Product classification
HS code for CTMP pulp: 4705.00
Wood pulp, obtained by a combination of mechanical and chemical pulping processes.
Classification of CTMP pulp under HS 4705.00
Chemi-thermomechanical pulp (CTMP) is classified under HS code 4705.00. This code is designated for wood pulp obtained by a combination of mechanical and chemical pulping processes, often referred to as semi-chemical pulp. The classification process for wood pulp in Chapter 47 is primarily based on the method of production. CTMP is produced by a process where wood chips are first softened with chemicals (typically sodium sulfite) and heat (steam) before being processed in a mechanical refiner. This dual approach allows the pulp to maintain a high yield, similar to mechanical pulp, while gaining some of the strength and brightness characteristics associated with chemical pulp. Because the process involves both chemical and mechanical stages, it does not meet the criteria for purely mechanical pulp (4701) or purely chemical pulp (4703 or 4704). Therefore, it falls into the specific category of 4705.00. This is consistent with the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, which clarify that pulps produced by such combined methods must be classified under this heading. The classification is essential for the paper industry as it distinguishes the pulp's physical properties and its suitability for various paper and board grades.
- Covers
- Bleached chemi-thermomechanical pulp
- Unbleached chemi-thermomechanical pulp
- Semi-chemical wood pulp
- Pulp produced by the neutral sulfite semi-chemical (NSSC) process
- Chemi-mechanical pulp (CMP)
- 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. CTMP is frequently misclassified under HS code 4701.00, which is reserved for purely mechanical wood pulp. While CTMP uses mechanical refining, the chemical pre-treatment excludes it from 4701.00. It is also sometimes confused with chemical wood pulp under HS code 4703.00 (soda or sulfate) or 4704.00 (sulfite). However, chemical pulps have the majority of their lignin removed, whereas CTMP retains most of the lignin. The distinction is based on the yield and the presence of chemical treatment during the refining process, making 4705.00 the only appropriate code for these hybrid pulps.
Top exporters and importers of HS 470500 (the code used for CTMP pulp), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 470500 (the code used for CTMP 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 CTMP 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 CTMP pulp
Brazil classifies CTMP 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 CTMP pulp
What is the HS code for CTMP pulp?
The HS code for CTMP pulp is 470500 (Wood pulp; obtained by a combination of mechanical and chemical pulping processes). The HS code for chemi-thermomechanical pulp (CTMP) is 4705.00, covering wood pulp obtained by a combination of mechanical and chemical processes.
How do I classify CTMP pulp for customs?
CTMP 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 CTMP differ from mechanical pulp in classification?
Mechanical pulp (4701.00) is produced solely by grinding, while CTMP (4705.00) involves a chemical pre-treatment step to soften the wood fibers before refining.
Which countries are the top exporters of CTMP pulp (HS 470500)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 470500 (the code used for CTMP 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 CTMP pulp (HS 470500)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 470500 (the code used for CTMP 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 CTMP pulp the same in all countries?
The base HS code 470500 for CTMP 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 CTMP pulp in Brazil?
In Brazil, CTMP pulp (HS 470500) is classified under NCM 4705.00.00.