4703.29.00.40 - Bleached

This HTS category, 4703.29.00.40, specifically covers chemical wood pulp that has undergone a bleaching process. It falls under the broader classification of soda or sulfate wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades. The pulp is derived from nonconiferous (hardwood) sources, meaning it is made from trees other than those in the coniferous family. This category captures bleached pulp ready for use in the manufacture of paper, paperboard, and other cellulosic products.

Distinguishing this category from its sibling, 4703.29.00.20 (Semibleached), is the extent of the bleaching process. While semibleached pulp has undergone partial bleaching to improve brightness, this classification is for fully bleached pulp, which has achieved a higher degree of whiteness and purity. This distinction is critical for determining import duties and trade statistics, as the level of processing impacts the pulp's end-use and market value.

As this is a leaf node in the HTS structure, there are no further subcategories. Classification at this level relies on confirming that the pulp is indeed soda or sulfate, derived from nonconiferous sources, and has been fully bleached, as opposed to semibleached or unbleached. Examples of products falling under this classification would include fully whitened hardwood pulp used in the production of fine printing paper, high-quality tissue, or specialty paper products where color purity is paramount.