Product classification
HS code for Bleached soda pulp: 4703.29
Wood pulp, chemical wood pulp, soda or sulphate, (other than dissolving grades), semi-bleached or bleached, of non-coniferous wood.
Classification of bleached soda pulp under HS 4703.29
Bleached soda pulp is classified under HS code 470329 due to its origin, chemical processing method, and degree of bleaching. This heading specifically covers chemical wood pulp, which has undergone either the soda or sulphate (kraft) process. The key characteristics for this classification include being "semi-bleached or bleached," indicating a significant level of processing to achieve whiteness and purity. Crucially, the pulp must be derived from "non-coniferous wood," distinguishing it from pulps made from coniferous species. The classification also explicitly excludes "dissolving grades" of pulp, which have specific chemical properties for further processing into cellulose derivatives. The '29' suffix denotes that it is bleached or semi-bleached soda or sulphate pulp from non-coniferous wood, differentiating it from unbleached variants or those from coniferous wood.
- Covers
- Bleached hardwood kraft pulp
- Semi-bleached eucalyptus sulphate pulp
- Bleached birch soda pulp
- Bleached aspen kraft pulp
- Bleached mixed tropical hardwood pulp
- Also under 4703.29
- Suzano (bleached eucalyptus pulp)
- CMPC Celulosa
- Asia Pulp & Paper (APP)
- Eldorado Brasil Celulose
- Klabin (bleached grades)
Codes often confused with 4703.29
Common mistake. Common misclassifications for bleached soda pulp often involve the degree of bleaching, wood type, or pulping process. Unbleached soda or sulphate pulp, even from non-coniferous wood, would be classified under HS code 470319. If the pulp were derived from coniferous wood, regardless of bleaching, it would fall under HS code 470321. Another frequent error is confusing it with sulphite pulp; bleached sulphite pulp from non-coniferous wood is classified under HS code 470429, as the chemical pulping process is different. Additionally, "dissolving grades" of soda or sulphate pulp, which have specific purity requirements for chemical conversion, are classified separately under HS code 47032X (e.g., 470321 if coniferous, 470329 if non-coniferous, but specifically marked as dissolving grades if such a sub-classification exists, otherwise the general 47032X applies if not dissolving grade).
Top exporters and importers of HS 470329 (the code used for bleached soda pulp), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 470329 (the code used for bleached soda pulp) in UN Comtrade data was Brazil, with 55% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 44% of world imports. Germany reports $207M of its chapter 47 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 470329, not only bleached soda pulp.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Brazil $8.9B 55% of world exports
- 2 Indonesia $2.4B 15% of world exports
- 3 Chile $1.5B 9.0% of world exports
World total: $16.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $9.1B 44% of world imports
- 2 United States $1.5B 7.3% of world imports
- 3 Italy $1.3B 6.3% of world imports
Germany reports $207M of its chapter 47 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $20.7B 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 bleached soda pulp
Brazil classifies bleached soda pulp under NCM 4703.29.00: HS 4703.29 with 00 added.
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 soda pulp
What is the HS code for Bleached soda pulp?
The HS code for Bleached soda pulp is 470329 (Wood pulp; chemical wood pulp, soda or sulphate, (other than dissolving grades), semi-bleached or bleached, of non-coniferous wood). The HS code for bleached soda pulp (or sulphate pulp), which is chemical wood pulp, semi-bleached or bleached, from non-coniferous wood, and not of dissolving grades, is 470329.
How do I classify Bleached soda pulp for customs?
Bleached soda pulp is classified under HS code 470329 — Wood pulp; chemical wood pulp, soda or sulphate, (other than dissolving grades), semi-bleached or bleached, of non-coniferous wood. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between soda pulp and sulphate pulp?
Both soda and sulphate (kraft) pulps are produced using alkaline chemical pulping processes. Sulphate pulp, also known as kraft pulp, is generally stronger due to the use of sodium sulfide in the cooking liquor, which helps preserve cellulose fibers. Soda pulp, on the other hand, primarily uses sodium hydroxide. For classification purposes under 470329, they are grouped together when semi-bleached or bleached and derived from non-coniferous wood, as their end-use applications often overlap.
Which countries are the top exporters of bleached soda pulp (HS 470329)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 470329 (the code used for bleached soda pulp) in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($8.9B, 55% of world exports), Indonesia ($2.4B) and Chile ($1.5B). 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 soda pulp (HS 470329)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 470329 (the code used for bleached soda pulp) in UN Comtrade data were China ($9.1B, 44% of world imports), the United States ($1.5B) and Italy ($1.3B). World imports came to about $20.7B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Germany reports $207M of its chapter 47 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Bleached soda pulp the same in all countries?
The base HS code 470329 for Bleached soda 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 soda pulp in Brazil?
In Brazil, bleached soda pulp (HS 470329) is classified under NCM 4703.29.00.