Product classification
HS code for Unbleached kraft waste: 4707.10
Paper or paperboard, waste and scrap, of unbleached kraft paper or paperboard or corrugated paper or paperboard.
Classification of unbleached kraft waste under HS 4707.10
Unbleached kraft waste is classified under HS code 4707.10. This code is part of Chapter 47, which covers pulp of wood and other fibrous cellulosic material, including waste and scrap of paper or paperboard. The classification 4707.10 specifically targets waste and scrap of unbleached kraft paper or paperboard, or corrugated paper or paperboard. To qualify for this code, the material must be recovered (waste) paper and must consist primarily of unbleached fibers. This is a critical distinction in the recycling industry, as unbleached kraft (often referred to as OCC or Old Corrugated Containers) has different processing requirements and value compared to bleached or sorted office paper. The classification is determined by the chemical nature of the pulp used to create the original paper and the fact that it has not undergone a bleaching process.
- Covers
- Old Corrugated Containers (OCC)
- Unbleached kraft paper trimmings
- Scrap unbleached kraft grocery bags
- Waste unbleached multi-wall sacks
- Unbleached linerboard scrap
- Also under 4707.10
- International Paper OCC
- Smurfit Kappa recycled fiber
- WestRock corrugated waste
- DS Smith recovered paper
Codes often confused with 4707.10
Common mistake. This product is frequently misclassified under 4707.20, which is for waste of paper made mainly of bleached chemical pulp not colored in the mass. It is also sometimes confused with 4707.90, the "other" category. The distinction lies in the "unbleached" and "kraft" characteristics; if the waste contains significant amounts of bleached paper or non-kraft fibers, it may be pushed into the 4707.90 category.
Top exporters and importers of HS 470710 (the code used for unbleached kraft waste), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 470710 (the code used for unbleached kraft waste) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 14% of world imports. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 1.5% of its imports here ($9.9M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 470710, not only unbleached kraft waste.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $1.5B 34% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $515M 11% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $259M 5.7% of world exports
World total: $4.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $599M 14% of world imports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$589M 13% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Malaysia $576M 13% of world imports
Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 1.5% of its imports here ($9.9M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
World total: $4.4B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 unbleached kraft waste
Brazil classifies unbleached kraft waste under NCM 4707.10.00: HS 4707.10 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 unbleached kraft waste
What is the HS code for Unbleached kraft waste?
The HS code for Unbleached kraft waste is 470710 (Paper or paperboard; waste and scrap, of unbleached kraft paper or paperboard or corrugated paper or paperboard).
How do I classify Unbleached kraft waste for customs?
Unbleached kraft waste is classified under HS code 470710 — Paper or paperboard; waste and scrap, of unbleached kraft paper or paperboard or corrugated paper or paperboard. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for OCC (Old Corrugated Containers)?
OCC is primarily classified under HS code 4707.10 as unbleached kraft and corrugated paper waste.
Can printed kraft paper be classified here?
Yes, as long as the substrate is unbleached kraft paper, the presence of printing does not typically remove it from 4707.10, provided it is being traded as waste for recovery.
Which countries are the top exporters of unbleached kraft waste (HS 470710)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 470710 (the code used for unbleached kraft waste) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.5B, 34% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($515M) and the Netherlands ($259M). World exports came to about $4.5B, 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 unbleached kraft waste (HS 470710)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 470710 (the code used for unbleached kraft waste) in UN Comtrade data were India ($599M, 14% of world imports), Vietnam (about $589M) and Malaysia ($576M). World imports came to about $4.4B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 1.5% of its imports here ($9.9M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Is the HS code for Unbleached kraft waste the same in all countries?
The base HS code 470710 for Unbleached kraft 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 unbleached kraft waste in Brazil?
In Brazil, unbleached kraft waste (HS 470710) is classified under NCM 4707.10.00.