HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 4706.20 – Pulp; of fibres derived from recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard
HS code 4706.20 is the 6-digit subheading for pulp, of fibres derived from recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard. It is used for de-inked pulp, recycled newsprint pulp, mixed waste paper pulp, corrugated container pulp and tissue paper pulp.
What HS 4706.20 covers
This category encompasses pulp made from recycled paper and paperboard, a cornerstone of the circular economy in the paper industry. It represents a crucial raw material for sustainable manufacturing, reducing reliance on virgin fibers and minimizing waste. International trade in this pulp is driven by paper mills seeking cost-effective and environmentally friendly inputs, particularly in regions with limited forest resources or strong recycling mandates. Key considerations for trade include the pulp's cleanliness, de-inking quality, fiber length, and consistency, as these factors directly impact the quality of the final paper product. Importers are typically large-scale paper and board manufacturers, while exporters are often countries with robust recycling infrastructure.
- Covers
- De-inked pulp
- Recycled newsprint pulp
- Mixed waste paper pulp
- Corrugated container pulp
- Tissue paper pulp
- Recycled graphic paper pulp
- Examples
- Smurfit Kappa recycled fiber
- SCA recycled pulp
- DS Smith recovered paper pulp
- International Paper recycled content
Codes often confused with 4706.20
Common mistake. It's often confused with waste paper itself (4707) rather than the processed pulp, or with virgin wood pulp (4703) if not clearly labeled as recycled.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 470620, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 470620 in UN Comtrade data was Thailand, with 48% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 79% 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 Thailand $553M 48% of world exports
- 2 Malaysia $301M 26% of world exports
- 3 Germany $77M 6.8% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $923M 79% of world imports
- 2 Malaysia $45M 3.9% of world imports
- 3 Thailand $34M 2.9% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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 4706.20
Brazil does not split HS 4706.20: its NCM code is 4706.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 47.06 →
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 4706.20
What is HS code 470620?
HS code 470620 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Pulp; of fibres derived from recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard. This category encompasses pulp made from recycled paper and paperboard, a cornerstone of the circular economy in the paper industry. It represents a crucial raw material for sustainable manufacturing, reducing reliance on virgin fibers and minimizing waste. International trade in this pulp is driven by paper mills seeking cost-effective and environmentally friendly inputs, particularly in regions with limited forest resources or strong recycling mandates. Key considerations for trade include the pulp's cleanliness, de-inking quality, fiber length, and consistency, as these factors directly impact the quality of the final paper product. Importers are typically large-scale paper and board manufacturers, while exporters are often countries with robust recycling infrastructure.
What products fall under HS code 470620?
De-inked pulp, recycled newsprint pulp, mixed waste paper pulp, corrugated container pulp, tissue paper pulp, recycled graphic paper pulp
What are common misclassifications for HS code 470620?
It's often confused with waste paper itself (4707) rather than the processed pulp, or with virgin wood pulp (4703) if not clearly labeled as recycled.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 470620?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 470620 in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($553M, 48% of world exports), Malaysia ($301M) and Germany ($77M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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 470620?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 470620 in UN Comtrade data were China ($923M, 79% of world imports), Malaysia ($45M) and Thailand ($34M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 470620 structured?
HS code 470620 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (47) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (06) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 470620?
In Brazil, HS code 470620 is NCM 4706.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.