Product classification
HS code for Chemical dissolving pulp: 4702.00
Wood pulp, chemical wood pulp, dissolving grades.
Classification of chemical dissolving pulp under HS 4702.00
Chemical dissolving pulp is classified under HS code 4702.00. This classification is governed by the specific definitions provided in the Explanatory Notes to Chapter 47. Dissolving grade pulp is a high-purity chemical wood pulp, typically manufactured using the sulfite or sulfate (kraft) process, followed by extensive bleaching and purification. To qualify for this code, the pulp must have a very high alpha-cellulose content, usually exceeding 92% for sulfate pulp and 88% for sulfite pulp. This high purity is necessary because the pulp is intended for chemical conversion into various cellulose derivatives, such as viscose rayon, cellulose acetate, or cellophane, rather than for traditional papermaking. The classification under 4702.00 is distinct from other wood pulps because of its chemical reactivity and low levels of hemicellulose and lignin. According to the Harmonized System's structure, wood pulp intended for the manufacture of paper or paperboard is classified under headings 47.03 or 47.04. Therefore, the end-use and the chemical purity (alpha-cellulose content) are the primary factors in determining the correct classification under 4702.00.
- Covers
- High-alpha cellulose wood pulp
- Viscose grade pulp
- Acetate grade pulp
- Ether grade pulp
- Pulp for the manufacture of cellophane
- Also under 4702.00
- Lenzing AG (for Tencel/Viscose)
- Birla Cellulose
- Sateri
- Sappi (dissolving pulp division)
- Rayonier Advanced Materials
Codes often confused with 4702.00
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 4703 (chemical wood pulp, soda or sulfate, other than dissolving grades) and HS code 4704 (chemical wood pulp, sulfite, other than dissolving grades). The distinction lies entirely in the alpha-cellulose content and the intended application. If the pulp is intended for papermaking and does not meet the high-purity thresholds for dissolving grades, it must be classified in 4703 or 4704. Additionally, cotton linters pulp is classified under 4706.10, even if it is of a dissolving grade, as heading 4702 is strictly reserved for wood-derived pulp.
Top exporters and importers of HS 470200 (the code used for chemical dissolving pulp), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 470200 (the code used for chemical dissolving pulp) in UN Comtrade data was Brazil, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 58% 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 470200, not only chemical dissolving pulp.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Brazil $1.1B 16% of world exports
- 2 Indonesia $991M 14% of world exports
- 3 South Africa $907M 13% of world exports
World total: $6.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $4.2B 58% of world imports
- 2 India $781M 11% of world imports
- 3 Germany $520M 7.2% of world imports
World total: $7.3B 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 chemical dissolving pulp
Brazil classifies chemical dissolving pulp under NCM 4702.00.00: HS 4702.00 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 chemical dissolving pulp
What is the HS code for Chemical dissolving pulp?
The HS code for Chemical dissolving pulp is 470200 (Wood pulp; chemical wood pulp, dissolving grades). The HS code for chemical wood pulp of dissolving grades is 4702.00.
How do I classify Chemical dissolving pulp for customs?
Chemical dissolving pulp is classified under HS code 470200 — Wood pulp; chemical wood pulp, dissolving grades. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is dissolving pulp distinguished from paper-grade pulp?
Dissolving pulp is distinguished by its high alpha-cellulose content (typically >92%) and its intended use for chemical transformation into fibers or plastics, whereas paper-grade pulp has lower purity and is used for sheet formation.
Which countries are the top exporters of chemical dissolving pulp (HS 470200)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 470200 (the code used for chemical dissolving pulp) in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($1.1B, 16% of world exports), Indonesia ($991M) and South Africa ($907M). World exports came to about $6.9B, 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 chemical dissolving pulp (HS 470200)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 470200 (the code used for chemical dissolving pulp) in UN Comtrade data were China ($4.2B, 58% of world imports), India ($781M) and Germany ($520M). World imports came to about $7.3B, 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.
Is the HS code for Chemical dissolving pulp the same in all countries?
The base HS code 470200 for Chemical dissolving 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 chemical dissolving pulp in Brazil?
In Brazil, chemical dissolving pulp (HS 470200) is classified under NCM 4702.00.00.