HS 470311 Unbleached
Quick Answer: Wood pulp imported under HS 470311 enters the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US at Free under the MFN rate. This classification specifically covers unbleached coniferous chemical wood pulp. This means it is pulp derived from softwood trees that has not undergone a bleaching process to remove lignin and other impurities. For importers and customs brokers, the duty-free status across these major markets simplifies trade, though vigilance regarding any potential non-tariff barriers or specific import documentation requirements remains crucial. CustomTariffs aggregates this duty information for ease of reference.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4703110000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4703110000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4703110000 | Free | — | ["t adw"] |
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 470311 cover?
This subheading covers unbleached chemical wood pulp, soda or kraft (other than dissolving grades). According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category specifically includes wood pulp that has undergone chemical pulping processes but has not been bleached to remove lignin and achieve a high degree of whiteness. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this classification applies to pulp intended for papermaking or other industrial uses where the unbleached state is acceptable or desired, such as for brown paper products.
What falls outside HS 470311?
The following products are excluded from HS 470311: bleached chemical wood pulp, mechanical wood pulp, semi-chemical wood pulp, and dissolving grades of chemical wood pulp. For instance, pulp that has undergone bleaching processes to achieve a high brightness, or pulp produced primarily through mechanical grinding rather than chemical dissolution of lignin, would be classified under different headings. Waste paper or paperboard, pulp made from other fibrous cellulosic material, and pulp intended for specialized applications like rayon production (dissolving grades) are also excluded.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 470311?
A common error is misclassifying bleached chemical wood pulp under this subheading. General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b) for the interpretation of the Harmonized System, which deals with goods put up in sets or composite goods, is rarely applicable here as these are typically single commodities. Importers may also mistakenly classify mechanical or semi-chemical pulps, which are distinct processes and result in different product characteristics, under HS 470311, failing to recognize the "chemical wood pulp" requirement of the heading.
How should importers classify products under HS 470311?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 470311 involves verifying that the material is indeed chemical wood pulp, specifically soda or kraft, and that it has not undergone any bleaching processes. Importers and customs brokers must review product specifications, manufacturing processes, and any available technical data sheets to confirm the pulp's characteristics. Consulting the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System and the specific tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, is crucial for accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 470311?
A shipment of 10 metric tons of unbleached kraft wood pulp, declared at a customs value of $7,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $210.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.0% ad valorem, applied to the customs value ($7,000 USD × 0.03 = $210.00). This calculation is based on the duty rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 470311.9000 (other unbleached chemical wood pulp, soda or kraft).
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 470311?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 470311, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating goods from Canada and Mexico can enter the United States duty-free. To claim this preference, a self-certified origin statement is typically required. While not directly applicable to this specific pulp, other agreements like the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement could offer preferential rates for originating goods between the EU and UK, often requiring an EUR.1 movement certificate.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 4703.11, covering unbleached coniferous chemical wood pulp?
For HS code 4703.11, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is typically 0.00% ad valorem for imports into the United States. Many other countries also offer duty-free treatment under their standard tariff schedules. For specific preferential rates under trade agreements or for other countries, consult the relevant tariff database such as the EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff, or USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
How is the classification of coniferous chemical wood pulp under HS 4703.11 determined?
HS code 4703.11 specifically covers 'Coniferous chemical wood pulp, unbleached'. Classification hinges on two main criteria: 1) the wood source must be coniferous (softwood), and 2) the pulp must be produced by a chemical process (e.g., Kraft or sulfite process) and remain unbleached. If the pulp is bleached or derived from non-coniferous wood, it would fall under a different HS code.
What documentation is typically required for importing unbleached coniferous chemical wood pulp under HS 4703.11?
Standard import documentation for HS 4703.11 generally includes a commercial invoice, a packing list, and a bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country and the specific transaction, a certificate of origin may be required, especially if preferential duty rates are claimed. Importers should also be prepared to provide technical documentation or specifications confirming the pulp is indeed unbleached and chemically processed from coniferous wood, if requested by customs authorities.
How is the duty calculated for HS code 4703.11 if a duty were applicable?
While HS 4703.11 often carries a 0.00% ad valorem duty rate, if a duty were applicable, it would typically be calculated as a percentage of the declared value of the goods (ad valorem). For example, if a shipment of unbleached coniferous chemical wood pulp was valued at $10,000 USD and the applicable duty rate was 3.5% ad valorem, the duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (Value) × 0.035 (Duty Rate) = $350.00 (Duty Amount). Always verify the specific duty rate and calculation method with the importing country's customs authority.
Are there common trade agreements that grant preferential duty rates for HS 4703.11?
Many trade agreements aim to reduce or eliminate duties on raw materials and intermediate goods like wood pulp. For instance, agreements such as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) or various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) the EU has with third countries often provide preferential duty-free access for goods originating from partner countries. Importers should consult the specific trade agreement schedules and rules of origin for the importing country to determine eligibility for preferential treatment under HS 4703.11.