HS 470329 Non-coniferous
Quick Answer: Wood pulp, specifically non-coniferous (deciduous) chemical wood pulp, enters the UK and EU duty-free, and the US duty-free under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate. This classification covers pulp derived from trees like poplar, birch, and oak, intended for papermaking or other industrial uses. Importers should verify specific product characteristics against the full tariff descriptions in each jurisdiction to ensure correct classification. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the generally favorable duty treatment for this product across major markets.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4703290000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4703290000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4703290020 | — | — | ["t adw"] |
| 4703290040 | — | — | ["t adw"] |
| 47032900 | Free | — | — |
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 470329 cover?
This subheading covers chemical wood pulp, of coniferous wood, not dissolving grades, bleached, other than sulfite process. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category specifically includes bleached chemical wood pulp derived from coniferous trees, excluding pulp intended for conversion into rayon or other regenerated cellulose products. For instance, the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) defines this under Heading 4703, further specifying pulp that is not of dissolving grades and is bleached, excluding those produced via the sulfite process.
What falls outside HS 470329?
The following products are excluded from HS 470329: chemical wood pulp of non-coniferous wood (classified under 470329), dissolving grades of chemical wood pulp (classified under 4702), and mechanical wood pulp (classified under 4701). Pulp that is unbleached or bleached by processes other than those typically associated with chemical pulping, such as mechanical pulping, would also be classified elsewhere. For example, unbleached coniferous pulp falls under HS 470321.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 470329?
A common error is misidentifying the wood species, leading to the classification of non-coniferous pulp under this subheading. General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 mandates classification according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Importers may also incorrectly classify dissolving grades of pulp, which are specifically excluded and fall under HS 4702. Furthermore, confusion can arise between bleached and unbleached pulp, with the latter being classified under HS 470321.
How should importers classify products under HS 470329?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 470329 involves a thorough examination of the product's origin and processing. Importers must confirm that the wood pulp is derived from coniferous trees, is bleached, and is not of the dissolving grade. Verification of the pulping process (excluding sulfite) is also crucial. Consulting the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and reviewing the explanatory notes provided by the WCO are essential steps.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 470329?
A shipment of 10 metric tons of bleached coniferous chemical wood pulp, not dissolving grades, declared at a customs value of $15,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $0 USD. This is because the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS 470329 in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule is 0% ad valorem. The calculation is 0% × $15,000 = $0. This assumes no special trade agreement benefits are applied and the standard MFN rate is in effect.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 470329?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 470329, 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) may also offer preferential rates for originating goods from member countries like Japan. To claim these preferences, a valid Certificate of Origin or a self-certified origin statement, as specified by the importing jurisdiction's customs authority, is typically required.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 4703.29 (non-coniferous wood pulp)?
For HS code 4703.29, which covers "Other" non-coniferous wood pulp, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate in the United States is 0.00% ad valorem. Similarly, the United Kingdom's tariff rate is Free. The European Union's TARIC system also generally lists a 0.00% duty for this classification. Always verify current rates with the latest official tariff schedules, as these can change.
What specific criteria define wood pulp under HS 4703.29 as 'non-coniferous'?
HS code 4703.29 falls under "Wood pulp, of chemical, soda or sulphate process, other than dissolving grades." The distinction 'non-coniferous' refers to wood pulp derived from deciduous trees (hardwoods) rather than coniferous trees (softwoods). Examples of non-coniferous sources include poplar, eucalyptus, and birch. The process of chemical pulping (soda or sulphate) is also a key classification criterion, distinguishing it from mechanical pulping (HS 4701) or dissolving grades (HS 4702).
Are there any preferential duty rates or trade agreements that impact imports of HS 4703.29 into the US, UK, or EU?
While the standard MFN and UK rates for HS 4703.29 are often Free, importers should always investigate potential preferential rates. For instance, the US has Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with certain countries, though specific provisions for wood pulp should be confirmed. The EU has numerous preferential trade agreements, and the UK, post-Brexit, has established its own set of trade deals. To claim preferential treatment, importers typically need a Certificate of Origin and must ensure the goods meet the rules of origin for the specific trade agreement.
How is the duty calculated for HS 4703.29 if a duty were applicable, and what documentation is typically required?
As the duty rate is generally 0.00% ad valorem for HS 4703.29 in major markets like the US, UK, and EU, no duty is typically calculated. However, if a duty were applicable (e.g., under specific trade scenarios or if rates change), it would be calculated as a percentage of the declared customs value. For example, if a shipment of 10 metric tons of wood pulp valued at $800 per metric ton was subject to a hypothetical 2% ad valorem duty, the duty would be calculated as: (10,000 kg * $800/1000 kg) * 0.02 = $8,000 * 0.02 = $160. Required documentation generally includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and potentially a Certificate of Origin. For wood products, phytosanitary certificates may also be required to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases.