Product classification
HS code for Mixed paper waste: 4707.30
Paper or paperboard, waste and scrap, paper or paperboard made mainly of mechanical pulp (e.g. newspapers, journals and similar printed matter).
Classification of mixed paper waste under HS 4707.30
Mixed paper waste is classified under HS code 470730. Chapter 47 of the Harmonized System covers pulp of wood or of other fibrous cellulosic material, as well as recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard. Heading 4707 is dedicated to waste and scrap of paper or paperboard. The specific subheading 470730 is defined as paper or paperboard made mainly of mechanical pulp. This includes items such as old newspapers, journals, and similar printed matter. The classification is determined by the predominant type of pulp used in the original manufacturing of the paper being scrapped. Mechanical pulp is characterized by the presence of lignin and is typically used for lower-grade paper products. In the context of "mixed" waste, if the bulk of the collection consists of newspapers and magazines, 470730 is the most accurate code. This classification is vital for the recycling industry, as it distinguishes between high-quality chemical pulp waste and lower-value mechanical pulp waste, which require different processing techniques in the de-inking and pulping stages.
- Covers
- Old newspapers (ONP)
- Magazines and journals
- Mixed directories and catalogs
- Waste paper containing mechanical pulp
- Scrap advertising circulars and flyers
- Also under 4707.30
- Resolute Forest Products recycled newsprint
- SCA recycled tissue
- various de-inking mills
- Norske Skog recycled paper
Codes often confused with 4707.30
Common mistake. Mixed paper waste is often confused with HS code 470710 or 470720. HS code 470710 is strictly for unbleached kraft paper or paperboard or corrugated paper. HS code 470720 is for other paper or paperboard made mainly of bleached chemical pulp, not colored in the mass (such as high-grade office paper). If a shipment contains a variety of paper types but is dominated by mechanical pulp products like newsprint, 470730 must be used. Misclassifying high-grade office waste as 470730 can lead to significant valuation errors during customs clearance.
Top exporters and importers of HS 470730 (the code used for mixed paper waste), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 470730 (the code used for mixed paper waste) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 10% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 21% 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 470730, not only mixed paper waste.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $74M 10% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $70M 9.5% of world exports
- 3 Japan $69M 9.3% of world exports
World total: $738M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $176M 21% of world imports
- 2 Malaysia $109M 13% of world imports
- 3 Belgium $71M 8.5% of world imports
World total: $833M 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 waste
Brazil classifies mixed paper waste under NCM 4707.30.00: HS 4707.30 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 waste
What is the HS code for Mixed paper waste?
The HS code for Mixed paper waste is 470730 (Paper or paperboard; waste and scrap, paper or paperboard made mainly of mechanical pulp (e.g. newspapers, journals and similar printed matter)). The HS code for mixed paper waste, specifically that consisting mainly of mechanical pulp like newspapers, is 470730.
How do I classify Mixed paper waste for customs?
Mixed paper waste is classified under HS code 470730 — Paper or paperboard; waste and scrap, paper or paperboard made mainly of mechanical pulp (e.g. newspapers, journals and similar printed matter). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does 470730 include cardboard boxes?
Generally, no. Corrugated cardboard boxes are typically classified under 470710 (unbleached kraft) unless they are specifically made of mechanical pulp.
Which countries are the top exporters of mixed paper waste (HS 470730)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 470730 (the code used for mixed paper waste) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($74M, 10% of world exports), the Netherlands ($70M) and Japan ($69M). World exports came to about $738M, 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 waste (HS 470730)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 470730 (the code used for mixed paper waste) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($176M, 21% of world imports), Malaysia ($109M) and Belgium ($71M). World imports came to about $833M, 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 waste the same in all countries?
The base HS code 470730 for Mixed paper waste 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 waste in Brazil?
In Brazil, mixed paper waste (HS 470730) is classified under NCM 4707.30.00.