2026-11-06 • 6 min read • Author: Arina Öström
Ukrainian hardwood — oak, ash, beech — is increasingly interesting for Swedish stair, flooring, furniture and joinery manufacturers. But in 2026 the rules for importing wood into the EU are changing faster than in many years. Here is what applies today, in the order a first delivery actually goes through.
Ukraine has zero export quotas for unprocessed timber (round logs, with or without bark, except pine) and for coniferous fuelwood. The restriction has been extended until the end of 2026.
In practice, Swedish buyers buy sawn timber, blanks, glued panels and finished wood products from Ukraine — not round logs. Make sure your request is formulated as a processed product from the start.
Everything else — duty, plant health requirements and EUDR — depends on the product's CN code. Sawn oak, for example, falls under heading 4407, while finger-jointed panels and joinery have their own codes. Check the code in the EU customs database TARIC, or with your forwarder, before you ask for a price.
Goods of Ukrainian origin can be imported under the EU–Ukraine free trade agreement (DCFTA) with preferential, in most cases zero, duty. The condition is correct proof of origin: an EUR.1 movement certificate or an origin declaration on the invoice. Without it, the standard EU duty rate for that CN code applies. Agree in the contract that the supplier provides the proof of origin with every delivery.
EU plant health rules (Regulation (EU) 2019/2072) require a phytosanitary certificate and special treatment for certain types of wood from countries outside the EU, depending on species and form — for example, wood with bark or with part of the natural round surface. Kiln-dried, debarked sawn timber is often easier, but requirements differ by species. Check with the Swedish Board of Agriculture (Jordbruksverket) before the first shipment.
Pallets and other wooden packaging must be treated and marked according to ISPM 15.
From 30 December 2026, the EU Deforestation Regulation applies to timber and wood products. The company that places the wood on the EU market — usually the Swedish importer — must file a due diligence statement and be able to show where the wood was harvested, including geolocation. The data has to come from the supplier, so agree now what they will deliver, in what format and with every batch. Read more in our article on [EUDR from 30 December](/insights/eudr-december-2026-timber-furniture-ukraine/).
The importer needs an EORI number. Customs clearance is usually handled by a forwarder or customs agent.
Agree on delivery terms from the start: FCA (you arrange transport from Ukraine) or DAP (the supplier delivers to your address). Road transport via Poland is the most common route.
VAT-registered companies in Sweden report import VAT in their regular VAT return to Skatteverket, not at the border.
- Product described as processed wood, with an exact specification - CN code confirmed - Proof of origin (EUR.1 or origin declaration) agreed in the contract - Plant health requirements checked for your species and form - EUDR data: origin documents and geolocation per batch - Incoterms, forwarder and EORI in place
Nordic Dew helps Swedish companies find and pre-screen Ukrainian sawmills and wood processors and coordinates documents, samples and the first delivery. [Read more about supplier search](/sourcing/).
- [Interfax-Ukraine / Ecopolitic: Ukraine extends restrictions on timber exports until the end of 2026](https://ecopolitic.com.ua/en/news/the-government-has-extended-the-ban-on-timber-exports-until-the-end-of-2026/) - [Timber-Online: Ukraine extends ban on log wood and firewood exports](https://www.timber-online.net/log_wood/2026/01/ukraine-extends-ban-on-log-wood-and-firewood-exports-through-202.html) - [European Commission, Access2Markets: EU–Ukraine Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area](https://trade.ec.europa.eu/access-to-markets/sv/non-eu-markets/UA) - [Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072 (plant health)](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2019/2072/oj) - [Council of the EU: EUDR revision and application from 30 December 2026](https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/12/18/deforestation-council-signs-off-targeted-revision-to-simplify-and-postpone-the-regulation/)