Pulp of wood or other fibrous cellulosic material; recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard

HS code 47 covers the pulp of wood or other fibrous cellulosic materials, as well as the recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard. This industry is a crucial component of the global paper and packaging supply chain, providing the raw materials necessary for the production of a wide range of paper-based products. The pulp and paper industry plays a significant role in the broader economy, contributing to various sectors, including printing, publishing, and packaging.

The production of pulp and paper involves several key steps. The raw materials, such as wood, agricultural residues, or recycled paper, are first mechanically or chemically processed to extract the cellulosic fibers. These fibers are then refined, bleached, and formed into sheets or rolls of paper or paperboard. The specific techniques used can vary depending on the desired properties of the final product, such as strength, opacity, or absorbency.

The main inputs required for the pulp and paper industry include various types of wood and other fibrous materials, such as 4401 Fuel wood, in logs, in billets, in twigs, in faggots or in similar forms; wood in chips or particles; sawdust and wood waste and scrap, whether or not agglomerated in logs, briquettes, pellets or similar forms, 4701 Mechanical wood pulp, and 4702 Chemical wood pulp, dissolving grades. Additionally, the industry relies on specialized machinery, chemicals, and energy sources to facilitate the production process.

The primary outputs of the pulp and paper industry are various grades of paper and paperboard, which are then consumed by a wide range of industries, including 4801 Newsprint, in rolls or sheets, 4802 (Uncoated paper and paperboard, of a kind used for writing, printing or other graphic purposes, and non-perforated punch-cards and punch tape paper, in rolls or rectangular (including square) sheets, of any size), and 4803 Toilet or facial tissue stock, towel or napkin stock and similar paper of a kind used for household or sanitary purposes, cellulose wadding and webs of cellulose fibers, whether or not creped, crinkled, embossed, perforated, surface-colored, surface-decorated or printed, in rolls or sheets. These outputs are then used in the production of a wide range of paper-based products, such as newspapers, books, packaging materials, and personal hygiene items.