Chapter 48 Paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp, of paper or paperboard

What HS code 48 paper and paperboard includes

This chapter is for paper, paperboard and the goods made from them. People also search for it as HSN code 48 or the chapter 48 HS code. The codes are six-digit HS codes, the level shared by customs offices around the world. National tariff lines go further, but this page stops at six digits.

Three kinds of goods sit here. Some are plain paper made at the mill. Some are paper that has been coated or treated. The rest are finished items such as boxes, bags, notebooks and labels. Articles of paper pulp, such as filter blocks and moulded pieces, are part of the chapter too.

Chapter 48 headings at a glance

The headings are easier to use once you sort them into three groups. Each heading has its own page that lists its six-digit codes, so open the one that matches your goods.

• Mill paper and paperboard (4801 to 4811): newsprint 4801, uncoated writing and printing paper 4802, tissue stock 4803, kraft paper 4804, fluting paper and testliner 4805, special papers 4806 to 4809, coated paper 4810 and other coated or treated paper 4811.
• Pulp items and special papers (4812 to 4814): filter blocks of paper pulp 4812, cigarette paper 4813 and wallpaper 4814.
• Finished paper articles (4816 to 4823): copying papers 4816, envelopes 4817, toilet paper and tissues 4818, cartons, boxes and bags 4819, notebooks and registers 4820, labels 4821, bobbins and spools 4822 and other cut or moulded articles 4823.

How to pick the right paper and paperboard HS code

Start with one question: is the paper coated? Heading 4810 is for paper coated with kaolin (china clay) or other inorganic substances and nothing else. Heading 4811 takes other coated, covered or impregnated paper, such as tarred, self-adhesive, plastic-coated or waxed paper. That is the core difference between HS 4802, 4810 and 4811.

Next, look at the type of paper. Uncoated kraft goes to heading 4804, for example kraftliner 480411. Other uncoated paper not named elsewhere goes to 4805, which includes fluting paper and testliner. Corrugated paper in plain roll or sheet form has its own heading, 4808.

Then check size and shape. Tissue and towel stock wider than 36cm belongs to 480300. The same kind of goods cut to size, or 36cm wide or less, move to 4818. Filter paper shows up twice: uncoated filter paper is in 4805, and filter paper cut to shape is in 4823.

Copying papers are split in two. Check 4809 first. Heading 4816 only holds copying papers that 4809 does not cover. If your goods are a finished carton, box or bag, look at 4819 instead of the paper headings.

Last, check the chapter itself. If you are still unsure, try the HS code classifier.

HS code 48 import export data

EximDataX shows shipment-level import and export records from official customs sources. Coverage: 43 direct customs feeds plus 184 mirror-derived countries. Named buyers and named suppliers are available in 38 of the 43 direct markets.

Most markets refresh weekly and some refresh daily. You can search by HS code to see who imports and exports a product, and book a free demo.