Medium Density Fiberboard Pulp (MDF Pulp)
Medium Density Fiberboard Pulp (MDF Pulp) is produced by mechanically defibrating hardwood chips using steam explosion and refining, yielding uniform fibers without chemical digestion. It is used as a raw material for manufacturing medium density fiberboard, where the fibers are dried and pressed into panels. Because the pulp is obtained entirely by mechanical means and retains most of the wood's original components, it qualifies as mechanical wood pulp under tariff item 4701.00.00.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
| Origin Country | MFN Tariff | Surtaxes | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳China | Free | — | Free |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | Free | — | Free |
| 🇺🇸United States | Free | — | Free |
| 🇩🇪Germany | Free | — | Free |
| 🇯🇵Japan | Free | — | Free |
More Specific Codes
This product may fall under a more specific subheading:
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If the pulp is chemically treated or has a high alpha-cellulose content
Chemical wood pulp, dissolving grades, is classified under heading 47.02 when it meets the solubility and ash content criteria in Chapter Note 1.
If the pulp is produced by a chemical process (e.g., kraft) and is bleached
Bleached chemical wood pulp, other than dissolving grades, falls under heading 47.03, which covers soda or sulphate pulps.
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right tariff item — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Ensure the pulp is truly mechanical (no chemical pulping) and provide a mill certificate or process description to the CBSA if requested
• Verify the moisture content and fiber uniformity, as these affect classification and potential anti-dumping measures
• Keep records of the production process for at least six years in case of a verification review
Related Products under Tariff item 4701.00.00
Bleached Mechanical Pulp (BMP) Aspen
Bleached Mechanical Pulp (BMP) from aspen hardwood is produced by mechanical refining followed by peroxide bleaching to enhance whiteness for hygiene papers. The process retains over 90% of the wood's original mass, as no significant chemical delignification occurs. This high-yield, lignin-rich pulp qualifies as mechanical wood pulp under tariff item 4701.00.00.
Chemi-Thermomechanical Pulp (CTMP) Softwood
Chemi-Thermomechanical Pulp (CTMP) from softwood involves a mild sodium sulfite pretreatment before thermomechanical refining, which improves brightness and strength while preserving most lignin. The chemical treatment is minimal and does not dissolve significant wood components, keeping the yield high. This pulp is classified as mechanical wood pulp under 4701.00.00.
High-Temperature Thermomechanical Pulp (HTMP)
High-Temperature Thermomechanical Pulp (HTMP) is produced by steaming softwood chips at temperatures above 160°C before mechanical refining, enhancing fiber separation and energy efficiency. The process is purely mechanical with no chemical additives, maintaining a high yield and lignin content. This pulp is used for packaging grades and falls under mechanical wood pulp in 4701.00.00.
Newsprint Mechanical Pulp Blend
Newsprint Mechanical Pulp Blend combines thermomechanical pulp (TMP) and groundwood to optimize strength and deinkability for newsprint production. The blend contains only mechanically produced fibers with no chemical pulping, preserving high lignin content. This product is classified as mechanical wood pulp under 4701.00.00.
Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft Mechanical Pulp (NBSKMP)
Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft Mechanical Pulp (NBSKMP) is a high-yield pulp made from softwood chips using mechanical grinding with a mild chemical treatment, retaining significant lignin. Despite the 'kraft' in its name, it is not a kraft (chemical) pulp because the chemical step is minimal and non-dissolving. This pulp is used in tissue and specialty papers, falling under mechanical wood pulp in 4701.00.00.
Pressure Groundwood Pulp (PGW) from Fir
Pressure Groundwood Pulp (PGW) from fir is produced by grinding wood logs under pressure against a rotating stone, yielding pulp with excellent bonding properties for sack paper and board. The process is purely mechanical, preserving the wood's natural components and high yield. This classic mechanical pulp is classified under 4701.00.00.