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Importing wood to the U.S. is far from a simple process. There are many rules surrounding the import of wood and timber products, and a successful shipment requires strict adherence to permitting and certification requirements.
The requirements for wood imports change depending on a variety of factors, like:
We’ll explain all the permitting requirements and list the wood that you are and are not allowed to import into the U.S.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) oversees the import of wood products through the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). APHIS sets the rules and regulations around how to import timber and wood products, including requiring the following permits.
APHIS works to eliminate foreign pests and diseases from wood and wood products. It requires that unfinished wood imports be heat treated or receive chemical treatments before entering the U.S.
Heat treatment involves processing the wood in a kiln or microwave energy dryer. Chemical treatment involves fumigating the wood with a surface pesticide.
It takes approximately 30 days to receive the permit, so you will need to file in advance. The import permit indicates the type of treatment the wood requires: heat treatment or chemical treatment. You will also likely need a phytosanitary permit to import wood and wood products.
APHIS will also likely need to inspect your imported wood or timber products. APHIS inspection stations are located strategically near major seaports and airports. You can find inspection stations in:
At the inspection stations, APHIS agents and specialists examine imported wood and timber to make sure it is free of diseases and pests that could be damaging to U.S. natural resources and agriculture. These specialists also make sure the wood and timber adhere to Federal import permitting requirements and regulations.
It is important to know that wood products with bark imported from China might not be allowed entry in order to prevent the spread of wood-boring insects.
According to information from the USDA, all raw softwood lumber should be consigned to a facility with a valid compliance agreement with Plant Protection and Quarantine when the lumber is imported. The lumber and wood products must be heat treated within 30 days of release from the first port of arrival.
The USDA also states that the only softwood logs that are allowed entry into the U.S. are the Monterey Pine (Pinus radiata) from New Zealand and Chile, and Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) from Chile.
It's important to note that some types of wood, like Plywood and OSB, will have some additional requirements that need to be complied with. For example, Plywood from China can be subject to antidumping and countervailing duties.
To learn more, check out our article How to Import OSB and Plywood From China.
It’s also important to note that all unmanufactured wood products from areas in Asia that are east of 60 East Longitude and North of the Tropic of Cancer, are prohibited entry into the U.S.
If the wood you are importing comes in the form of trees from either natural or planted forest stands, you will need to fill out a declarations form. This form is very specific, asking for information such as the tree’s scientific name, country of harvest, value, and description. Christmas trees (Douglas & Fraser Firs being the most popular variety) come with a special set of rules.
Learn more by reading our article on how to import Christmas trees.
If the wood you are importing is of an endangered species, it will fall under guidelines set by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). CITES-listed types of wood and timber include African Teak, Brazilian Rosewood, among others.
CITES rules also require that:
Check out our articles on importing teak wood and importing rosewood to learn more!
Finished wood products, like wood furniture, are commonly imported to the U.S. In fact, in 2021, the U.S. was the largest wood product importer in the world, importing $36.5 billion worth of the goods.
| Country | Value of Wood Imports (Billions) |
| Canada | $19.3 |
| China | $3.97 |
| Brazil | $2.16 |
| Germany | $1.31 |
| Chile | $1.2 |
While finished wood products are not subject to the same permitting regulations as lumber and timber, you will still need to follow a few special rules when importing these products. These rules help deter illegal logging and protect the U.S. from invasive species of insects. They also protect U.S. markets.
For example, wood products that have been planed on each side and do not contain any bark do not require a permit to import, nor do they need to undergo any fumigation or heat treatment; but they will be inspected once they arrive in the U.S. You must also fill out a Lacey Act declaration, specifying exactly where all components of the products originated.
Related: Importing Bamboo Products Into US
Additionally, there may also be extra fees associated with importing finished wood products from certain countries. It is important to note that wood furniture imported from China is subject to anti-dumping duties. According to rules set in place by the Tariff Act of 1930, the U.S. government can place tariffs on goods sold at less than market value and “dumped” on U.S. markets.
Furniture imported from China is often less expensive than U.S. manufactured furniture, and that makes anti-dumping rules apply. Wood furniture imported from China is often subject to these extra duties.
In addition to the permits and forms listed here, one of the most important things you’ll need in order to ship wood products internationally is the correct HTS codes. HTS codes are used for tariff and product classification and provide information on the import duty owed on goods when imported to a specific country.
