HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 4707.20 – Paper or paperboard; waste and scrap, paper or paperboard made mainly of bleached chemical pulp, not coloured in the mass
HS code 4707.20 is the 6-digit subheading for paper or paperboard, waste and scrap, paper or paperboard made mainly of bleached chemical pulp, not coloured in the mass. It is used for sorted office paper (SOP), white ledger, computer printout (CPO), bleached kraft paper waste and coated book stock waste.
What HS 4707.20 covers
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.
- Covers
- Sorted office paper (SOP)
- White ledger
- Computer printout (CPO)
- Bleached kraft paper waste
- Coated book stock waste
- White envelope waste
- Examples
- Domtar recycled content
- Georgia-Pacific recycled tissue
- Kimberly-Clark recycled paper
- various fine paper manufacturers
Codes often confused with 4707.20
Common mistake. Often confused with mixed waste paper (470790) if not properly sorted, or with waste paper from mechanical pulp (470730) which has different fiber characteristics.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 470720, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 470720 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 54% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 22% 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 United States $400M 54% of world exports
- 2 Germany $39M 5.2% of world exports
- 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$23M 3.1% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $742M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Mexico $193M 22% of world imports
- 2 India $162M 18% of world imports
- 3 Germany $130M 15% of world imports
World total: $881M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 4707.20
Brazil does not split HS 4707.20: its NCM code is 4707.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 47.07 →
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 4707.20
What is HS code 470720?
HS code 470720 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that 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.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 470720?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 470720 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($400M, 54% of world exports), Germany ($39M) and the United Arab Emirates (about $23M). World exports came to about $742M, 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 470720?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 470720 in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($193M, 22% of world imports), India ($162M) and Germany ($130M). World imports came to about $881M, 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 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.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 470720?
In Brazil, HS code 470720 is NCM 4707.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.