HS 470411 Unbleached
Quick Answer: Wood pulp, specifically unbleached chemical wood pulp, imported under HS 470411 enters the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US at Free under the MFN rate. This classification covers pulp derived from wood that has undergone chemical processing but has not been bleached. For importers and customs brokers, the duty-free status across these major markets simplifies trade. According to CustomTariffs data, this favorable tariff treatment underscores the global accessibility of this commodity. Exporters should ensure accurate documentation to support the classification and benefit from these preferential rates.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4704110000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4704110000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4704110000 | 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 470411 cover?
This subheading covers chemical wood pulp, unbleached, of coniferous wood, in forms other than sheets or rolls. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category specifically includes unbleached kraft pulp and unbleached sulfite pulp derived from softwood species. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database confirm that the defining characteristic is the absence of bleaching processes, maintaining the natural color of the wood fibers, and its presentation in non-sheet or non-roll formats, such as bales or loose pulp.
What falls outside HS 470411?
The following products are excluded from HS 470411: bleached chemical wood pulp, chemical wood pulp of non-coniferous wood, and chemical wood pulp presented in sheets or rolls. For instance, bleached softwood kraft pulp, which has undergone a bleaching process to achieve a higher brightness, would be classified under HS 470419. Similarly, chemical wood pulp derived from hardwood species, such as eucalyptus or birch, falls under HS 470420, regardless of whether it is bleached or unbleached.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 470411?
A common error is misinterpreting the "unbleached" status or the form of the pulp. Importers may incorrectly classify bleached pulp under this subheading or confuse it with mechanical wood pulp (HS 4701). Additionally, pulp presented in sheets or rolls, even if unbleached and of coniferous origin, should be classified under HS 470419, as per General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(c) which prioritizes the most specific description when multiple headings appear equally applicable.
How should importers classify products under HS 470411?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 470411 involves verifying the origin of the wood fibers (coniferous), confirming the absence of any bleaching treatment, and ensuring the pulp is not presented in sheets or rolls. Importers and customs brokers must consult technical specifications from the manufacturer, review the WCO HS Explanatory Notes, and cross-reference with official tariff databases like the USITC HTS or EU TARIC to confirm the correct classification before import.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 470411?
A shipment of 10 metric tons of unbleached coniferous chemical wood pulp, declared at a customs value of $8,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $0 USD. This is because the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) lists a Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 0% ad valorem for HS 470411. Therefore, the duty calculation is 0% × $8,000 USD = $0 USD. This rate is applicable for imports from countries not covered by preferential trade agreements.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 470411?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 470411, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which provides for Free duty rates for qualifying goods originating from Canada and Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free duty rates for eligible goods from developing countries. To claim these preferences, a valid USMCA Certificate of Origin or a GSP Form A, depending on the origin country, is typically required by US Customs and Border Protection.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 4704.11, covering unbleached chemical wood pulp, soda or sulfate process, of coniferous wood?
For HS code 4704.11, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate in the United States is 0.00%. In the European Union, under the TARIC system, the autonomous duty rate is also 0.00%. The UK Trade Tariff also lists a 0.00% duty rate for this classification. These rates are generally applied unless a preferential rate under a trade agreement is applicable and claimed. Always verify the specific rate applicable to your country of import and origin of goods.
How is HS code 4704.11 classified, specifically 'unbleached' chemical wood pulp?
HS code 4704.11 is classified as 'Mechanical wood pulp' under heading 4704. This heading covers 'Wood pulp, chemical and chemical-mechanical wood pulp'. Subheading 4704.11 specifically applies to 'Mechanical wood pulp' that is 'Of coniferous wood' and 'Unbleached'. The key classification criteria are that the pulp must be derived from coniferous wood, produced by a chemical process (soda or sulfate), and must not have undergone a bleaching process. The WCO's Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System provide detailed guidance on the distinction between mechanical and chemical pulping processes.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS code 4704.11?
When importing goods under HS code 4704.11, standard import documentation is generally required. This includes a commercial invoice detailing the goods, quantity, value, and origin; a packing list; and a bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country and specific circumstances, a certificate of origin may be necessary to claim preferential duty rates. For wood pulp, ensuring compliance with any phytosanitary requirements or restrictions related to forest products might also be a consideration, though less common for processed pulp.
Do trade agreements, such as the USMCA or EU Free Trade Agreements, offer preferential duty rates for HS code 4704.11?
While the MFN duty rate for HS code 4704.11 is 0.00% in many major markets like the US, EU, and UK, trade agreements can still be relevant. For instance, if the goods originate in a country that has a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the importing country, and the pulp meets the rules of origin stipulated in that agreement, it may still be eligible for preferential treatment, even if the duty rate is already zero. This can sometimes simplify customs procedures or provide assurance of the lowest applicable rate. Importers should always consult the specific text of relevant FTAs and ensure they have the necessary documentation (e.g., Certificate of Origin) to claim any benefits.
How is the duty calculated for HS code 4704.11 if a duty were applicable? Provide a numerical example.
Although the duty rates for HS code 4704.11 are currently 0.00% in many jurisdictions, if a duty were applicable, it would typically be calculated based on either an ad valorem rate (a percentage of the value) or a specific rate (a fixed amount per unit of weight or volume). For example, let's assume hypothetically that a country imposed a 2% ad valorem duty and the imported unbleached chemical wood pulp (coniferous) had a customs value of $1,000. The duty calculation would be: 2% of $1,000 = $20. Alternatively, if there was a specific duty of $0.50 per 100 kg, and the shipment weighed 10,000 kg, the duty would be ($0.50/100 kg) * 10,000 kg = $50. Since the actual rates are 0.00%, the duty payable is $0.