In the case of wood and wood products, HTS codes can be found under chapter 44 of the HTSUS. You can use our HTS code lookup tool to search for a particular product or a description of the goods.
Here you will be able to find the tariff rate of wood products depending on their form (logs, pellets, sawdust, etc.), type (coniferous or non-coniferous), species (cedar, pine, rosewood, douglas-fir, etc.) and a variety of other factors.
In many cases, wood products can be imported to the U.S. duty-free. But because wood and timber products can take so many forms, the duty rate may vary depending on the exact wood product being imported and where it’s imported from. Additionally, it may be measured in weight, dimensions, or the number of products you’re planning to import.
Once you have your HTS code and the proper documentation in place, it’s time to determine how to ship your wood. It’s critical to find a carrier and port of entry that works in order to get your wood imports to their destination as simply and easily as possible.
In addition to Customs clearance, we can help you ship and store your wood no matter where you are in the United States. Fill out our contact form to get started!
Need more information about importing wood to the USA? Whether you’re a lumber importer or want to import wood furniture, make the process easy and contact the experts at USA Customs Clearance.
Our Licensed Customs Brokers can handle all your wood importing and shipping needs. You will find our value-added customs brokerage services can work seamlessly to provide you with a stress-free importing process.
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I'm wondering if you're allowed to import construction framing lumber (2x4, 2x6) from Canada to the US with no duties, if it's for your personal use, like building a new house in the US for yourself.
I am planning on shipping large amounts of cut under water timber from Panama to the USA and other countries. What is involved with regulations and permits for the US. The shipments involves many different species of hardwoods and some soft woods. The trunks would be trimmed and shipped in the round with no bark by bulk ship carriers.
I am looking to ship finished wood carvings to the US from England and im looking for all the info I need to do so and any other information I may need to know
Hello i will like to supplying wood from nigeria to usa if you permit me i we happy to sastify you i have some hard wood and soft wood like semi hard and hard my name is faruk muhammed this is my number 07059567563
Dear Customs,
I am looking at shipping finished, painted timber tables to the USA from Australia. They are made predominantly made from MDF which is painted on all visual surfaces. Under the tables we have about 15% Australian Pinus Radiata, planed and bark free, and not painted.
Which forms/permits do I need to follow?
Thanks in advance. Regards, Peter
can I bring 2x6x1" beveled pine into USA from Canada. it is for my personal Florida home. I could pre stain if required?
I am interested in the feasibility of an exotic wood slab import business from Colombia, South America to the USA. Hardwood species such as, Saman, Nogales, Eucalyptus and Cedro. Thank you for your assistance
Dear value guest. I would like to get Regulation of pine wood products export to New Mexico state. Thanks for your support.
I am planning to import timber wood from Cameroon . Many varieties.
Can you help us from there (custom clearance and inspection?) ?
Thanks
Hi i want to import wooden home and kitchen items from india
What sort of documents do i need and how much is the custom duty to be paid
Hello. I would like to import plantation grown African Mahogany (Khaya Nyasica) from Central America and need to understand the process to do so.
Good afternoon, I am interested in importing braai/firewood from South Africa for personal use as well as to distribute.
Is this permissible under current wood import laws in the US? What regulations, permits and duties will I be subject to?
Thank you for your time!
Hi,
I would like to enquire about the process of exporting Pimento or other BBQ/Jerk wood chips or chunks from Jamaica to the US?
What kind of inspection would be required?
Hi,
I am in Australia and sell Macrame Wall Hangings, and I have customers from the United States wishing to purchase these wall hanging for personal use.
The wall hangings are made from 100% cotton and they are on a 24mm wooden dowel. The wooden dowels are treated and varnished Tamanian Oak, and treated and varnished Pine.
Will the wooden dowels on the wall hangings be acceptable to enter the US via DHL couriers and what paperwork if any will be required from my end as the seller?
Many Thanks,
Bronwen
I'd like to import an 18th-century tea table made of mahogany to the US from Canada. What must I do? Thank you.
Hi all.
I am looking to send an Oak Whisky barrel stave from the UK to the US.
Is there any info i need to do this or is it a straightforward postage?
I am an architect in Virginia, and after a recent trips to Guatemala and Chile.
I am wondering how hard it would be to negotiate the prefabrication and manufacture of hardwood beams and components for delivery to the US for residential and commercial projects.
