Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft Mechanical Pulp (NBSKMP) from China

NBSKMP is a high-yield mechanical pulp produced from softwood chips using a combination of mechanical grinding and mild chemical treatment, resulting in fibers with significant lignin content. It is primarily used in newsprint and tissue paper production due to its bulk and opacity. Classified under HTS 4701.00.00.00 as mechanical woodpulp, distinct from chemical pulps which remove most lignin.

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

Verify pulp yield (85-98%) and lignin content (>20%) through lab testing to confirm mechanical classification vs. chemical pulp

Include mill certificates specifying production method (e.g

refiner mechanical pulping) and wood species for customs compliance

Avoid misclassification as chemical pulp by ensuring documentation excludes low lignin or high alpha-cellulose specs