HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 47.05 – Wood pulp obtained by a combination of mechanical and chemical pulping processes
What HS 47.05 covers
Heading 4705 covers 'Wood pulp obtained by a combination of mechanical and chemical pulping processes.' This classification is dedicated to pulps that are produced using hybrid methods, merging elements of both mechanical and chemical pulping to achieve a balance of fiber yield, strength, and optical properties. Examples include Chemi-ThermoMechanical Pulp (CTMP), Neutral Sulphite Semi-Chemical (NSSC) pulp, and various forms of semi-chemical pulps where wood chips are pre-treated with chemicals before mechanical refining. The scope of this heading is defined by the synergistic application of both processes, distinguishing it from purely mechanical pulps (not separately classified at the 4-digit level but implicitly distinct from chemical pulps) and purely chemical pulps (4702-4704). These pulps typically offer higher yields than purely chemical pulps while providing better strength and fewer shives than purely mechanical pulps. Key sub-categories often relate to the specific combination of processes, such as the intensity of chemical pre-treatment or the mechanical refining stage. This classification is crucial for trade compliance as these pulps serve diverse applications, from printing and writing papers to packaging boards and tissue, impacting their valuation and regulatory treatment. Historically, these hybrid processes emerged to optimize resource utilization and tailor pulp properties for specific end-uses, gaining prominence for their cost-effectiveness and versatility. It fits within Chapter 47 by detailing a distinct method of fiber extraction from wood, bridging the gap between purely mechanical and purely chemical approaches.
- Covers
- Chemi-ThermoMechanical Pulp (CTMP)
- Bleached CTMP
- Unbleached CTMP
- Neutral Sulphite Semi-Chemical pulp (NSSC)
- Semi-chemical wood pulp
- Refiner mechanical pulp (RMP) with chemical treatment
- Thermo-mechanical pulp (TMP) with chemical additives
- Mechanical pulp with chemical pre-treatment
- High-yield chemi-mechanical pulp
- Low-yield chemi-mechanical pulp
- Pulp for coated papers
- Pulp for packaging board
- Pulp for tissue products
- Pulp for newsprint
- Pulp for magazine paper
- Coniferous chemi-mechanical pulp
- Non-coniferous chemi-mechanical pulp
- Market semi-chemical pulp
- Pulp for fluting
- Pulp for corrugated medium
- Pulp for lightweight coated papers
- Pulp for specialty packaging
- Chemical-mechanical pulp
- Bleached NSSC pulp
- Examples
A Canadian mill exports Chemi-ThermoMechanical Pulp (CTMP) to a major paperboard manufacturer in China, where the pulp's bulk and stiffness are ideal for producing high-quality folding carton board for consumer goods packaging. This represents a significant trans-Pacific trade flow. In another instance, a European producer of corrugated packaging material imports Neutral Sulphite Semi-Chemical (NSSC) pulp from a domestic supplier, utilizing its high stiffness and crush resistance for the fluting layer of corrugated board. Furthermore, a US company imports bleached CTMP from Scandinavia for use in lightweight coated papers and certain tissue products, valuing its balance of brightness, strength, and cost-effectiveness for these applications.
Subheadings under 47.05 1
Codes often confused with 47.05
Common mistake. A common misclassification under 4705 arises from confusing these hybrid pulps with purely chemical pulps (4702-4704) or purely mechanical pulps (which are not specifically classified at the 4-digit level but are distinct). The key differentiator is the 'combination' of both mechanical and chemical pulping processes. Traders might incorrectly classify pulps with minimal chemical treatment as purely mechanical or, conversely, highly chemically treated semi-chemical pulps as purely chemical. The degree and nature of both the chemical and mechanical processes are crucial for accurate classification. Confusion can also occur with recycled pulps (4706), which are derived from waste paper, not virgin wood via a combined process.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 4705, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 4705 in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 51% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 32% 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 $694M 51% of world exports
- 2 Sweden $212M 15% of world exports
- 3 Indonesia $172M 13% of world exports
World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $570M 32% of world imports
- 2 India $310M 17% of world imports
- 3 Egypt $227M 13% of world imports
World total: $1.8B 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.
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 47.05
What is HS code 4705?
HS code 4705 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Wood pulp obtained by a combination of mechanical and chemical pulping processes. Heading 4705 covers 'Wood pulp obtained by a combination of mechanical and chemical pulping processes.' This classification is dedicated to pulps that are produced using hybrid methods, merging elements of both mechanical and chemical pulping to achieve a balance of fiber yield, strength, and optical properties. Examples include Chemi-ThermoMechanical Pulp (CTMP), Neutral Sulphite Semi-Chemical (NSSC) pulp, and various forms of semi-chemical pulps where wood chips are pre-treated with chemicals before mechanical refining. The scope of this heading is defined by the synergistic application of both processes, distinguishing it from purely mechanical pulps (not separately classified at the 4-digit level but implicitly distinct from chemical pulps) and purely chemical pulps (4702-4704). These pulps typically offer higher yields than purely chemical pulps while providing better strength and fewer shives than purely mechanical pulps. Key sub-categories often relate to the specific combination of processes, such as the intensity of chemical pre-treatment or the mechanical refining stage. This classification is crucial for trade compliance as these pulps serve diverse applications, from printing and writing papers to packaging boards and tissue, impacting their valuation and regulatory treatment. Historically, these hybrid processes emerged to optimize resource utilization and tailor pulp properties for specific end-uses, gaining prominence for their cost-effectiveness and versatility. It fits within Chapter 47 by detailing a distinct method of fiber extraction from wood, bridging the gap between purely mechanical and purely chemical approaches.
What products fall under HS code 4705?
Chemi-ThermoMechanical Pulp (CTMP), bleached CTMP, unbleached CTMP, Neutral Sulphite Semi-Chemical pulp (NSSC), semi-chemical wood pulp, refiner mechanical pulp (RMP) with chemical treatment, thermo-mechanical pulp (TMP) with chemical additives, mechanical pulp with chemical pre-treatment, high-yield chemi-mechanical pulp, low-yield chemi-mechanical pulp, pulp for coated papers, pulp for packaging board, pulp for tissue products, pulp for newsprint, pulp for magazine paper, coniferous chemi-mechanical pulp, non-coniferous chemi-mechanical pulp, market semi-chemical pulp, pulp for fluting, pulp for corrugated medium, pulp for lightweight coated papers, pulp for specialty packaging, chemical-mechanical pulp, bleached NSSC pulp
What are common misclassifications for HS code 4705?
A common misclassification under 4705 arises from confusing these hybrid pulps with purely chemical pulps (4702-4704) or purely mechanical pulps (which are not specifically classified at the 4-digit level but are distinct). The key differentiator is the 'combination' of both mechanical and chemical pulping processes. Traders might incorrectly classify pulps with minimal chemical treatment as purely mechanical or, conversely, highly chemically treated semi-chemical pulps as purely chemical. The degree and nature of both the chemical and mechanical processes are crucial for accurate classification. Confusion can also occur with recycled pulps (4706), which are derived from waste paper, not virgin wood via a combined process.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 4705?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 4705 in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($694M, 51% of world exports), Sweden ($212M) and Indonesia ($172M). World exports came to about $1.4B, 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 4705?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 4705 in UN Comtrade data were China ($570M, 32% of world imports), India ($310M) and Egypt ($227M). World imports came to about $1.8B, 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 4705 structured?
HS code 4705 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 47 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (47) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (05) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.