Product classification
HS code for Unbleached sulphite pulp: 4704.19
Wood pulp, chemical wood pulp, sulphite, (other than dissolving grades), unbleached, of non-coniferous wood.
Classification of unbleached sulphite pulp under HS 4704.19
The classification of unbleached sulphite pulp under HS code 4704.19 is determined by the chemical extraction process and the botanical origin of the wood fibers. This specific code refers to chemical wood pulp obtained through the sulphite process, where wood chips are cooked in a pressurized vessel with a solution of sulfurous acid and a base, such as calcium, magnesium, or ammonia. Unlike the more common Kraft (sulphate) process, the sulphite process results in fibers that are generally lighter in color and easier to refine, though in this instance, the product remains in its unbleached state. The designation 4704.19 specifically excludes coniferous wood (softwoods like pine or spruce) and instead focuses on non-coniferous sources, commonly referred to as hardwoods such as birch, eucalyptus, or aspen. Furthermore, this classification is reserved for pulp that is not of \"dissolving grades,\" which are high-purity pulps used for chemical derivatives like rayon. The unbleached nature of the pulp means it retains more lignin than bleached varieties, providing different structural properties suitable for specific paper and paperboard applications where high brightness is not the primary requirement. The Harmonized System organizes wood pulp based on the level of processing and the chemical treatment applied. Under heading 4704, the distinction between coniferous and non-coniferous is paramount, as is the distinction between bleached and unbleached states. For 4704.19, the importer must ensure the pulp is derived from broad-leaved trees and has not undergone any whitening or bleaching treatments. This pulp is typically used in the production of specialty papers, certain types of tissue, or as a component in multi-ply paperboard where the internal layers do not require high whiteness.
- Covers
- Unbleached hardwood sulphite pulp
- Unbleached birch sulphite pulp
- Unbleached eucalyptus chemical pulp
- Non-coniferous sulphite pulp for industrial paper production
- Also under 4704.19
- Sappi (specialty pulps)
- Ahlstrom-Munksjö (specialty papers)
- Some smaller European mills
- Asia Pulp & Paper (APP - some specialty grades)
- Domtar (specialty grades)
Codes often confused with 4704.19
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with 4704.11, which covers unbleached sulphite pulp derived from coniferous wood (softwoods). It is also often misclassified under 4704.29, which is the code for bleached non-coniferous sulphite pulp. Another common error is using 4702.00, which is strictly reserved for chemical wood pulp of dissolving grades, regardless of the chemical process used.
Top exporters and importers of HS 470419 (the code used for unbleached sulphite pulp), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 470419 (the code used for unbleached sulphite pulp) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 45% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 49% 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 470419, not only unbleached sulphite pulp.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $94K 45% of world exports
- 2 Sweden $52K 25% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $50K 24% of world exports
World total: $209K Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $274K 49% of world imports
- 2 Poland $151K 27% of world imports
- 3 France $81K 15% of world imports
World total: $556K 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 unbleached sulphite pulp
Brazil classifies unbleached sulphite pulp under NCM 4704.19.00: HS 4704.19 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 sulphite pulp
What is the HS code for Unbleached sulphite pulp?
The HS code for Unbleached sulphite pulp is 470419 (Wood pulp; chemical wood pulp, sulphite, (other than dissolving grades), unbleached, of non-coniferous wood). The HS code for unbleached sulphite pulp of non-coniferous wood is 4704.19. If it were from coniferous wood, it would be 4704.11.
How do I classify Unbleached sulphite pulp for customs?
Unbleached sulphite pulp is classified under HS code 470419 — Wood pulp; chemical wood pulp, sulphite, (other than dissolving grades), unbleached, of non-coniferous wood. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between sulphite and sulphate pulp?
Sulphite pulp (4704) is produced using sulfurous acid salts, while sulphate pulp (4703), also known as Kraft pulp, is produced using sodium hydroxide and sodium sulphide. Kraft pulp is generally stronger, while sulphite pulp is easier to bleach and refine.
Which countries are the top exporters of unbleached sulphite pulp (HS 470419)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 470419 (the code used for unbleached sulphite pulp) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($94K, 45% of world exports), Sweden ($52K) and Belgium ($50K). World exports came to about $209K, 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 sulphite pulp (HS 470419)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 470419 (the code used for unbleached sulphite pulp) in UN Comtrade data were China ($274K, 49% of world imports), Poland ($151K) and France ($81K). World imports came to about $556K, 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 Unbleached sulphite pulp the same in all countries?
The base HS code 470419 for Unbleached sulphite 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 unbleached sulphite pulp in Brazil?
In Brazil, unbleached sulphite pulp (HS 470419) is classified under NCM 4704.19.00.