Product classification
HS code for Coniferous bleached sulphite pulp: 4704.21
Wood pulp, chemical wood pulp, sulphite, (other than dissolving grades), semi-bleached or bleached, of coniferous wood.
Classification of coniferous bleached sulphite pulp under HS 4704.21
The classification of coniferous bleached sulphite pulp under HS code 4704.21 follows the structured hierarchy of the Harmonized System for wood pulp products. Heading 4704 is dedicated to chemical wood pulp produced by the sulphite process, which utilizes an acid bisulphite solution to separate cellulose fibers from the wood structure. This process is chemically distinct from the kraft process found in heading 4703. Subheading 4704.21 is reserved for pulp that has undergone a bleaching or semi-bleaching process and is sourced from coniferous wood species such as spruce, fir, or pine. The bleaching process removes residual lignin and other impurities to achieve a high degree of whiteness and chemical purity. This pulp is often used in specialty applications where high absorbance or specific chemical properties are required, such as in fine writing papers or tissue products. Classification requires verification of the chemical reagents used during pulping; if an alkaline process was used instead of an acid process, the product would be classified under a different heading entirely.
- Covers
- Bleached softwood sulphite pulp
- Semi-bleached spruce sulphite pulp
- Bleached fir sulphite pulp
- Bleached pine sulphite chemical pulp
- Bleached coniferous acid-process pulp
- Also under 4704.21
- Sappi (specialty pulps)
- Tembec (now Rayonier AM, some bleached sulphite)
- Domtar (specialty grades)
- Ahlstrom-Munksjö (specialty papers)
- Georgia-Pacific (specialty pulps)
Codes often confused with 4704.21
Common mistake. This product is often misclassified under HS code 4703.21, which is for bleached coniferous kraft pulp. While both are bleached and coniferous, the chemical process (sulphite vs. sulphate) is the primary differentiator. Another common error is using 4704.11, which is for unbleached coniferous sulphite pulp. If the pulp has been treated to increase brightness, it must be under 4704.21. Finally, 4704.29 is used for bleached sulphite pulp from non-coniferous (hardwood) sources and should not be used for softwood products.
Top exporters and importers of HS 470421 (the code used for coniferous bleached sulphite pulp), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 470421 (the code used for coniferous bleached sulphite pulp) in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 87% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 63% 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 470421, not only coniferous bleached sulphite pulp.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Canada $278M 87% of world exports
- 2 Germany $20M 6.2% of world exports
- 3 Sweden $6.6M 2.1% of world exports
World total: $320M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $282M 63% of world imports
- 2 Germany $88M 20% of world imports
- 3 Indonesia $23M 5.2% of world imports
World total: $448M 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 coniferous bleached sulphite pulp
Brazil classifies coniferous bleached sulphite pulp under NCM 4704.21.00: HS 4704.21 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 coniferous bleached sulphite pulp
What is the HS code for Coniferous bleached sulphite pulp?
The HS code for Coniferous bleached sulphite pulp is 470421 (Wood pulp; chemical wood pulp, sulphite, (other than dissolving grades), semi-bleached or bleached, of coniferous wood). The specific HS code for coniferous bleached sulphite pulp is 4704.21.
How do I classify Coniferous bleached sulphite pulp for customs?
Coniferous bleached sulphite pulp is classified under HS code 470421 — Wood pulp; chemical wood pulp, sulphite, (other than dissolving grades), semi-bleached or bleached, of coniferous wood. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is dissolving grade pulp included under this code?
No, chemical wood pulp of dissolving grades is classified under HS code 4702.00, regardless of whether it was produced by the sulphite or kraft process or whether it is coniferous or non-coniferous.
Which countries are the top exporters of coniferous bleached sulphite pulp (HS 470421)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 470421 (the code used for coniferous bleached sulphite pulp) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($278M, 87% of world exports), Germany ($20M) and Sweden ($6.6M). World exports came to about $320M, 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 coniferous bleached sulphite pulp (HS 470421)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 470421 (the code used for coniferous bleached sulphite pulp) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($282M, 63% of world imports), Germany ($88M) and Indonesia ($23M). World imports came to about $448M, 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 Coniferous bleached sulphite pulp the same in all countries?
The base HS code 470421 for Coniferous 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 coniferous bleached sulphite pulp in Brazil?
In Brazil, coniferous bleached sulphite pulp (HS 470421) is classified under NCM 4704.21.00.