Product classification
HS code for Deinked pulp: 4706.20
Pulp, of fibres derived from recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard.
Classification of deinked pulp under HS 4706.20
Deinked pulp is classified under HS code 4706.20, which pertains to pulps of fibers derived from recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard. The classification logic follows the progression of Chapter 47, which moves from mechanical and chemical wood pulps to pulps derived from other fibrous cellulosic materials. Heading 4706 is a residual category for pulps not made from primary wood sources. Subheading 4706.20 specifically identifies pulp that has undergone a recycling process, including deinking—the removal of printing ink from paper fibers to produce a clean pulp suitable for high-quality paper manufacturing. This classification is distinct from the raw waste paper itself, which is classified in heading 4707. The transition from 4707 to 4706.20 occurs once the waste material has been processed into a fibrous pulp state ready for papermaking. The deinking process typically involves a combination of mechanical agitation and chemical treatment to separate ink particles from the cellulose fibers. The resulting product is often used in the production of tissue, newsprint, or writing paper. It is important to note that this code applies regardless of the bleaching state of the pulp, provided the primary source is recovered paper. The pulp is usually transported in dried sheets or moist laps.
- Covers
- Recycled deinked secondary fiber pulp
- Pulp from deinked waste newsprint
- Deinked pulp from corrugated containers
- Bleached deinked paper pulp
- Also under 4706.20
- Smurfit Kappa recycled fiber
- SCA recycled pulp
- DS Smith recovered paper pulp
- International Paper recycled content
Codes often confused with 4706.20
Common mistake. Deinked pulp is frequently misclassified as raw waste paper under heading 4707. However, 4707 is for the scrap material before it is pulped. It may also be confused with chemical wood pulp under 4703 if the origin of the fiber (recycled vs. virgin) is not clearly documented in the technical specifications.
Top exporters and importers of HS 470620 (the code used for deinked pulp), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 470620 (the code used for deinked pulp) in UN Comtrade data was Thailand, with 48% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 79% 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 470620, not only deinked pulp.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Thailand $553M 48% of world exports
- 2 Malaysia $301M 26% of world exports
- 3 Germany $77M 6.8% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $923M 79% of world imports
- 2 Malaysia $45M 3.9% of world imports
- 3 Thailand $34M 2.9% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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 deinked pulp
Brazil classifies deinked pulp under NCM 4706.20.00: HS 4706.20 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 deinked pulp
What is the HS code for Deinked pulp?
The HS code for Deinked pulp is 470620 (Pulp; of fibres derived from recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard). The HS code for deinked pulp derived from recovered paper or paperboard is 4706.20.
How do I classify Deinked pulp for customs?
Deinked pulp is classified under HS code 470620 — Pulp; of fibres derived from recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is pulp made from bamboo classified here?
No, pulp made from bamboo is classified under HS code 4706.30, as it is a non-wood fibrous material but not derived from recovered paper.
Which countries are the top exporters of deinked pulp (HS 470620)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 470620 (the code used for deinked pulp) in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($553M, 48% of world exports), Malaysia ($301M) and Germany ($77M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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 deinked pulp (HS 470620)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 470620 (the code used for deinked pulp) in UN Comtrade data were China ($923M, 79% of world imports), Malaysia ($45M) and Thailand ($34M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 Deinked pulp the same in all countries?
The base HS code 470620 for Deinked 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 deinked pulp in Brazil?
In Brazil, deinked pulp (HS 470620) is classified under NCM 4706.20.00.