Dissolving pulp undergoes additional purification to achieve very high alpha-cellulose content, making it suitable for viscose rayon and specialty chemical applications rather than paper. It is classified under different HTS headings than standard wood pulp and may face distinct duty treatment, so buyers should confirm end-use and classification with a licensed customs broker before importing.

Brightness (measured in ISO points) is a primary pricing variable: bleached pulps above 88 ISO typically command significant premiums over semi-bleached or unbleached grades. Contracts often include brightness tolerance clauses, and shipments testing below specification at the port of entry can trigger price adjustments or rejection, making pre-shipment quality testing a standard risk-management step.