Product classification
HS code for Coniferous kraft pulp: 4703.11
Wood pulp, chemical wood pulp, soda or sulphate, (other than dissolving grades), unbleached, of coniferous wood.
Classification of coniferous kraft pulp under HS 4703.11
Unbleached coniferous kraft pulp is classified under HS code 4703.11. This classification is determined by the chemical extraction method and the absence of subsequent bleaching treatments. Heading 4703 encompasses chemical wood pulp produced by the soda or sulphate (kraft) process. The term "kraft" refers to the strength of the resulting fibers, which are typically used for heavy-duty packaging materials. Subheading 4703.11 is specific to unbleached pulp derived from coniferous wood, such as pine or spruce. Because the pulp has not been bleached, it retains a natural brown color and a higher lignin content compared to bleached varieties. This makes it ideal for manufacturing kraft paper, linerboard, and corrugated medium where strength is more important than brightness. The classification process involves verifying that the wood source is softwood (coniferous) and that the pulping process was alkaline (sulphate or soda). Under the General Interpretative Rules, the unbleached state is a primary sub-classification factor for chemical wood pulp.
- Covers
- Unbleached softwood kraft pulp (UKP)
- Unbleached pine sulphate pulp
- Unbleached spruce kraft pulp
- Unbleached hemlock sulphate pulp
- Unbleached coniferous soda pulp
- Also under 4703.11
- International Paper (unbleached pulp)
- WestRock (packaging grades)
- Smurfit Kappa (linerboard)
- Domtar (pulp for packaging)
- Stora Enso (unbleached kraft)
Codes often confused with 4703.11
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is with HS code 4703.21, which is for bleached coniferous kraft pulp. Even a slight semi-bleaching treatment requires the product to be moved to the 4703.21 category. Another error is using 4703.19, which is for unbleached kraft pulp from non-coniferous (hardwood) sources. Additionally, if the pulp was produced using the acid sulphite process, it should be classified under 4704.11. Finally, mechanical wood pulp is classified under 4701.00 and should not be confused with chemical kraft pulp.
Top exporters and importers of HS 470311 (the code used for coniferous kraft pulp), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 470311 (the code used for coniferous kraft pulp) in UN Comtrade data was Russia, with about 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 43% 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 470311, not only coniferous kraft pulp.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Russia* ~$212M 15% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Canada $208M 15% of world exports
- 3 Chile $185M 13% of world exports
World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $635M 43% of world imports
- 2 Germany $101M 6.9% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $96M 6.6% of world imports
World total: $1.5B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 kraft pulp
Brazil classifies coniferous kraft pulp under NCM 4703.11.00: HS 4703.11 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 kraft pulp
What is the HS code for Coniferous kraft pulp?
The HS code for Coniferous kraft pulp is 470311 (Wood pulp; chemical wood pulp, soda or sulphate, (other than dissolving grades), unbleached, of coniferous wood). The HS code for unbleached coniferous kraft pulp is 4703.11.
How do I classify Coniferous kraft pulp for customs?
Coniferous kraft pulp is classified under HS code 470311 — Wood pulp; chemical wood pulp, soda or sulphate, (other than dissolving grades), unbleached, of coniferous wood. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can this pulp be used for food-grade packaging?
Yes, unbleached coniferous kraft pulp is commonly used to produce high-strength paper bags and wrapping materials that are suitable for various food and industrial packaging applications.
Which countries are the top exporters of coniferous kraft pulp (HS 470311)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 470311 (the code used for coniferous kraft pulp) in UN Comtrade data were Russia (about $212M, 15% of world exports), Canada ($208M) and Chile ($185M). 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 coniferous kraft pulp (HS 470311)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 470311 (the code used for coniferous kraft pulp) in UN Comtrade data were China ($635M, 43% of world imports), Germany ($101M) and South Korea ($96M). World imports came to about $1.5B, 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 kraft pulp the same in all countries?
The base HS code 470311 for Coniferous kraft 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 kraft pulp in Brazil?
In Brazil, coniferous kraft pulp (HS 470311) is classified under NCM 4703.11.00.