HS Code for Non-coniferous bleached kraft pulp

HS code 4703.29 applies to chemical wood pulp produced via the soda or sulphate (kraft) process that has been semi-bleached or bleached and is derived from non-coniferous (hardwood) species. The classification is specific to "other than dissolving grades," meaning the pulp is intended for papermaking rather than chemical derivatives like rayon or cellulose acetate. The bleaching process involves chemical treatment to increase brightness and remove residual lignin, which is the organic polymer that binds wood fibers together. In the kraft process, wood chips are treated with a mixture of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulphide, known as white liquor, which breaks the bonds between lignin and cellulose. Hardwood species, such as eucalyptus, birch, acacia, and maple, produce shorter fibers compared to coniferous softwoods. These shorter fibers are essential for providing opacity, smoothness, and bulk in high-quality printing and writing papers. The "bleached" status is defined by the degree of whiteness achieved, typically measured by ISO brightness standards. Under the Harmonized System, the distinction between coniferous (4703.21) and non-coniferous (4703.29) is fundamental because the physical properties of the resulting paper products differ significantly. Furthermore, the exclusion of "dissolving grades" (4702.00) is based on the chemical purity and alpha-cellulose content of the pulp. Pulp classified under 4703.29 must be primarily used for its mechanical properties in paper formation.

Products Included

• Bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp (BEKP)
• Bleached birch sulphate pulp
• Bleached acacia kraft pulp
• Semi-bleached hardwood soda pulp
• Bleached maple or aspen chemical pulp

Common Misclassification

This code is often confused with 4703.21, which is for bleached *coniferous* (softwood) kraft pulp. The botanical origin of the wood is the deciding factor. It is also confused with 4703.19, which covers *unbleached* non-coniferous kraft pulp. If the pulp is intended for chemical manufacture (high alpha-cellulose), it must be classified under 4702.00 as dissolving grade pulp.

FAQ

What is the HS code for Non-coniferous bleached kraft pulp?

The correct HS code for bleached or semi-bleached non-coniferous kraft pulp is 4703.29.

What is the difference between kraft and soda pulp?

Kraft pulp (sulphate) uses sodium hydroxide and sodium sulphide, while soda pulp uses only sodium hydroxide; both are classified under 4703 if they are chemical wood pulps.