Product classification
HS code for Chemi-mechanical pulp: 4705.00
Wood pulp, obtained by a combination of mechanical and chemical pulping processes.
Classification of chemi-mechanical pulp under HS 4705.00
HS code 4705.00 is designated for wood pulp obtained by a combination of mechanical and chemical pulping processes. This classification is used when the wood fibers are separated using both heat/mechanical energy and chemical reagents, but the chemical treatment is not sufficient to classify it as purely chemical pulp. This process often results in higher yields than chemical pulping while maintaining better strength than purely mechanical pulp. The classification is strictly governed by the manufacturing method described in the Explanatory Notes to Chapter 47. To qualify for 4705.00, the pulp must have undergone a chemical treatment (such as with sodium sulfite or sodium hydroxide) followed by a mechanical refining stage. This distinguishes it from pulp where chemicals are only used as processing aids.
- Covers
- Chemi-thermomechanical pulp (CTMP)
- Bleached chemi-mechanical pulp (BCMP)
- Semi-chemical wood pulp
- Neutral sulfite semi-chemical pulp (NSSC)
- Also under 4705.00
- Resolute Forest Products (CTMP)
- Canfor Pulp (BCTMP)
- SCA (CTMP)
- West Fraser (BCTMP)
- Kruger Products (CTMP for tissue)
Codes often confused with 4705.00
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 4701.00 (Mechanical wood pulp) and HS codes 4703 or 4704 (Chemical wood pulp). If the chemical treatment is minimal and does not significantly alter the fiber structure, it remains under 4701.00. Conversely, if the lignin is almost entirely removed through chemical cooking, it must be classified as chemical pulp under 4703 (soda/sulfate) or 4704 (sulfite). Importers often fail to distinguish between CTMP and standard mechanical pulp.
Top exporters and importers of HS 470500 (the code used for chemi-mechanical pulp), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 470500 (the code used for chemi-mechanical pulp) in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 51% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 32% 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 470500, not only chemi-mechanical pulp.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Canada $694M 51% of world exports
- 2 Sweden $212M 15% of world exports
- 3 Indonesia $172M 13% of world exports
World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $570M 32% of world imports
- 2 India $310M 17% of world imports
- 3 Egypt $227M 13% of world imports
World total: $1.8B 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 chemi-mechanical pulp
Brazil classifies chemi-mechanical pulp under NCM 4705.00.00: HS 4705.00 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 chemi-mechanical pulp
What is the HS code for Chemi-mechanical pulp?
The HS code for Chemi-mechanical pulp is 470500 (Wood pulp; obtained by a combination of mechanical and chemical pulping processes). The HS code for wood pulp obtained by a combination of mechanical and chemical processes is 4705.00.
How do I classify Chemi-mechanical pulp for customs?
Chemi-mechanical pulp is classified under HS code 470500 — Wood pulp; obtained by a combination of mechanical and chemical pulping processes. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does it differ from chemical pulp?
Chemi-mechanical pulp retains more lignin and has a higher yield than chemical pulp (HS 4703/4704), which uses more intensive chemical cooking to dissolve lignin.
Which countries are the top exporters of chemi-mechanical pulp (HS 470500)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 470500 (the code used for chemi-mechanical pulp) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($694M, 51% of world exports), Sweden ($212M) and Indonesia ($172M). World exports came to about $1.4B, 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 chemi-mechanical pulp (HS 470500)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 470500 (the code used for chemi-mechanical pulp) in UN Comtrade data were China ($570M, 32% of world imports), India ($310M) and Egypt ($227M). World imports came to about $1.8B, 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 Chemi-mechanical pulp the same in all countries?
The base HS code 470500 for Chemi-mechanical 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 chemi-mechanical pulp in Brazil?
In Brazil, chemi-mechanical pulp (HS 470500) is classified under NCM 4705.00.00.