Product classification
HS code for Unsorted paper waste: 4707.90
Paper or paperboard, waste and scrap, of paper or paperboard n.e.c. in heading no. 4707 and of unsorted waste and scrap.
Classification of unsorted paper waste under HS 4707.90
Unsorted paper waste is classified under HS code 4707.90. This classification falls within Chapter 47, which covers pulp of wood or of other fibrous cellulosic material, as well as recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard. Heading 4707 is specifically designated for recovered paper and paperboard. The subheading 4707.90 is a residual category used for waste and scrap that has not been sorted into the specific categories defined in 4707.10 through 4707.30. This includes mixed municipal collections, unsorted office waste, and various types of paper scrap that contain a mixture of different fibers (such as kraft, chemical, and mechanical pulp). The classification is based on the lack of homogeneity in the material. If the waste consists of a mixture of different types of paper that would individually fall under different subheadings, and they have not been separated, 4707.90 is the correct designation according to the General Rules of Interpretation.
- Covers
- Mixed municipal paper waste
- Unsorted office paper scrap
- Mixed paper and paperboard scrap
- Unsorted magazines and newspapers mixed with other paper
- General recovered paper waste n.e.c.
- Also under 4707.90
- Waste Management mixed paper bales
- Republic Services recovered paper
- various recycling facilities
- local municipal recycling programs
Codes often confused with 4707.90
Common mistake. Unsorted paper waste is frequently misclassified under 4707.10, 4707.20, or 4707.30. Code 4707.10 is strictly for unbleached kraft paper or corrugated paperboard. Code 4707.20 is for paper made mainly of bleached chemical pulp not colored in the mass. Code 4707.30 is for paper made mainly of mechanical pulp (e.g., newspapers and journals). If a shipment contains a mix of these without sorting, it must be placed in 4707.90. Misclassification often occurs when exporters attempt to use a more specific code for a mixed load to satisfy buyer requirements or lower duty rates.
Top exporters and importers of HS 470790 (the code used for unsorted paper waste), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 470790 (the code used for unsorted paper waste) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 28% 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 470790, not only unsorted paper waste.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $288M 20% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $176M 12% of world exports
- 3 Germany $103M 7.1% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $585M 28% of world imports
- 2 Germany $315M 15% of world imports
- 3 Thailand $155M 7.4% of world imports
World total: $2.1B 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 unsorted paper waste
Brazil classifies unsorted paper waste under NCM 4707.90.00: HS 4707.90 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 unsorted paper waste
What is the HS code for Unsorted paper waste?
The HS code for Unsorted paper waste is 470790 (Paper or paperboard; waste and scrap, of paper or paperboard n.e.c. in heading no. 4707 and of unsorted waste and scrap). The HS code for unsorted paper waste and scrap is 4707.90.
How do I classify Unsorted paper waste for customs?
Unsorted paper waste is classified under HS code 470790 — Paper or paperboard; waste and scrap, of paper or paperboard n.e.c. in heading no. 4707 and of unsorted waste and scrap. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include shredded paper?
Yes, if the shredded paper is a mixture of various types of paper and has not been sorted by pulp type, it is classified under 4707.90.
Which countries are the top exporters of unsorted paper waste (HS 470790)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 470790 (the code used for unsorted paper waste) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($288M, 20% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($176M) and Germany ($103M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 unsorted paper waste (HS 470790)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 470790 (the code used for unsorted paper waste) in UN Comtrade data were India ($585M, 28% of world imports), Germany ($315M) and Thailand ($155M). World imports came to about $2.1B, 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.
Is the HS code for Unsorted paper waste the same in all countries?
The base HS code 470790 for Unsorted paper 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 unsorted paper waste in Brazil?
In Brazil, unsorted paper waste (HS 470790) is classified under NCM 4707.90.00.