HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 4704.21 – Wood pulp; chemical wood pulp, sulphite, (other than dissolving grades), semi-bleached or bleached, of coniferous wood
HS code 4704.21 is the 6-digit subheading for wood pulp, chemical wood pulp, sulphite, (other than dissolving grades), semi-bleached or bleached, of coniferous wood. It is used for bleached sulphite pulp (coniferous), specialty printing paper pulp, tissue paper pulp (sulphite), filter paper pulp (bleached) and technical specialty paper pulp.
What HS 4704.21 covers
This category covers semi-bleached or bleached chemical wood pulp produced by the sulphite process, specifically from coniferous wood, and not of dissolving grades. This high-purity pulp is used in various specialty applications beyond standard paper, where its clean, strong fibers are beneficial. It is suitable for fine printing papers, tissue, and even some non-paper products requiring specific technical properties. Major producers are often found in regions with abundant softwood forests and specialized sulphite mills, primarily in Europe and North America. Importers include manufacturers seeking specific fiber characteristics for high-end or technical products. The bleaching process enhances brightness and purity, making it distinct from unbleached sulphite pulp. Compliance with regulations like EUDR and EUTR is vital for trade.
- Covers
- Bleached sulphite pulp (coniferous)
- Specialty printing paper pulp
- Tissue paper pulp (sulphite)
- Filter paper pulp (bleached)
- Technical specialty paper pulp
- Release paper pulp
- Parchment paper pulp
- Examples
- Sappi (specialty pulps)
- Tembec (now Rayonier AM, some bleached sulphite)
- Domtar (specialty grades)
- Ahlstrom-Munksjö (specialty papers)
- Georgia-Pacific (specialty pulps)
Codes often confused with 4704.21
Common mistake. Can be confused with bleached soda or sulphate pulp (470321) from coniferous wood, but the critical distinction lies in the pulping method (sulphite vs. kraft).
Top exporters and importers of HS code 470421, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 470421 in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 87% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 63% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Canada $278M 87% of world exports
- 2 Germany $20M 6.2% of world exports
- 3 Sweden $6.6M 2.1% of world exports
World total: $320M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $282M 63% of world imports
- 2 Germany $88M 20% of world imports
- 3 Indonesia $23M 5.2% of world imports
World total: $448M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 4704.21
Brazil does not split HS 4704.21: its NCM code is 4704.21.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 47.04 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
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.
Questions about HS 4704.21
What is HS code 470421?
HS code 470421 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Wood pulp; chemical wood pulp, sulphite, (other than dissolving grades), semi-bleached or bleached, of coniferous wood. This category covers semi-bleached or bleached chemical wood pulp produced by the sulphite process, specifically from coniferous wood, and not of dissolving grades. This high-purity pulp is used in various specialty applications beyond standard paper, where its clean, strong fibers are beneficial. It is suitable for fine printing papers, tissue, and even some non-paper products requiring specific technical properties. Major producers are often found in regions with abundant softwood forests and specialized sulphite mills, primarily in Europe and North America. Importers include manufacturers seeking specific fiber characteristics for high-end or technical products. The bleaching process enhances brightness and purity, making it distinct from unbleached sulphite pulp. Compliance with regulations like EUDR and EUTR is vital for trade.
What products fall under HS code 470421?
Bleached sulphite pulp (coniferous), Specialty printing paper pulp, Tissue paper pulp (sulphite), Filter paper pulp (bleached), Technical specialty paper pulp, Release paper pulp, Parchment paper pulp
What are common misclassifications for HS code 470421?
Can be confused with bleached soda or sulphate pulp (470321) from coniferous wood, but the critical distinction lies in the pulping method (sulphite vs. kraft).
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 470421?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 470421 in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($278M, 87% of world exports), Germany ($20M) and Sweden ($6.6M). World exports came to about $320M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 470421?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 470421 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($282M, 63% of world imports), Germany ($88M) and Indonesia ($23M). World imports came to about $448M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 470421 structured?
HS code 470421 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (47) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (04) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 470421?
In Brazil, HS code 470421 is NCM 4704.21.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.