4702.00.00.40 - Sulfate or soda

This HTS classification, 4702.00.00.40, specifically covers chemical wood pulp of dissolving grades that has been produced using the sulfate or soda pulping process. Dissolving pulp is a highly purified form of cellulose, characterized by its high alpha-cellulose content, which makes it suitable for chemical conversion into various regenerated cellulosic products. The sulfate (or Kraft) process and the soda process are distinct chemical pulping methods that utilize alkaline liquors to break down wood fibers, yielding pulp with specific chemical and physical properties.

This category is distinguished from its sibling, 4702.00.00.20, by the pulping method employed. While both fall under dissolving grades of chemical woodpulp, the sulfite process generates a different type of pulp with potentially different impurity levels and characteristics. Therefore, the choice between these two classifications hinges on accurately identifying the specific chemical process used in the production of the dissolving pulp.

As this is a leaf node, there are no further subdivisions. Classification within 4702.00.00.40 is definitive based on the material being dissolving grade wood pulp manufactured via the sulfate or soda process. Importers and exporters should ensure documentation clearly indicates the pulping method to facilitate accurate customs declarations.