Product classification
HS code for Dissolving pulp: 4702.00
Wood pulp, chemical wood pulp, dissolving grades.
Classification of dissolving pulp under HS 4702.00
Dissolving pulp is classified under HS code 4702.00. This classification is highly specific to chemical wood pulp of dissolving grades. Unlike standard wood pulp used for papermaking, dissolving pulp is characterized by its high alpha-cellulose content (typically 92% or higher) and very low ash and extractives content. It is intended for use in the manufacture of regenerated cellulose (such as viscose rayon, lyocell, and modal), cellulose esters (like acetate), and cellulose ethers. The classification is determined by Chapter 47, Note 1, which defines dissolving grades as chemical wood pulp having an insoluble fraction of at least 92% for soda or sulfate pulp or 88% for sulfite pulp after one hour in a caustic soda solution. This technical threshold ensures that only high-purity pulps intended for chemical conversion are placed in 4702.00. Standard pulps used for paper or cardboard production, even if chemically treated, do not meet these purity requirements and are excluded from this heading.
- Covers
- High alpha-cellulose wood pulp
- Chemical wood pulp for viscose production
- Acetate grade wood pulp
- Ether grade wood pulp
- Sulfite dissolving pulp
- Also under 4702.00
- Lenzing AG (for Tencel/Viscose)
- Birla Cellulose
- Sateri
- Sappi (dissolving pulp division)
- Rayonier Advanced Materials
Codes often confused with 4702.00
Common mistake. Dissolving pulp is frequently confused with chemical wood pulp, soda, or sulfate (other than dissolving grades) found in heading 4703, or sulfite wood pulp in heading 4704. The distinction lies entirely in the chemical purity and the alpha-cellulose test. If the pulp is intended for paper manufacturing and does not meet the solubility requirements of Chapter 47 Note 1, it cannot be classified under 4702.00. Additionally, cotton linters pulp is classified under 4706.10, even if it is of a dissolving grade, because 4702.00 is strictly for wood-derived pulp.
Top exporters and importers of HS 470200 (the code used for dissolving pulp), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 470200 (the code used for dissolving pulp) in UN Comtrade data was Brazil, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 58% 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 470200, not only dissolving pulp.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Brazil $1.1B 16% of world exports
- 2 Indonesia $991M 14% of world exports
- 3 South Africa $907M 13% of world exports
World total: $6.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $4.2B 58% of world imports
- 2 India $781M 11% of world imports
- 3 Germany $520M 7.2% of world imports
World total: $7.3B 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 dissolving pulp
Brazil classifies dissolving pulp under NCM 4702.00.00: HS 4702.00 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 dissolving pulp
What is the HS code for Dissolving pulp?
The HS code for Dissolving pulp is 470200 (Wood pulp; chemical wood pulp, dissolving grades). The HS code for chemical wood pulp of dissolving grades is 4702.00.
How do I classify Dissolving pulp for customs?
Dissolving pulp is classified under HS code 470200 — Wood pulp; chemical wood pulp, dissolving grades. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can paper-grade pulp be classified here?
No, paper-grade pulp lacks the required alpha-cellulose purity and is classified under 4703 or 4704 depending on the chemical process used.
Which countries are the top exporters of dissolving pulp (HS 470200)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 470200 (the code used for dissolving pulp) in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($1.1B, 16% of world exports), Indonesia ($991M) and South Africa ($907M). World exports came to about $6.9B, 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 dissolving pulp (HS 470200)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 470200 (the code used for dissolving pulp) in UN Comtrade data were China ($4.2B, 58% of world imports), India ($781M) and Germany ($520M). World imports came to about $7.3B, 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 Dissolving pulp the same in all countries?
The base HS code 470200 for Dissolving 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 dissolving pulp in Brazil?
In Brazil, dissolving pulp (HS 470200) is classified under NCM 4702.00.00.