Product classification
HS code for Recycled paper pulp: 4706.20
Pulp, of fibres derived from recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard.
Classification of recycled paper pulp under HS 4706.20
HS code 4706.20 covers pulp derived from recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard. This classification is critical in the circular economy as it distinguishes processed pulp from the raw waste material. The pulp is obtained through various mechanical or chemical processes that break down recovered paper into its constituent fibers, removing inks, adhesives, and contaminants. This material is then used as a secondary raw material in the manufacture of new paper products. Under the Harmonized System, Chapter 47 deals with pulp of wood or of other fibrous cellulosic material. Subheading 4706.20 specifically identifies pulp where the primary source is recycled fiber, rather than virgin wood or other non-wood vegetable fibers. The classification requires that the material has been processed into a pulp state, typically presented in wet or dry sheets, or occasionally in a crumb-like form, ready for the paper-making machine.
- Covers
- De-inked recycled paper pulp
- Mechanical recycled pulp
- Chemical-mechanical recycled pulp
- Recycled fiber slurry (if in tradeable form)
- Bleached recycled paper pulp
- Also under 4706.20
- Smurfit Kappa recycled fiber
- SCA recycled pulp
- DS Smith recovered paper pulp
- International Paper recycled content
Codes often confused with 4706.20
Common mistake. HS code 4707.10 to 4707.90 (recovered paper and paperboard) is the most frequent error. These codes are for the waste material itself (scrap), whereas 4706.20 is for the resulting pulp after the scrap has been processed. Additionally, 4703 (chemical wood pulp, soda or sulfate) is sometimes used incorrectly if the user does not specify that the source material was recycled rather than virgin wood logs or chips. It is essential to distinguish between the raw waste (Chapter 4707) and the intermediate industrial product (4706.20).
Top exporters and importers of HS 470620 (the code used for recycled paper pulp), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 470620 (the code used for recycled paper pulp) in UN Comtrade data was Thailand, with 48% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 79% 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 470620, not only recycled paper pulp.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Thailand $553M 48% of world exports
- 2 Malaysia $301M 26% of world exports
- 3 Germany $77M 6.8% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $923M 79% of world imports
- 2 Malaysia $45M 3.9% of world imports
- 3 Thailand $34M 2.9% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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 recycled paper pulp
Brazil classifies recycled paper pulp under NCM 4706.20.00: HS 4706.20 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 recycled paper pulp
What is the HS code for Recycled paper pulp?
The HS code for Recycled paper pulp is 470620 (Pulp; of fibres derived from recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard). Recycled paper pulp is classified under HS code 4706.20.
How do I classify Recycled paper pulp for customs?
Recycled paper pulp is classified under HS code 470620 — Pulp; of fibres derived from recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does this differ from waste paper?
Waste paper (scrap) is classified in heading 4707. HS code 4706.20 is only for the pulp that has been manufactured from that waste paper through mechanical or chemical processing.
Which countries are the top exporters of recycled paper pulp (HS 470620)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 470620 (the code used for recycled paper pulp) in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($553M, 48% of world exports), Malaysia ($301M) and Germany ($77M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of recycled paper pulp (HS 470620)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 470620 (the code used for recycled paper pulp) in UN Comtrade data were China ($923M, 79% of world imports), Malaysia ($45M) and Thailand ($34M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 Recycled paper pulp the same in all countries?
The base HS code 470620 for Recycled paper 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 recycled paper pulp in Brazil?
In Brazil, recycled paper pulp (HS 470620) is classified under NCM 4706.20.00.