into 6-digit (HS), 8-digit (CN) and 10-digit (TARIC) subheadings that specify the type of goods for the purpose of applying the correct duty rates, trade measures and regulatory requirements. Correct determination of the 10-digit code is essential for establishing the amount of customs duties and taxes, as well as required permits and certificates. Classification of goods under heading 4420 must follow the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Combined Nomenclature. Rule 1 states that classification is determined primarily by the terms of the headings and the relevant section or chapter notes. The Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System and the Combined Nomenclature clarify the scope of each heading and are essential references for importers and customs brokers.
Duty rates and import requirements for heading 4420
Wood and articles of wood constitute an important import category covering raw timber, semi-finished products and finished construction, furniture and packaging products. Customs duty rates range from 0% to 7% depending on product type and processing level. Wood and wooden packaging must undergo phytosanitary heat treatment in accordance with ISPM 15. Wooden products must meet formaldehyde emission requirements under European standards. Wood packaging (pallets, crates) must be ISPM 15 treated and marked. Wood imports require a phytosanitary certificate confirming absence of pests. Wooden products under heading 4420 must meet formaldehyde emission standards. Verify wood does not originate from illegal sources (EUDR, timber regulation). When importing goods under heading 4420 into the European Union, attention must be paid to applicable duty rates, which depend on the specific subheading (8- or 10-digit code) and the country of origin. MFN (Most Favoured Nation) duty rates apply to imports from countries with which the EU does not have preferential trade agreements. Current rates can be checked in the EU TARIC database on the European Commission website. Import of goods under heading 4420 may benefit from preferential duty rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) concluded by the EU with third countries, the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) for developing countries, or autonomous tariff suspensions. Claiming preferences requires presentation of appropriate proof of origin (EUR.1 certificate, origin declaration, REX certificate or statement on origin under the registered exporter system).
Classification of goods under heading 4420 — key considerations
Heading 4420 covers wood marquetry; caskets for jewellery; statuettes and ornaments of woo. Wood classified by processing level: rough (4403), hewn (4404), chips (4401/4405), sawn (4407), veneer (4408), profiled (4409), panels (4410-4412), joinery (4418), other (4421). Key: processing level determines heading. Wood imports may require EUDR compliance (EU deforestation regulation).
Frequently asked questions
What duty rates apply to marquetry and decorative wooden articles (heading 4420)?
Marquetry, wood mosaics, jewellery caskets, statuettes and other ornamental wooden articles under heading 4420 are subject to a 0% customs duty rate. This heading covers decorative and ornamental wooden products — carvings, figurines, caskets, decorative frames. These are often craft products imported from Asia, Africa and South America. Heading 4420 covers wood marquetry; caskets for jewellery; statuettes and ornaments of woo and is subject to the Union Customs Code (UCC) and the Combined Nomenclature (CN) regulations of the European Union.
What requirements apply to imports of ornamental wooden articles?
Importing ornamental wooden articles requires EUDR documentation and for protected species — CITES permits (e.g. rosewood, ebony). Lacquered items are subject to REACH requirements for substances in coatings. Carvings and statuettes may be subject to artistic value controls and cultural goods regulations. Standard customs documentation is required along with a phytosanitary certificate. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database.
How are ornamental wooden articles classified under heading 4420?
Heading 4420 covers ornamental wooden articles — marquetry, mosaics, statuettes, caskets. Wooden furniture is Chapter 94, not 4420. Wooden toys are heading 9503. Wooden musical instruments are Chapter 92. The key distinction is function — decorative article (4420) vs. functional (appropriate heading by function). Picture frames are separate heading 4414. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database.
Useful tools & resources
Customs calculators
Duty & VAT CalculatorCalculate customs duty and VAT for "Wood marquetry and inlaid wood; caskets and cases for jewellery or cutlery, and similar articles, of wood; statuettes and other ornaments, of wood; wooden articles of furniture not falling in Chapter 94" and see the full import cost.Import Profitability CalculatorCheck the import profitability of "Wood marquetry and inlaid wood; caskets and cases for jewellery or cutlery, and similar articles, of wood; statuettes and other ornaments, of wood; wooden articles of furniture not falling in Chapter 94" with all costs included.
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