HS 470321 Semi-bleached or bleached
Quick Answer: Wood pulp, semi-bleached or bleached, imported under HS 470321 enters the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US at Free under the MFN rate. This classification specifically covers chemical wood pulp that has undergone a bleaching process to achieve a lighter color, excluding mechanical pulp. Importers should note that while duty rates are currently zero in these major markets, compliance with specific import documentation and potential non-tariff regulations remains essential. CustomTariffs aggregates this tariff information, highlighting the generally favorable trade conditions for these goods.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4703210000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4703210000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 47032100 | Free | — | — |
| 4703210020 | — | — | ["t adw"] |
| 4703210040 | — | — | ["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 470321 cover?
This subheading covers semi-bleached or bleached chemical wood pulp, other than dissolving grades, in forms other than sheets. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category specifically includes wood pulp that has undergone a bleaching process to achieve a higher degree of whiteness or purity, but is not intended for conversion into regenerated cellulose. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database further clarify that this excludes pulp in a liquid or slurry form, focusing on dried or semi-dried forms suitable for further processing into paper products.
What falls outside HS 470321?
The following products are excluded from HS 470321: dissolving grades of chemical wood pulp, which are specifically designed for the production of regenerated cellulose fibers or films (classified under 4702); wood pulp that is not bleached or semi-bleached; and wood pulp in sheets (classified under 470311 or 470319). Additionally, mechanical wood pulp, which retains more of the wood's natural lignin and is less refined, is classified under heading 4701 and therefore falls outside this subheading.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 470321?
A common error is misclassifying dissolving grades of chemical wood pulp, which are intended for rayon or cellophane production, under this subheading. General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Dissolving pulp has distinct chemical properties and end-uses that place it under HS 4702. Importers may also incorrectly classify pulp in sheet form, which is specifically provided for in other subheadings of heading 4703.
How should importers classify products under HS 470321?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 470321 involves a thorough examination of the product's processing and intended use. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the wood pulp has been semi-bleached or bleached, is not a dissolving grade, and is not in sheet form. Consulting the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and reviewing the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System are crucial steps to ensure accurate classification and avoid potential penalties.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 470321?
A shipment of 10 metric tons of bleached softwood kraft pulp, declared at a customs value of $12,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $360.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($12,000 USD × 0.03 = $360.00). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 470321.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 470321?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 470321, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for originating goods from Canada and Mexico. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) also offers preferential rates, potentially Free, for originating goods from member countries like Vietnam. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a valid Certificate of Origin or a self-certified origin statement, depending on the specific agreement and jurisdiction.
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 470321, 'Semi-bleached or bleached' chemical wood pulp, softwood, in forms other than sheets or rolls?
For HS code 470321, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate in the United States is 0.00%. The European Union's TARIC system also lists a 0.00% duty rate for this classification. In the United Kingdom, the duty rate is Free. These rates are generally applied as ad valorem (percentage of value) or specific (per unit) duties. For example, if a shipment valued at $10,000 were imported into the US, the MFN duty would be $10,000 * 0.00% = $0.00. Always consult the latest official tariff schedules for the importing country, as rates can change.
What specific criteria differentiate HS code 470321 from other chemical wood pulp classifications?
HS code 470321 specifically covers 'Semi-bleached or bleached' chemical wood pulp derived from 'softwood'. The key differentiators are the bleaching process (semi-bleached or fully bleached, indicating a certain level of lignin removal and brightness) and the source of the wood fiber (softwood, such as pine or fir, as opposed to hardwood like oak or maple). The pulp must also be in forms other than sheets or rolls, typically meaning it is in a loose, fibrous state or pressed into bales that are not considered 'sheets or rolls' in the context of paper manufacturing precursors. Refer to Chapter 47 notes of the Harmonized System for detailed definitions.
What documentation is typically required when importing chemical wood pulp under HS code 470321?
When importing chemical wood pulp classified under HS code 470321, standard import documentation is required. This includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; a packing list; and a bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, a certificate of origin may be needed to verify the country of production and to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. For pulp, a declaration or certificate confirming the bleaching process and wood source (softwood) might also be requested by customs authorities to ensure correct classification. Importers should consult the specific requirements of the importing country's customs agency.
Are there any common trade agreements that offer preferential duty rates for HS code 470321?
While the MFN duty rate for HS code 470321 is often 0.00% in major markets like the US and EU, trade agreements can still be relevant for other aspects, such as rules of origin or potential non-tariff barriers. For instance, if the MFN rate were higher, agreements like the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) or various EU Free Trade Agreements could offer reduced or eliminated duties if the pulp originates from a partner country and meets the agreement's rules of origin. It is essential for importers to verify the origin of their goods and consult the specific provisions of applicable trade agreements and the relevant customs tariff database (e.g., USITC, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) to confirm eligibility for preferential treatment.