HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 4802.10 – Hand-made paper or paperboard

HS code 4802.10 is the 6-digit subheading for hand-made paper or paperboard. It is used for handmade cotton paper, artisanal watercolor paper, bespoke stationery paper, archival paperboard and decorative paper sheets.

What HS 4802.10 covers

This category encompasses hand-made paper and paperboard, a niche but highly valued segment of the paper industry. Unlike mass-produced machine-made papers, these products are crafted individually, often using traditional techniques and specialized fibers like cotton, linen, or abaca. They are prized for their unique texture, durability, archival quality, and aesthetic appeal, making them suitable for fine art, conservation, luxury stationery, and bespoke packaging. Trade in hand-made paper involves specialized artisans, small-to-medium enterprises, and distributors catering to artists, conservators, calligraphers, and high-end designers. Key aspects include the labor-intensive production process, the use of natural and often sustainable fibers, and its role in preserving traditional craftsmanship. Compliance with regulations like EUDR and EUTR is relevant for the sourcing of raw materials.

Covers
  • Handmade cotton paper
  • Artisanal watercolor paper
  • Bespoke stationery paper
  • Archival paperboard
  • Decorative paper sheets
  • Traditional Japanese Washi paper
  • Deckle-edge paper.
Examples
  • Fabriano Artistico (some lines)
  • Arches Watercolour Paper (traditional)
  • Awagami Factory Washi
  • Twinrocker Handmade Paper.

Codes often confused with 4802.10

Common mistake. Often confused with machine-made specialty papers under 4802.5x or 4802.6x; however, the 'hand-made' distinction, referring to the manufacturing process rather than just the aesthetic, is crucial for correct classification.

48.02Uncoated 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

Top exporters and importers of HS code 480210, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 480210 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 25% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $12M
  2. 2 Japan $9.5M
  3. 3 France $7.1M

World total: $65M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 France $28M
  2. 2 Singapore $21M
  3. 3 Japan $7.7M

World total: $112M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

How these figures are built

109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).

Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.

Brazil NCM code for 4802.10

Brazil does not split HS 4802.10: its NCM code is 4802.10.00.

  1. 4802.10.00 Hand-made paper and paperboardPapel e cartão feitos à mão (folha a folha)

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 48.02 →

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.

EU Regulatory Requirements

This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.

This product is covered by the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR), requiring operators to exercise due diligence to minimize the risk of placing illegally harvested timber on the EU market.

Questions about HS 4802.10

What is HS code 480210?

HS code 480210 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Hand-made paper or paperboard. This category encompasses hand-made paper and paperboard, a niche but highly valued segment of the paper industry. Unlike mass-produced machine-made papers, these products are crafted individually, often using traditional techniques and specialized fibers like cotton, linen, or abaca. They are prized for their unique texture, durability, archival quality, and aesthetic appeal, making them suitable for fine art, conservation, luxury stationery, and bespoke packaging. Trade in hand-made paper involves specialized artisans, small-to-medium enterprises, and distributors catering to artists, conservators, calligraphers, and high-end designers. Key aspects include the labor-intensive production process, the use of natural and often sustainable fibers, and its role in preserving traditional craftsmanship. Compliance with regulations like EUDR and EUTR is relevant for the sourcing of raw materials.

What products fall under HS code 480210?

Handmade cotton paper, artisanal watercolor paper, bespoke stationery paper, archival paperboard, decorative paper sheets, traditional Japanese Washi paper, deckle-edge paper.

What are common misclassifications for HS code 480210?

Often confused with machine-made specialty papers under 4802.5x or 4802.6x; however, the 'hand-made' distinction, referring to the manufacturing process rather than just the aesthetic, is crucial for correct classification.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 480210?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 480210 in UN Comtrade data were China ($12M, 18% of world exports), Japan ($9.5M) and France ($7.1M). World exports came to about $65M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 480210?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 480210 in UN Comtrade data were France ($28M, 25% of world imports), Singapore ($21M) and Japan ($7.7M). World imports came to about $112M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

How is HS code 480210 structured?

HS code 480210 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (48) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (02) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 480210?

In Brazil, HS code 480210 is NCM 4802.10.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.