Product classification
HS code for Mixed paper scrap: 4707.90
Paper or paperboard, waste and scrap, of paper or paperboard n.e.c. in heading no. 4707 and of unsorted waste and scrap.
Classification of mixed paper scrap under HS 4707.90
Mixed paper scrap is classified under HS code 4707.90. This code falls under Chapter 47, which covers pulp of wood or of other fibrous cellulosic material, as well as recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard. Heading 4707 is specifically designated for recovered paper. Subheading 4707.90 is a residual category for "other" waste and scrap, including unsorted waste and scrap. This classification is used when the paper waste is not sorted into specific high-grade categories like unbleached kraft or bleached chemical pulp. In the context of global recycling markets, 4707.90 is the primary code for municipal collected paper, mixed office waste, and general paper scrap that contains a variety of fiber types. The classification requires that the material be fit only for the recovery of fibers or for use as a raw material in paper manufacturing. It should not contain significant amounts of non-paper contaminants that would change its nature to general municipal waste (Chapter 95) or plastic waste (Chapter 39).
- Covers
- Unsorted residential paper recycling
- Mixed office paper waste
- Magazines and catalogs mixed with newsprint
- Shredded mixed paper documents
- Scrap paperboard mixed with various paper grades
- Also under 4707.90
- Waste Management mixed paper bales
- Republic Services recovered paper
- various recycling facilities
- local municipal recycling programs
Codes often confused with 4707.90
Common mistake. Mixed paper is often misclassified under 4707.10, 4707.20, or 4707.30. These codes are reserved for specific, sorted grades: 4707.10 for unbleached kraft paper, 4707.20 for paper made mainly of bleached chemical pulp, and 4707.30 for paper made mainly of mechanical pulp (like old newspapers). If the shipment contains a mixture of these without sorting, using the specific codes is incorrect, and 4707.90 must be used.
Top exporters and importers of HS 470790 (the code used for mixed paper scrap), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 470790 (the code used for mixed paper scrap) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 28% 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 470790, not only mixed paper scrap.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $288M 20% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $176M 12% of world exports
- 3 Germany $103M 7.1% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $585M 28% of world imports
- 2 Germany $315M 15% of world imports
- 3 Thailand $155M 7.4% of world imports
World total: $2.1B 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 mixed paper scrap
Brazil classifies mixed paper scrap under NCM 4707.90.00: HS 4707.90 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 mixed paper scrap
What is the HS code for Mixed paper scrap?
The HS code for Mixed paper scrap is 470790 (Paper or paperboard; waste and scrap, of paper or paperboard n.e.c. in heading no. 4707 and of unsorted waste and scrap). The correct HS code for unsorted or mixed recovered paper and paperboard is 4707.90.
How do I classify Mixed paper scrap for customs?
Mixed paper scrap is classified under HS code 470790 — Paper or paperboard; waste and scrap, of paper or paperboard n.e.c. in heading no. 4707 and of unsorted waste and scrap. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can paper scrap with plastic windows be classified here?
Yes, as long as the product remains predominantly paper waste intended for fiber recovery, minor inclusions like plastic envelope windows do not typically remove it from 4707.90.
Which countries are the top exporters of mixed paper scrap (HS 470790)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 470790 (the code used for mixed paper scrap) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($288M, 20% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($176M) and Germany ($103M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 mixed paper scrap (HS 470790)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 470790 (the code used for mixed paper scrap) in UN Comtrade data were India ($585M, 28% of world imports), Germany ($315M) and Thailand ($155M). World imports came to about $2.1B, 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.
Is the HS code for Mixed paper scrap the same in all countries?
The base HS code 470790 for Mixed paper scrap 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 mixed paper scrap in Brazil?
In Brazil, mixed paper scrap (HS 470790) is classified under NCM 4707.90.00.