About HS Code 470311
This category covers unbleached chemical wood pulp produced by the soda or sulphate (kraft) process, specifically from coniferous wood, and not of dissolving grades. This type of pulp, often referred to as unbleached softwood kraft pulp (USKP), is highly valued for its long, strong fibers, making it a foundational material for robust paper and board products like linerboard, sack paper, and other packaging materials. Major exporters are countries with vast coniferous forests, including Canada, the USA, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. Significant importers are packaging and industrial paper manufacturers globally, particularly in Asia and Europe. Key considerations in its trade include fiber strength, consistency, and the increasing importance of sustainable forestry certifications and regulations such as EUDR and EUTR.
Products Under This Code
Unbleached softwood kraft pulp (USKP), Linerboard pulp, Corrugating medium pulp, Sack paper pulp, Specialty packaging pulp, Brown paper pulp, Kraftliner pulp
Real World Examples
International Paper (unbleached pulp), WestRock (packaging grades), Smurfit Kappa (linerboard), Domtar (pulp for packaging), Stora Enso (unbleached kraft)
Common Misclassification
Often confused with bleached versions under 470321 or unbleached non-coniferous pulp under 470319, as the distinction lies in the wood type (coniferous) and the bleaching status (unbleached).
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.
This product is covered by the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR), requiring operators to exercise due diligence to minimize the risk of placing illegally harvested timber on the EU market.
Products Classified Under 4703.11
Industry
This code belongs to the Paper & Printing industry.
Trade Overview
China, Germany, and the USA are significant importers for their packaging industries, while Canada, Sweden, and Finland are leading exporters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 470311?
HS code 470311 covers: Wood pulp; chemical wood pulp, soda or sulphate, (other than dissolving grades), unbleached, of coniferous wood. This category covers unbleached chemical wood pulp produced by the soda or sulphate (kraft) process, specifically from coniferous wood, and not of dissolving grades. This type of pulp, often referred to as unbleached softwood kraft pulp (USKP), is highly valued for its long, strong fibers, making it a foundational material for robust paper and board products like linerboard, sack paper, and other packaging materials. Major exporters are countries with vast coniferous forests, including Canada, the USA, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. Significant importers are packaging and industrial paper manufacturers globally, particularly in Asia and Europe. Key considerations in its trade include fiber strength, consistency, and the increasing importance of sustainable forestry certifications and regulations such as EUDR and EUTR.
What products fall under HS code 470311?
Unbleached softwood kraft pulp (USKP), Linerboard pulp, Corrugating medium pulp, Sack paper pulp, Specialty packaging pulp, Brown paper pulp, Kraftliner pulp
What are common misclassifications for HS code 470311?
Often confused with bleached versions under 470321 or unbleached non-coniferous pulp under 470319, as the distinction lies in the wood type (coniferous) and the bleaching status (unbleached).
How is HS code 470311 structured?
HS code 470311 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (47) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (03) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (11) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.