Rough Pine Utility Poles from China

Unstripped pine poles used for electrical and telephone line support, roughly squared but retaining bark in places. Classified under HTS 4403.99.0128 as poles in the rough, not further worked beyond basic preparation for use as structural supports.

Duty Rate — China → United States

35%

Rate breakdown

9903.76.0110%Softwood timber and lumber products provided for in subdivision (b) of U.S. note 37 of this subchapter
9903.88.0325%Except as provided in headings 9903.88.13, 9903.88.18, 9903.88.33, 9903.88.34, 9903.88.35, 9903.88.36, 9903.88.37, 9903.88.38, 9903.88.40, 9903.88.41, 9903.88.43, 9903.88.45, 9903.88.46, 9903.88.48, 9903.88.56, 9903.88.64, 9903.88.66, 9903.88.67, 9903.88.68, or 9903.88.69, articles the product of China, as provided for in U.S. note 20(e) to this subchapter and as provided for in the subheadings enumerated in U.S. note 20(f)
9903.03.060%Articles of iron or steel, derivative articles of iron or steel, articles of aluminum, derivative articles of aluminum, passenger vehicles (sedans, sport utility vehicles, crossover utility vehicles, minivans and cargo vans) and light trucks and parts of passenger vehicles (sedans, sport utility vehicles, crossover utility vehicles, minivans and cargo vans) and light trucks, semiconductor articles, semi-finished copper and intensive copper derivative products, wood products, or medium- and heavy-duty vehicles or medium- and heavy-duty vehicle parts, of any country, as provided in subdivision (aa)(v) of U.S. note 2 to this subchapter

Import Tips

Verify species origin documentation as coniferous softwoods must match HTS specifications; fumigation certificates often required

Measure dimensions to confirm 'rough' status - poles exceeding planed tolerances shift to finished lumber headings

Avoid misclassification by ensuring no significant machining; common pitfall is shipping with partial peeling mistaken for sawn wood