Chemi-Thermomechanical Pulp (CTMP) Softwood from China
CTMP involves mild chemical treatment of chips with sodium sulfite before thermomechanical pulping, yielding brighter pulp with good strength for tissue and linerboard. Though 'chemi-' suggests chemicals, minimal dissolution keeps high yield (>85%), classifying it as mechanical woodpulp under HTS 4701.00.00.00.
Duty Rate — China → United States
35%
Rate breakdown
9903.03.0110%Except for products described in headings 9903.03.02–9903.03.11, articles the product of any country, as provided for in subdivision (aa) of U.S. note 2 to this subchapter
9903.88.0325%Except as provided in headings 9903.88.13, 9903.88.18, 9903.88.33, 9903.88.34, 9903.88.35, 9903.88.36, 9903.88.37, 9903.88.38, 9903.88.40, 9903.88.41, 9903.88.43, 9903.88.45, 9903.88.46, 9903.88.48, 9903.88.56, 9903.88.64, 9903.88.66, 9903.88.67, 9903.88.68, or 9903.88.69, articles the product of China, as provided for in U.S. note 20(e) to this subchapter and as provided for in the subheadings enumerated in U.S. note 20(f)
Import Tips
• Disclose chemical pretreatment levels (<10% yield loss) in technical data sheets to affirm mechanical dominance
• Use ISO 302 viscosity tests to prove retained lignin, avoiding confusion with chemical grades
• Label bales with 'CTMP - Mechanical Pulp' and wood origin to facilitate smooth customs clearance