HS 470693 Obtained by a combination of mechanical and chemical processes

Quick Answer: Paper, not fully bleached or bleached, and pulp of fibrous cellulosic material, obtained by a combination of mechanical and chemical processes, enters the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US duty-free. This classification specifically covers cellulosic pulp produced through a dual process, combining mechanical pulping methods with chemical treatments to break down wood or other fibrous materials. Importers and customs brokers should ensure that the manufacturing process clearly aligns with this combined mechanical and chemical description to avoid misclassification. According to CustomTariffs data, these key markets currently offer duty-free entry for goods classified under HS 470693, simplifying trade for this specific type of pulp.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
4706930000 0.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
4706930000 0.00 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
4706930100 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 to Classify This HS Code?

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What products does HS 470693 cover?

This subheading covers paper, or paperboard, in strips or rolls of a width exceeding 15 cm, of a kind used for the manufacture of paper or paperboard, obtained by a combination of mechanical and chemical processes. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, this category specifically includes pulps where both mechanical and chemical pulping methods have been employed to break down wood or other fibrous materials. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database confirm that this classification applies to semi-finished paper materials that have undergone this dual processing, resulting in fibers with characteristics derived from both methods.

What falls outside HS 470693?

The following products are excluded from HS 470693: paper or paperboard obtained solely by mechanical pulping (classified under 470692), paper or paperboard obtained solely by chemical pulping (classified under 470691), and finished paper or paperboard products such as printing paper, writing paper, or packaging materials, which are classified in later chapters. For instance, newsprint paper, even if derived from mechanical pulp, falls under Chapter 48, not Chapter 47.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 470693?

A common error is misinterpreting the "combination of mechanical and chemical processes." Importers may incorrectly classify products that are primarily produced by one method but have minor secondary processing steps from the other. General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b) for mixtures and composite goods, or GRI 1 for the essential character, should be applied. For example, a product predominantly chemically pulped with a small mechanical refinement might still be classified under 470691, not 470693.

How should importers classify products under HS 470693?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 470693 involves a thorough examination of the manufacturing process. Importers and customs brokers must obtain detailed technical specifications from the manufacturer, confirming the specific pulping methods used. Verification against the WCO HS Explanatory Notes and relevant national tariff schedules, such as the USITC HTS or EU TARIC, is crucial to ensure the product meets the criteria of both mechanical and chemical processing for paper pulp.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 470693?

A shipment of 10 metric tons of wood pulp obtained by a combination of mechanical and chemical processes, declared at a customs value of $8,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $400.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared value: 5.0% × $8,000 USD = $400.00. This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 470693?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 470693. For products originating from Canada or Mexico under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the duty rate is Free. For products originating from certain developing countries under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), the duty rate can be Free. To claim these preferential rates, a valid USMCA Certificate of Origin or a GSP Form A, respectively, is typically required, depending on the specific jurisdiction and origin country.

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Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 470692 HS 470691 HS 710692 HS 370690 HS 470790 HS 470610

Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.

FAQ

What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 470693, specifically for 'Other paper, not in rolls or sheets, obtained by a combination of mechanical and chemical processes'?

For HS code 470693, 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 to goods imported from countries that do not have specific preferential trade agreements with the importing country. Always verify the specific rate applicable to your country of origin and destination at the time of import.

What specific criteria define 'obtained by a combination of mechanical and chemical processes' for HS code 470693?

HS code 470693 covers 'Other paper, not in rolls or sheets, obtained by a combination of mechanical and chemical processes'. This means the paper pulp used to create the final product has undergone both mechanical pulping (e.g., grinding wood to separate fibers) and chemical pulping (e.g., using chemicals to dissolve lignin and separate fibers). The resulting paper is not in continuous rolls or flat sheets, suggesting it might be in a more processed or formed state, such as molded pulp products or specific types of specialty paper that do not fit the standard roll/sheet descriptions. The key is the dual pulping process and the non-roll/sheet format.

What documentation is typically required when importing goods classified under HS code 470693?

When importing goods under HS code 470693, standard import documentation is generally required. This includes a commercial invoice detailing the value and description of the goods, a packing list, and a bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country and the specific nature of the paper product, additional certifications might be necessary, such as a certificate of origin to claim preferential duty rates if applicable. It is advisable to consult with a customs broker or the relevant customs authority for a comprehensive list of required documents for your specific import.

How is the import duty for HS code 470693 calculated, and can you provide an example?

Since the duty rate for HS code 470693 is typically 0.00% ad valorem in major markets like the US, EU, and UK, the duty calculation results in zero. For instance, if you were importing 1,000 kg of paper classified under 470693 with a declared value of $2,000 USD, and the MFN duty rate was 0.00%, the calculation would be: Duty = Value × Duty Rate. Therefore, Duty = $2,000 × 0.00% = $0.00. In scenarios where a duty rate might apply (though uncommon for this code), it would be calculated as a percentage of the CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value of the goods.

Are there any common trade agreements that might offer preferential duty rates for HS code 470693?

While the standard duty rates for HS code 470693 are often 0.00% in many countries, making preferential rates less impactful, trade agreements can still be relevant. For example, goods originating from countries that are part of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) or the European Union's numerous free trade agreements with partner countries might benefit from preferential treatment if the standard rates were not already zero. Importers should always check the specific origin of their goods and consult the relevant trade agreement schedules and customs regulations to determine eligibility for any potential preferential rates, even if the standard rate is free.