Product classification
HS code for Bleached sulphite pulp: 4704.29
Wood pulp, chemical wood pulp, sulphite, (other than dissolving grades), semi-bleached or bleached, of non-coniferous wood.
Classification of bleached sulphite pulp under HS 4704.29
Bleached sulphite pulp is classified under HS code 470429 based on its specific chemical pulping method, degree of bleaching, and wood source. This heading is designated for chemical wood pulp produced via the sulphite process. A key characteristic for this classification is that the pulp must be "semi-bleached or bleached," indicating a significant level of processing to achieve desired whiteness and purity. Furthermore, it must be derived from "non-coniferous wood," distinguishing it from pulps originating from coniferous species. The classification also explicitly excludes "dissolving grades" of pulp, which possess distinct chemical properties for specialized industrial applications. The '29' suffix specifically identifies it as bleached or semi-bleached sulphite pulp from non-coniferous wood, differentiating it from unbleached variants or those from coniferous wood.
- Covers
- Bleached hardwood sulphite pulp
- Semi-bleached beech sulphite pulp
- Bleached aspen sulphite pulp
- Bleached eucalyptus sulphite pulp
- Bleached mixed non-coniferous sulphite pulp
- Also under 4704.29
- Sappi (specialty pulps)
- Ahlstrom-Munksjö (specialty papers)
- Some smaller European mills
- Asia Pulp & Paper (APP - some specialty grades)
- Domtar (specialty grades)
Codes often confused with 4704.29
Common mistake. Common misclassifications for bleached sulphite pulp often arise from variations in bleaching, wood type, or pulping process. Unbleached sulphite pulp, even from non-coniferous wood, would be classified under HS code 470419. If the pulp were derived from coniferous wood, regardless of bleaching, it would fall under HS code 470421. A frequent error is confusing it with soda or sulphate pulp; bleached soda or sulphate pulp from non-coniferous wood is classified under HS code 470329, as the chemical pulping process is different. Additionally, "dissolving grades" of sulphite pulp, which have specific purity requirements for chemical conversion, are classified separately under HS code 47042X (e.g., 470421 if coniferous, 470429 if non-coniferous, but specifically marked as dissolving grades if such a sub-classification exists, otherwise the general 47042X applies if not dissolving grade).
Top exporters and importers of HS 470429 (the code used for bleached sulphite pulp), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 470429 (the code used for bleached sulphite pulp) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 74% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 16% 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 470429, not only bleached sulphite pulp.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $52M 74% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $6.4M 9.2% of world exports
- 3 United States $4.8M 6.9% of world exports
World total: $70M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $16M 16% of world imports
- 2 Italy $15M 14% of world imports
- 3 United States $6.9M 6.6% of world imports
World total: $104M 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 sulphite pulp
Brazil classifies bleached sulphite pulp under NCM 4704.29.00: HS 4704.29 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 sulphite pulp
What is the HS code for Bleached sulphite pulp?
The HS code for Bleached sulphite pulp is 470429 (Wood pulp; chemical wood pulp, sulphite, (other than dissolving grades), semi-bleached or bleached, of non-coniferous wood). The HS code for bleached sulphite pulp, which is chemical wood pulp, semi-bleached or bleached, from non-coniferous wood, and not of dissolving grades, is 470429.
How do I classify Bleached sulphite pulp for customs?
Bleached sulphite pulp is classified under HS code 470429 — Wood pulp; chemical wood pulp, sulphite, (other than dissolving grades), semi-bleached or bleached, of non-coniferous wood. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What are common applications for bleached sulphite pulp from non-coniferous wood?
Bleached sulphite pulp from non-coniferous wood is often utilized in the production of high-quality printing and writing papers, specialty papers, and tissue products. It is valued for its brightness, cleanliness, good formation properties, and suitability for applications requiring a smooth surface and excellent printability.
Which countries are the top exporters of bleached sulphite pulp (HS 470429)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 470429 (the code used for bleached sulphite pulp) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($52M, 74% of world exports), the Netherlands ($6.4M) and the United States ($4.8M). World exports came to about $70M, 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 sulphite pulp (HS 470429)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 470429 (the code used for bleached sulphite pulp) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($16M, 16% of world imports), Italy ($15M) and the United States ($6.9M). World imports came to about $104M, 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 sulphite pulp the same in all countries?
The base HS code 470429 for Bleached sulphite 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 sulphite pulp in Brazil?
In Brazil, bleached sulphite pulp (HS 470429) is classified under NCM 4704.29.00.