Exporting wood doors from Brazil
RIO BRAZIL GROUP
whatsapp +5521992636989
Hello,
I would like to import Plywood from Colombia, Do i need to apply for a permit?
Hi Juan,
Imported plywood doesn't require an import permit. However, you'll need to be compliant with USDA and EPA regulations. EPA requirements come into play due to the binding material used to create plywood.
Our team will be happy to walk you through all of the requirements to help make sure your shipment is in compliance. One of our import experts will reach out to you shortly to provide further assistance.
Hi I would like to send some decking wood from Bolivia to Georgia and would like to know more about the process
Hi Jose,
We'll be happy to help you. One of our import experts will reach out to you shortly to assist you!
Hello,
I use small quantities of wood sourced from my own garden in the UK to add to holiday ornaments. I have received a wholesale order from the US (Hawaii). Do I or the customer require an import licence?
Hi Anna,
There are a number of factors at play with your situation that will determine whether an import license will be required and what regulations will need to be complied with. This includes whether the shipment is for personal or commercial use, what type of wood is included, whether it's finished, and more.
One of our import experts will reach out to you shortly to obtain additional information so that we can assist you.
Hello, I am looking in to importing plywood sheets, hard wood sheets, 2x4,4x4,6x2 lumber. I will like to know what I need and if this is possible? It will be imported by land from Mexico to Arizona. Please let me know thank you
Hi Sergio,
What you're looking to do is definitely possible. Because you're importing multiple types of wood, you're going to have quite a few steps to go through. For example, plywood is subject to EPA & USDA regulations, while lumber is regulated by USDA but has different requirements.
One of our import experts will reach out shortly to schedule a 1-on-1 consultation with our Licensed Customs Brokers. During the consultation, our Customs Brokers guide you through the complete process and go over everything your import will need to be safely imported. We look forward to helping you!
Hello can you please contact me,I’m in the same process
Hi I want to import construction wood from Russia. I want to know all custom process and which permits need. Thank you
Hi Sevak,
We'd be happy to help you with this! One of our customs experts will reach out to you shortly. We look forward to assisting you!
Great article
if i want to import finished teak cutting boards (made in china) into USA will I need to acquire permissions etc.
Thanks
Hi David,
You'll definitely need to obtain some important documentation. Wood is highly regulated, especially since it's coming from China. The best thing for you to do is consult with a Licensed Customs Broker. They'll be able to provide you with a complete breakdown of the regulations and what you'll need to successfully import your cutting boards.
You can sign up for a consultation with our Licensed Customs Brokers at the link below:
Customs Consultation
Hello, we have a construction business in Ohio and Kentucky and want to go around our wood supplier who is gouging prices. Will it be cheaper to buy from Canada and warehouse it? Presently building 45 homes a year. Thanks and i understand the numbers need crunching but roughly speaking is it worth the Importation expense and shipping?
Hi Judy,
Based on the volume of wood that you're needing, it very well could be more cost-effective to import it yourself! One of our customs experts will reach out to you shortly to gather some additional information in order to help you.
I am also interested in the answer to importing staffs.
I am looking to be send finished 12" sticks from indonesia.
Only about 10 small sticks. Does this need a permit etc?
Hi Chris,
Whether or not you need a permit will come down to the intended use of the sticks. If these are for personal use, a permit likely won't be required. If they're for resale or for commercial use, you'll need a permit. Either way, you'll need to provide a significant amount of documentation showing where the wood came from and proving that it's free from harmful pests.
Our Licensed Customs Brokers can go over all of these requirements and more during a 1-on-1 consultation. You can use the link below to sign up for a consulting session.
Customs Consulting Session
Hi Team!
Thanks for the article, very infromative. We would like to import wooden handicraft such as wooden puzzles for elders and kitchen products. We will sell them on eCommerce platforms. The manufacture is in Russia. If it is not from China Shall we also submit ePermit to APHIS ?
Hi Marina,
One of our customs experts will reach out to you shortly in regards to your question. We look forward to helping you!
Hello, I plan to import vegetal charcoal to the USA. What permits/certificates do I need for custom clearance and sales in the US?
Hi Dmitry,
One of our customs experts will reach out to you shortly to assist you further. We look forward to helping you!
