About HS Code 470720
This category encompasses waste and scrap paper or paperboard made mainly of bleached chemical pulp, not colored in the mass. This represents high-grade recovered paper, typically originating from office environments, printing operations, and converting plants. It is highly sought after in international trade due to its high brightness, strength, and minimal contamination, making it an ideal raw material for producing fine papers, tissue products, and other high-quality recycled paper goods. Importers are typically paper mills focused on producing premium recycled content, while exporters are often developed nations with efficient collection and sorting systems for office and printing waste. Trade emphasizes purity and consistent quality.
Products Under This Code
Sorted office paper (SOP), white ledger, computer printout (CPO), bleached kraft paper waste, coated book stock waste, white envelope waste
Real World Examples
Domtar recycled content, Georgia-Pacific recycled tissue, Kimberly-Clark recycled paper, various fine paper manufacturers
Common Misclassification
Often confused with mixed waste paper (470790) if not properly sorted, or with waste paper from mechanical pulp (470730) which has different fiber characteristics.
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 4707.20
Industry
This code belongs to the Paper & Printing industry.
Trade Overview
European countries and the USA are major exporters, with China and Southeast Asian nations being primary importers for their paper industries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 470720?
HS code 470720 covers: Paper or paperboard; waste and scrap, paper or paperboard made mainly of bleached chemical pulp, not coloured in the mass. This category encompasses waste and scrap paper or paperboard made mainly of bleached chemical pulp, not colored in the mass. This represents high-grade recovered paper, typically originating from office environments, printing operations, and converting plants. It is highly sought after in international trade due to its high brightness, strength, and minimal contamination, making it an ideal raw material for producing fine papers, tissue products, and other high-quality recycled paper goods. Importers are typically paper mills focused on producing premium recycled content, while exporters are often developed nations with efficient collection and sorting systems for office and printing waste. Trade emphasizes purity and consistent quality.
What products fall under HS code 470720?
Sorted office paper (SOP), white ledger, computer printout (CPO), bleached kraft paper waste, coated book stock waste, white envelope waste
What are common misclassifications for HS code 470720?
Often confused with mixed waste paper (470790) if not properly sorted, or with waste paper from mechanical pulp (470730) which has different fiber characteristics.
How is HS code 470720 structured?
HS code 470720 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (47) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (07) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.