HS-2 · Chapter 48
HS chapter 48: Paper and paperboard
Section X — Pulp of wood or of other fibrous cellulosic material; recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard; paper and paperboard and articles thereof
Goods classified under this chapter include various types of paper and paperboard, such as newsprint rolls and tissue paper for household use. For example, if you're importing rolls of uncoated kraft paper for packaging, this chapter is essential for determining the correct HS code.
To drill down to HS-4 and HS-6 codes, start by identifying the specific type of paper or paperboard you’re dealing with. Check the title text and product form—like whether it’s coated or uncoated, or if it’s for sanitary use—to narrow down your options. For instance, uncoated paper for printing will guide you towards heading 4802.
Next, review the notes and exclusions in this chapter. Some products may seem similar but fall under different headings based on their end-use or specific characteristics, like whether they're corrugated or coated. This can help clarify if your product fits under headings like 4803 for tissue or 4806 for greaseproof paper.
Terms & reference phrasing
These phrases describe how this chapter is discussed in trade, customs, and search—they stay on this page for context; they are not search shortcuts.
paper products · paperboard · newsprint · tissue paper · kraft paper · corrugated paper · coated paper · carbon paper · stationery · household paper products · packaging materials · paper pulp · labels · filter paper · wall coverings · writing paper
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Related topics
Longer phrases that come up when you're comparing codes or talking to a broker.
- HS code for uncoated paper and paperboard
- how to classify household paper products
- difference between kraft paper and tissue paper HS codes
- importing carbon paper under HS-48
- steps to determine HS-4 for paper products
- notes for importing paper pulp articles
- finding HS-6 for packaging paper materials
- classifying various types of paper and paperboard
Examples & common questions
Example products are typical trade descriptions. Questions below are how people often frame classification for this chapter—use them as reading context, then confirm against your tariff book and legal notes.
Example products
- Newsprint in rolls for newspaper printing
- Uncoated paper sheets for office printing
- Tissue paper rolls for sanitary use
- Kraft paper used for packaging
- Carbon paper for duplicating documents
- Wallpaper rolls for interior decoration
- Envelopes and stationery for correspondence
- Cigarette paper in booklet form
Common classification questions
- What HS code for uncoated paper?
- How to classify tissue paper for import?
- Is kraft paper under HS-48?
- What’s the difference between headings 4802 and 4803?
- How to find the right HS-6 code for paper products?
- Are there special notes for importing paperboard?
- What is included in HS-48 for packaging materials?
- How to classify wallpaper in HS codes?
Questions & answers
For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.
- What types of paper are included in HS-48?
- HS-48 includes newsprint, uncoated paper, tissue paper, kraft paper, and various other paper products used for packaging, printing, and household purposes.
- How do I determine the correct HS-4 code for my paper product?
- Identify the specific type of paper based on its characteristics, such as whether it is coated or uncoated, and its intended use, then refer to the relevant headings in HS-48.
- Are there any exclusions in HS-48 that I should be aware of?
- Yes, certain products may be excluded based on their specific characteristics or uses. Always check the notes associated with each heading to avoid misclassification.
- Can I use the same HS code for different types of paper products?
- No, each type of paper product has a specific HS code based on its characteristics and use. Ensure you select the correct code to avoid customs issues.
- What should I check before selecting an HS code for paper imports?
- Review the product form, end-use, and any specific notes related to the headings. This will help you accurately classify your product under the correct HS code.
All HS-4 headings in chapter 48 (22)
Each HS-4 links to a dedicated page with plain-English explanation, HS-6 subheadings, and FAQs. Use Browse to open the lookup in heading mode for that line.
| HS-4 | WCO heading text | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| 4801 | Newsprint, in rolls or sheets | |
| 4802 | Uncoated paper and paperboard, used for writing, printing or other graphics, non perforated punch-cards and punch tape paper, in rolls or rectangular sheets, of any size, other than paper of heading 4801 or 4803; hand-made paper and paperboard | |
| 4803 | Tissue, towel, napkin stock or similar; for household or sanitary uses, cellulose wadding, webs of cellulose fibres, in rolls over 36cm in width or rectangular sheets with one side exceeding 36cm when unfolded | |
| 4804 | Uncoated kraft paper and paperboard, in rolls or sheets, other than that of heading no. 4802 or 4803 | |
| 4805 | Uncoated paper and paperboard n.e.c., in rolls or sheets | |
| 4806 | Vegetable parchment, greaseproof papers, tracing papers, glassine and other glazed transparent or translucent papers, in rolls or sheets | |
| 4807 | Composite paper and paperboard, (made by sticking layers together with an adhesive), not surface-coated or impregnated, whether or not internally reinforced, in rolls or sheets | |
| 4808 | Paper and paperboard, corrugated (with or without glued flat surface sheets), creped, crinkled, embossed or perforated, in rolls or sheets other than paper of the kind described in heading 4803 | |
| 4809 | Carbon paper, self copy paper, and other copying or transfer papers (including coated or impregnated paper for duplicator stencils or offset plates), whether or not printed, in rolls or sheets | |
| 4810 | Paper and paperboard, coated one or both sides with kaolin (china clay) or inorganic substances, with binder or not, no other coating, surface coloured or not, surface decorated or printed, in rolls or rectangular (including square) sheets, of any size | |
| 4811 | Paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of cellulose fibres, coated, impregnated, covered, surface-coloured, decorated or printed, rolls or sheets, other than goods of heading no. 4803, 4809, or 4810 | |
| 4812 | Filter blocks, slabs and plates of paper pulp | |
| 4813 | Cigarette paper, whether or not cut to size or in the form of booklets or tubes | |
| 4814 | Wallpaper and similar wall coverings; window transparencies of paper | |
| 4816 | Carbon paper, self-copy paper and other copying or transfer papers, (other than those of heading no. 4809), duplicator stencils and offset plates, of paper whether or not put up in boxes | |
| 4817 | Envelopes, letter cards, plain postcards and correspondence cards, of paper, paperboard; boxes, pouches, wallets and writing compendiums, of paper or paperboard containing assortment of paper stationery | |
| 4818 | Toilet paper, width 36cm or less or cut to size/shape; handkerchiefs, tissues, towels, serviettes, bed sheets and similar household or hospital articles, apparel and clothing accessories of paper pulp, paper, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibres | |
| 4819 | Cartons, boxes, cases, bags and the like, of paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or fibres; box files, letter trays and the like, of paper or paperboard, of a kind used in offices, shops or the like | |
| 4820 | Registers, account books, diaries and similar; albums for samples or collections, of paper or paperboard | |
| 4821 | Paper or paperboard labels of all kinds, whether or not printed | |
| 4822 | Bobbins, spools, cops and similar supports of paper pulp, paper or paperboard (whether or not perforated or hardened) | |
| 4823 | Paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of cellulose fibres; cut to size or shape, articles of paper pulp, paper and paper-board, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibres, n.e.c. in chapter 48 |
Browse first heading (HS-4 4801)
Opens the lookup in heading browse for the first HS-4 block in this chapter (4801). Prefer the table above for a specific HS-4 page with full copy.
Before you file customs documents
Chapter pages on TradeTools are educational summaries, not legal classification determinations. Cross-check candidate codes with official notes, advance rulings where available, and your broker for high-value or borderline goods.
How we classify products explains what TradeTools does (and does not) automate.