Quick question on CITES, if a hand plane with cocobolo tote/knob is shipped from outside of the US to here is that an issue and if so what steps are needed to get it here? The Cocobolo is way less than 10kg for non commercial purposes.
Hi Brandon,
The rules vary for personal goods depending on the country of origin. In some cases, documentation is still required or trade may be regulated, while in others, it can be imported without issue. Our Licensed Customs Brokers can provide you with the specific details in our consulting sessions. You can use the link below to sign up for our consulting sessions.
Import Consulting Services
We would like to import Spruce forest and Pine Forest wood (fresh saw, dead and dry) to the US from the Ukraine. What are the restrictions, permits and licences required to achieve this? Also, what kind of duty would be applicable on this type of import?
Hi Jitin,
Imports of wood and wood products are highly regulated and complex. One of our customs experts will reach out to you shortly to obtain additional information so that we can assist you with your request.
We are looking to import products similar to wood chips for BBQ in either blocks or chips. We are looking at the HS code of 4401.22.00.00. What do we need filled out to make sure that it makes it across the border?
Hi Antonio,
Any type of imported wood products are highly regulated. One of our customs experts will reach out to you shortly to obtain some additional information so that we can assist you. We look forward to helping you!
What do I need to know if I want to import OSB and plywood sheets from the EU?
Hi Ivo,
The rules for importing OSB and Plywood are very similar to importing other types of wood. There are a few exceptions since they're a composite wood and this comes into play when completing USDA and EPA forms. To get a complete breakdown of the requirements, you can sign up for a 1-on-1 consulting session with our Licensed Customs Brokers. During the session, our Brokers will go over everything that you'll need to safely import your products into the U.S.
Feel free to use the link below to sign up for a consulting session!
Customs Broker Consulting
Hi
I would like to import MDF furniture from South Africa to the US. What requirements are there?
Hi Grant,
In addition to the requirements outlined in this article, you'll have some EPA regulations to contend with. This is due to the formaldehyde being a common binding material used in producing MDF. Our Licensed Customs Brokers can walk you through the complete process during a consultation. You can use the link below to sign up for a 1-on-1 consulting with our Licensed Brokers.
Customs Broker Consulting
Can I import building materials in like 4x8 sheets of osb and plywood from China?
Hi Buford,
You can import OSB and plywood from China. However, there are many steps you'll need to follow. Additionally, many types of OSB and plywood from China are subject to an additional antidumping duty. It's best to consult with a Licensed Customs Broker to confirm all requirements that you'll need to abide by, as well as confirm the specific duties you'll need to pay.
You can schedule a consulting session with our Licensed Brokers at the link below.
Import Export Consulting Services
i want to import engineered wood flooring from Indonesia,i'm starting from 40ft container,is there any requirement for maximum weight of product in container, also document should i submit?
Hi Rocky,
The amount of weight you're able to place into a container will depend on the type of container you're using. The maximum cargo weight for many containers is 45,000 lbs. In regards to documentation you'll need, our Licensed Customs Brokers will be happy to help you with this. Use the link below to sign up for customs consulting sessions. During the consulting session, our Customs Brokers will review all details of your import to ensure you have everything that you need in place. We look forward to helping you!
Import Export Consulting Services
I make staffs in the U.K out of dried de barked trees. Is anything needed if i were to post to the states. They are roughly 5ft - 5ft 5, 3cm x 3 cm.
Hi Tom,
One of our customs experts will reach out to you shortly to provide you with the information you requested. We look forward to helping you!
I’m interested in importing sheets of OSB board from China into the USA. Will I need a customs permit or any other documentation for this?
Hi Bob,
Since OSB is a wood composite product, you will need to obtain and provide additional documentation to CBP at the time of import. One of our customs experts will reach out to you shortly to give you an overview of the process and discuss the next steps with you. We look forward to helping you!
Good morning. I want to import a trailer of 2x4 2x6 4x4 pine construction wood from Mexico to the USA. We have an USA Texas LLC that would purchase the wood.
Hi Pedro,
We'll be happy to help you import your wood from Mexico! One of our customs experts will reach out to you shortly to assist you. We look forward to helping you!
I need information regarding purchasing ROSEWOOD and MAHOGANEY and other raw wood from BELIZE and having it shipped to United States.
Please tell me the steps to be taken from buying and shipping to United States.
