Product classification
HS code for ONP scrap: 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 ONP scrap under HS 4707.30
ONP (Old Newspaper) scrap is classified under HS code 4707.30, which covers waste and scrap of paper or paperboard. The primary criterion for this classification is the composition of the paper, specifically that it is made mainly of mechanical pulp. Mechanical pulp is the standard material used for newspapers, journals, and similar mass-produced printed matter because it is cost-effective but less durable than chemical pulp. Chapter 47 of the Harmonized System deals with pulp of wood or of other fibrous cellulosic material, and heading 4707 is dedicated to recovered (waste and scrap) paper. Subheading 4707.30 is distinguished from other subheadings in 4707 by the presence of mechanical pulp, which is typically identified by its tendency to yellow over time and its lower structural strength compared to chemical pulp. This classification is essential for the recycling industry, as it separates high-grade chemical pulp waste from lower-grade mechanical pulp waste, which requires different processing methods. The material must be intended for recovery or recycling to fall under this heading.
- Covers
- Old newspapers (ONP) in bales or loose form
- Over-issue newspapers (OINP) that were never distributed
- Magazines and journals made from mechanical pulp
- Directories and catalogs printed on newsprint
- Shredded newspaper waste for recycling
- 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. ONP scrap is often confused with HS code 4707.10, which is for unbleached kraft paper or corrugated paperboard, or 4707.20, which covers other paper made mainly of bleached chemical pulp not colored in the mass. Using 4707.30 requires the presence of mechanical pulp. Another error is classifying old newspapers as 4902.10; however, heading 4902 is for newspapers imported as reading material (current issues), whereas 4707.30 is for waste material intended for pulping or industrial use.
Top exporters and importers of HS 470730 (the code used for ONP scrap), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 470730 (the code used for ONP scrap) 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 ONP scrap.
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 ONP scrap
Brazil classifies ONP scrap 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 ONP scrap
What is the HS code for ONP scrap?
The HS code for ONP scrap 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 ONP (Old Newspaper) scrap made mainly of mechanical pulp is 4707.30.
How do I classify ONP scrap for customs?
ONP scrap 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.
Can shredded newspapers be classified under this code?
Yes, shredded newspapers intended for recycling or use as waste material are classified under 4707.30, provided they are primarily composed of mechanical pulp.
Which countries are the top exporters of ONP scrap (HS 470730)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 470730 (the code used for ONP scrap) 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 ONP scrap (HS 470730)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 470730 (the code used for ONP scrap) 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 ONP scrap the same in all countries?
The base HS code 470730 for ONP 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 ONP scrap in Brazil?
In Brazil, ONP scrap (HS 470730) is classified under NCM 4707.30.00.