Product classification
HS code for Bleached kraft pulp: 4703.21
Wood pulp, chemical wood pulp, soda or sulphate, (other than dissolving grades), semi-bleached or bleached, of coniferous wood.
Classification of bleached kraft pulp under HS 4703.21
This classification pertains to wood pulp derived from chemical processes, specifically soda or sulphate methods, commonly known as kraft pulp. A key characteristic is that it is semi-bleached or bleached, indicating a degree of lignin removal to achieve whiteness and purity. Crucially, this code applies to pulp made from coniferous wood (softwood) and excludes "dissolving grades," which are highly refined pulps used for chemical conversion rather than papermaking. This combination of raw material, processing, and bleaching level places it under HS code 470321.
- Covers
- Bleached Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft (NBSK) pulp
- Bleached Southern Bleached Softwood Kraft (SBSK) pulp
- Semi-bleached coniferous kraft pulp
- Other bleached or semi-bleached chemical wood pulps from coniferous trees, intended for paper and paperboard manufacturing.
- Also under 4703.21
- Resolute Forest Products (BSKP)
- Canfor Pulp
- Mercer International
- Södra Cell
- Metsä Fibre (NBSK)
Codes often confused with 4703.21
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 470329, which covers semi-bleached or bleached chemical wood pulp (soda or sulphate) but specifically from non-coniferous wood (hardwood). The distinction between coniferous and non-coniferous wood is fundamental for classification within this subheading. Additionally, unbleached kraft pulp from coniferous wood would be classified under 470311, and dissolving grades of pulp, regardless of wood type, are classified under different headings (e.g., 470321 specifically excludes them).
Top exporters and importers of HS 470321 (the code used for bleached kraft pulp), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 470321 (the code used for bleached kraft pulp) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 37% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 470321, not only bleached kraft pulp.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $4.3B 27% of world exports
- 2 Canada $3.2B 19% of world exports
- 3 Finland $2.5B 15% of world exports
World total: $16.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $6.4B 37% of world imports
- 2 United States $1.8B 10% of world imports
- 3 Germany $762M 4.4% of world imports
World total: $17.2B 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 codes for bleached kraft pulp
Brazil splits HS 4703.21 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 4703.21.10(Semi-)bleached conifer soda/sulphate pulp, rolls
- 4703.21.90Other (semi-)bleached conifer soda/sulphate pulp
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
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 bleached kraft pulp
What is the HS code for Bleached kraft pulp?
The HS code for Bleached kraft pulp is 470321 (Wood pulp; chemical wood pulp, soda or sulphate, (other than dissolving grades), semi-bleached or bleached, of coniferous wood). The Harmonized System (HS) code for semi-bleached or bleached chemical wood pulp, specifically soda or sulphate pulp (other than dissolving grades) derived from coniferous wood, is 470321.
How do I classify Bleached kraft pulp for customs?
Bleached kraft pulp is classified under HS code 470321 — Wood pulp; chemical wood pulp, soda or sulphate, (other than dissolving grades), semi-bleached or bleached, of coniferous wood. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between dissolving grades and other wood pulp in HS classification?
Dissolving grades of wood pulp are highly purified chemical pulps with a very high cellulose content, designed for chemical conversion into products like rayon, cellophane, or cellulose ethers. They are distinct from pulps primarily intended for papermaking due to their specific chemical properties and end-use, and are therefore classified separately within the Harmonized System.
Which countries are the top exporters of bleached kraft pulp (HS 470321)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 470321 (the code used for bleached kraft pulp) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($4.3B, 27% of world exports), Canada ($3.2B) and Finland ($2.5B). World exports came to about $16.3B, 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 bleached kraft pulp (HS 470321)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 470321 (the code used for bleached kraft pulp) in UN Comtrade data were China ($6.4B, 37% of world imports), the United States ($1.8B) and Germany ($762M). World imports came to about $17.2B, 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.
Is the HS code for Bleached kraft pulp the same in all countries?
The base HS code 470321 for Bleached kraft pulp is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for bleached kraft pulp in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 470321 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for bleached kraft pulp depends on the product's details: 4703.21.10 ((Semi-)bleached conifer soda/sulphate pulp, rolls), 4703.21.90 (Other (semi-)bleached conifer soda/sulphate pulp).