Product classification
HS code for Non-coniferous bleached kraft pulp: 4703.29
Wood pulp, chemical wood pulp, soda or sulphate, (other than dissolving grades), semi-bleached or bleached, of non-coniferous wood.
Classification of non-coniferous bleached kraft pulp under HS 4703.29
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.
- Covers
- Bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp (BEKP)
- Bleached birch sulphate pulp
- Bleached acacia kraft pulp
- Semi-bleached hardwood soda pulp
- Bleached maple or aspen chemical pulp
- Also under 4703.29
- Suzano (bleached eucalyptus pulp)
- CMPC Celulosa
- Asia Pulp & Paper (APP)
- Eldorado Brasil Celulose
- Klabin (bleached grades)
Codes often confused with 4703.29
Common mistake. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS 470329 (the code used for non-coniferous bleached kraft pulp), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 470329 (the code used for non-coniferous bleached kraft pulp) in UN Comtrade data was Brazil, with 55% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 44% of world imports. Germany reports $207M of its chapter 47 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 470329, not only non-coniferous bleached kraft pulp.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Brazil $8.9B 55% of world exports
- 2 Indonesia $2.4B 15% of world exports
- 3 Chile $1.5B 9.0% of world exports
World total: $16.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $9.1B 44% of world imports
- 2 United States $1.5B 7.3% of world imports
- 3 Italy $1.3B 6.3% of world imports
Germany reports $207M of its chapter 47 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $20.7B 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 non-coniferous bleached kraft pulp
Brazil classifies non-coniferous bleached kraft pulp under NCM 4703.29.00: HS 4703.29 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 non-coniferous bleached kraft pulp
What is the HS code for Non-coniferous bleached kraft pulp?
The HS code for Non-coniferous bleached kraft pulp is 470329 (Wood pulp; chemical wood pulp, soda or sulphate, (other than dissolving grades), semi-bleached or bleached, of non-coniferous wood). The correct HS code for bleached or semi-bleached non-coniferous kraft pulp is 4703.29.
How do I classify Non-coniferous bleached kraft pulp for customs?
Non-coniferous bleached kraft pulp is classified under HS code 470329 — Wood pulp; chemical wood pulp, soda or sulphate, (other than dissolving grades), semi-bleached or bleached, of non-coniferous wood. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
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.
Which countries are the top exporters of non-coniferous bleached kraft pulp (HS 470329)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 470329 (the code used for non-coniferous bleached kraft pulp) in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($8.9B, 55% of world exports), Indonesia ($2.4B) and Chile ($1.5B). World exports came to about $16.3B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of non-coniferous bleached kraft pulp (HS 470329)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 470329 (the code used for non-coniferous bleached kraft pulp) in UN Comtrade data were China ($9.1B, 44% of world imports), the United States ($1.5B) and Italy ($1.3B). World imports came to about $20.7B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Germany reports $207M of its chapter 47 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Non-coniferous bleached kraft pulp the same in all countries?
The base HS code 470329 for Non-coniferous bleached kraft 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 non-coniferous bleached kraft pulp in Brazil?
In Brazil, non-coniferous bleached kraft pulp (HS 470329) is classified under NCM 4703.29.00.