4704 - Chemical woodpulp, sulfite, other than dissolving grades:

This HTS category, 4704, encompasses chemical woodpulp produced through the sulfite process, excluding dissolving grades. Dissolving grades are characterized by their high purity and are typically used for the manufacture of regenerated cellulose products like rayon or cellophane. Pulp classified under 4704 is therefore intended for use in the paper industry or other applications where a less purified pulp is suitable.

Distinguishing 4704 from its sibling categories within Section X involves understanding the primary material and the pulping process. While other categories in Section X might cover pulp from different cellulosic materials or pulped using different chemical or mechanical methods, 4704 is specifically limited to wood pulp derived from the sulfite chemical process and explicitly excludes the highly refined dissolving grades. This specificity ensures accurate tariff application based on the unique manufacturing method and intended end-use.

The subcategories within 4704 further refine the classification based on the level of bleaching. "Unbleached" pulp retains its natural color, often a brown or tan hue, and is suitable for products where color is not a primary concern. "Semibleached or bleached" pulp has undergone processes to remove color and impurities, resulting in a whiter pulp that is necessary for higher-quality papers and other applications where brightness is essential. This distinction is crucial for importers and exporters to accurately declare the specific type of sulfite woodpulp being traded.