Hi Karen,
We'll be happy to go over what's required to import wood from Belize! One of our customs experts will reach out to you shortly. We look forward to working with you!
Hello, I want to send a chess set as a gift to the USA, the materials are mahogany, do I need additional certificates for this set?
Hi Boris,
You won't need any certifications for this. Upon import, your package will be inspected by CBP to determine its' admissability. Once it clears this inspection, it will then be delivered to the receiver.
Hello, I want to import 2x4 dry construction timber from Ukraine.
Is there any restrictions to do it regarding this type/form or wood?
Hi Reinis,
There aren't necessarily any restrictions. However, there are regulations that you'll need to comply with. One of our customs experts will reach out to you shortly to provide you with an overview of what these are.
Is Finished Laminated particle board furniture imported from China /Malaysia required to have the Lacey Act? Solid wood I am familiar with.
Hi Richard,
Imported particle board furniture is a bit of a gray area that requires further analysis. One of our customs experts will reach out to you via e-mail to obtain additional information. We look forward to helping you.
HI
I have a customer that is shipping a pine mounted shield, does this require the relevant licences?
We are shipping from the UK to Sacramento United States 95816
Hi Iain,
More than likely, your customer will need to obtain a Timber and Timber Products Import Permit. This may not be required if the shipment is for personal use. Either way, our Licensed Customs Brokers can assist you.
Hi, we are a carpet accessories company in the UK and we ship lots of products to the U.S. We are looking at starting to also shipping our carpet gripper, which is made of plywood. How much documentation do you think we will need to import this?
Hi Darren,
One of our import experts will reach out to you shortly to assist you with your inquiry. We look forward to helping you!
Hi,I want to purchase some wall racks from China, made of fiberboard (engineering wood), and sell them on the Amazon website. Need fumigation? What documents and requirements are needed for import customs clearance? Thank you.
Hi Scarlett,
If the wall racks are made of fiberboard, they won't need to be fumigated. However, it will be subject to additional regulations. For example, EPA regulations will need to be complied to ensure that the glue used is not toxic.
One of our import experts will reach out to you shortly to provide additional information regarding the process. We look forward to helping you!
I would like to carry back to the US a section of olive tree approximately 24" x 6" from Spain. The treatment regulations apply to soft woods but what about hardwood like olive?
Hi John,
As long as you declare the item when returning to the U.S. you should be ok. However, be prepared to have the tree section inspected upon arrival. If a customs agent deems the product unsafe, it can be seized upon arrival.
Can I import Honduras Mahogany to California to replace wnidows, doors, trim etc.?
Hi Colm,
You can import Mahogany from Honduras. However, wood is a highly regulated product and we strongly advise working with a Licensed Customs Broker to ensure your import is in compliance. You can schedule a consulting session with our Licensed Brokers at the following link- Licensed Customs Broker Consulting. We look forward to helping you!
I want to bring a small piece of wood from my home in Australia into the US (where I now live). It's for personal use (not resale) and would only be small - around 18" square. Given that it's not for resale, and given that it's small, do I still need the same permits?
Many thanks for your help!
Hi H.W.,
When it comes to personal imports, it's best to speak with a customs agent at the port of entry that you plan to enter the U.S. through. You can find a complete list of the ports at U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Hi, I want to ship a large (DIMENSIONS: Height: 23" - 59cm Width 29 1/2" - 75cm) vintage wooden carved wall hanging to a customer of mine in the USA.Do I need any clearance beforehand? Many thanks, Pete
Hi Pete,
The specific clearance that you'll need will depend on whether this is a personal or commercial shipment. We've sent you an e-mail with the next steps you need to take depending on what type of shipment it is.
I have imported eucalyptus Grandis from Brazil recently. I had them heat treat the material [pallet boards] as a condition of the sale. When the wood got here it had a lot of end check, too much end check. My rep in Brazil recommended that next time I bring it into the US as air dried only. Every thing I have read indicates that it either has to be heat treated, or fumigated with Methyl Bromide. my rep shared a permit that another customer has and under the heading "Before Import Processing" it says "Other, kiln dried or heat treated or air dried". When I applied for just air dried, the USDA amended my permit but under the same heading my permit now reads "Without bark Other, per Annex F" Annex F is all about fumigation, which I do not want to do. Can you help me out here?
Hi John,
We've sent you an e-mail with information regarding your question. We look forward to helping you!