Product classification
HS code for Coniferous sulphite pulp: 4704.11
Wood pulp, chemical wood pulp, sulphite, (other than dissolving grades), unbleached, of coniferous wood.
Classification of coniferous sulphite pulp under HS 4704.11
The classification of coniferous sulphite pulp under HS code 4704.11 involves identifying both the chemical process used to extract the cellulose fibers and the state of the resulting pulp. Heading 4704 covers chemical wood pulp produced via the sulphite process, which involves cooking wood chips in a solution of sulfurous acid and a base (such as magnesium or calcium). This specific subheading, 4704.11, is designated for unbleached pulp derived from coniferous wood species like pine or spruce. To qualify for this code, the pulp must not be of 'dissolving grades,' which are high-purity pulps used for chemical derivatives like rayon. Unbleached sulphite pulp is characterized by its brownish color and is typically used in applications where high strength is required but brightness is not a primary concern, such as in certain types of specialty papers or as a component in paperboard. The distinction between unbleached and bleached (or semi-bleached) is vital, as the latter is classified under a different subheading. The pulp is usually presented in large sheets or rolls for further processing into paper products.
- Covers
- Unbleached pine sulphite pulp
- Unbleached spruce chemical wood pulp
- Coniferous sulphite pulp in sheets
- Softwood sulphite pulp for industrial paper
- Non-dissolving grade unbleached coniferous pulp
- Also under 4704.11
- Tembec (now Rayonier AM, some sulphite grades)
- Sappi (specialty pulps)
- Domtar (some specialty grades)
- Ahlstrom-Munksjö (specialty papers)
- Georgia-Pacific (specialty pulps)
Codes often confused with 4704.11
Common mistake. It is often confused with HS code 4703, which covers chemical wood pulp produced by the soda or sulphate (kraft) process. Additionally, if the pulp has been bleached or semi-bleached, it must be classified under HS code 4704.21 instead of 4704.11.
Top exporters and importers of HS 470411 (the code used for coniferous sulphite pulp), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 470411 (the code used for coniferous sulphite pulp) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 48% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Slovakia, with 68% 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 470411, not only coniferous sulphite pulp.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $2.7M 48% of world exports
- 2 Russia* ~$2.4M 42% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 China $441K 7.8% of world exports
World total: $5.7M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Slovakia $10M 68% of world imports
- 2 China $2.4M 16% of world imports
- 3 Canada $704K 4.8% of world imports
World total: $15M 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 sulphite pulp
Brazil classifies coniferous sulphite pulp under NCM 4704.11.00: HS 4704.11 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 sulphite pulp
What is the HS code for Coniferous sulphite pulp?
The HS code for Coniferous sulphite pulp is 470411 (Wood pulp; chemical wood pulp, sulphite, (other than dissolving grades), unbleached, of coniferous wood). The HS code for unbleached, non-dissolving grade coniferous sulphite pulp is 4704.11.
How do I classify Coniferous sulphite pulp for customs?
Coniferous sulphite pulp is classified under HS code 470411 — Wood pulp; chemical wood pulp, sulphite, (other than dissolving grades), unbleached, of coniferous wood. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between 4703 and 4704?
Heading 4703 is for sulphate (kraft) or soda pulp, while 4704 is specifically for pulp produced using the sulphite chemical process.
Which countries are the top exporters of coniferous sulphite pulp (HS 470411)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 470411 (the code used for coniferous sulphite pulp) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.7M, 48% of world exports), Russia (about $2.4M) and China ($441K). World exports came to about $5.7M, 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 sulphite pulp (HS 470411)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 470411 (the code used for coniferous sulphite pulp) in UN Comtrade data were Slovakia ($10M, 68% of world imports), China ($2.4M) and Canada ($704K). World imports came to about $15M, 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 sulphite pulp the same in all countries?
The base HS code 470411 for Coniferous 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 sulphite pulp in Brazil?
In Brazil, coniferous sulphite pulp (HS 470411) is classified under NCM 4704.11.00.