Product classification
HS code for Groundwood pulp: 4701.00
Wood pulp, mechanical wood pulp.
Classification of groundwood pulp under HS 4701.00
Groundwood pulp is classified under HS code 470100 because it represents the primary mechanical process of converting wood into pulp for papermaking. This classification is governed by the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI), specifically focusing on the method of production. Unlike chemical pulps, groundwood pulp is produced by physically grinding logs against a rotating abrasive stone or by refining wood chips between discs. This mechanical process retains most of the lignin and hemicellulose found in the original wood, which distinguishes it from chemical pulps where these components are largely removed to increase strength and brightness. The classification 470100 is specific to mechanical wood pulp that has not been chemically treated beyond what is necessary for the mechanical process or for minor bleaching. It is essential for customs purposes to distinguish this from semi-chemical wood pulp, which involves a combination of chemical and mechanical processing. The high yield and opacity of groundwood pulp make it ideal for newsprint and catalog paper, and its classification reflects its raw, mechanically processed state.
- Covers
- Stone groundwood pulp (SGW)
- Refiner mechanical pulp (RMP)
- Thermo-mechanical pulp (TMP)
- Chemi-thermomechanical pulp (CTMP)
- Bleached mechanical wood pulp
- Also under 4701.00
- UPM (Finnish pulp producer)
- Stora Enso (Swedish/Finnish pulp and paper company)
- Canfor Pulp (Canadian producer)
- Resolute Forest Products (North American producer)
- SCA
Codes often confused with 4701.00
Common mistake. Groundwood pulp is frequently confused with chemical wood pulp classified under headings 4703 (Sulphate/Kraft pulp) or 4704 (Sulphite pulp). The primary difference lies in the removal of lignin; chemical pulps have significantly lower lignin content. Additionally, it may be misclassified under 4702.00, which is reserved for chemical wood pulp of dissolving grades. Importers must ensure that the pulp has not undergone the extensive chemical cooking processes that would move it out of the 470100 category.
Top exporters and importers of HS 470100 (the code used for groundwood pulp), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 470100 (the code used for groundwood pulp) in UN Comtrade data was New Zealand, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 16% 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 470100, not only groundwood pulp.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 New Zealand $93M 40% of world exports
- 2 Germany $41M 18% of world exports
- 3 Norway $29M 12% of world exports
World total: $230M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $25M 16% of world imports
- 2 Italy $17M 11% of world imports
- 3 France $17M 10% of world imports
World total: $158M 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 groundwood pulp
Brazil classifies groundwood pulp under NCM 4701.00.00: HS 4701.00 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 groundwood pulp
What is the HS code for Groundwood pulp?
The HS code for Groundwood pulp is 470100 (Wood pulp; mechanical wood pulp). The HS code for groundwood pulp is 470100, which specifically covers mechanical wood pulp.
How do I classify Groundwood pulp for customs?
Groundwood pulp is classified under HS code 470100 — Wood pulp; mechanical wood pulp. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is thermo-mechanical pulp (TMP) classified differently?
No, thermo-mechanical pulp is considered a form of mechanical pulp and is classified under HS code 470100, as the primary fiber separation is achieved through mechanical refining, even if heat is applied.
Which countries are the top exporters of groundwood pulp (HS 470100)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 470100 (the code used for groundwood pulp) in UN Comtrade data were New Zealand ($93M, 40% of world exports), Germany ($41M) and Norway ($29M). World exports came to about $230M, 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 groundwood pulp (HS 470100)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 470100 (the code used for groundwood pulp) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($25M, 16% of world imports), Italy ($17M) and France ($17M). World imports came to about $158M, 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 Groundwood pulp the same in all countries?
The base HS code 470100 for Groundwood 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 groundwood pulp in Brazil?
In Brazil, groundwood pulp (HS 470100) is classified under NCM 4701.00.00.