HS Code Subheading

Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); of a kind used as a base for photo-sensitive, heat-sensitive or electro-sensitive paper or paperboard, in rolls or sheets

4802.20 Subheading
Section X — Pulp of wood or of other fibrous cellulosic material; recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard; paper and paperboard and articles thereof

About HS Code 480220

This HS code covers uncoated paper and paperboard specifically designed to serve as a base for photo-sensitive, heat-sensitive, or electro-sensitive coatings. It's a critical intermediate product in various high-tech industries, including photography, medical diagnostics, and thermal printing. The paper must meet stringent technical specifications regarding purity, smoothness, dimensional stability, and chemical inertness to ensure optimal performance once coated. Trade is primarily business-to-business, with specialized paper mills exporting to manufacturers of photographic paper, thermal receipt paper, medical recording charts, and other sensitive media. Key considerations include the absence of impurities that could react with sensitive chemicals, consistent caliper, and a uniform surface for coating application. Compliance with EUDR and EUTR is important for the sustainable sourcing of wood pulp.

Products Under This Code

Photographic base paper, thermal paper base stock, electrosensitive recording paper base, medical diagnostic paper base, chart recorder paper base, inkjet photo paper base.

Real World Examples

Mitsubishi Paper Mills thermal base, Kodak photographic base paper (historical), Ricoh thermal paper base, FujiFilm base paper.

Common Misclassification

Can be confused with other uncoated papers (e.g., 4802.5x) if its specific end-use as a 'base' for sensitive coatings isn't clearly declared or understood. The functional purpose as a base for further chemical treatment is the key differentiator.

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.

Products Classified Under 4802.20

Photographic base paperThermal paper base

Related Codes

4802.10 Hand-made paper or paperboard 4802.40 Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); wallpaper base, in rolls or sheets 4802.54 Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); printing, writing or graphic, 10% or less by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, weighing less than 40g/m2, in rolls or sheets 4802.55 Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); printing, writing or graphic, 10% or less by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, weighing 40g/m2 to 150g/m2, in rolls 4802.56 Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); printing, writing or graphic, 10% or less by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, weight 40-150g/m2, in sheets 435mm or less by 297mm or less (unfolded) 4802.57 Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); printing, writing or graphic, 10% or less by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, weight 40-150g/m2, n.e.c. in item no. 4802.55 or 4802.56 4802.58 Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); printing, writing or graphic, 10% or less by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, weighing more than 150g/m2 4802.61 Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); over 10% by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, in rolls 4802.62 Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); over 10% by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, in sheets 435mm or less by 297mm or less (unfolded) 4802.69 Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); over 10% by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, other than rolls, other than sheets 435mm or less by 297mm or less (unfolded)

Industry

This code belongs to the Paper & Printing industry.

Trade Overview

Japan, Germany, and the USA are key players in both production and consumption of these specialized base papers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 480220?

HS code 480220 covers: Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); of a kind used as a base for photo-sensitive, heat-sensitive or electro-sensitive paper or paperboard, in rolls or sheets. This HS code covers uncoated paper and paperboard specifically designed to serve as a base for photo-sensitive, heat-sensitive, or electro-sensitive coatings. It's a critical intermediate product in various high-tech industries, including photography, medical diagnostics, and thermal printing. The paper must meet stringent technical specifications regarding purity, smoothness, dimensional stability, and chemical inertness to ensure optimal performance once coated. Trade is primarily business-to-business, with specialized paper mills exporting to manufacturers of photographic paper, thermal receipt paper, medical recording charts, and other sensitive media. Key considerations include the absence of impurities that could react with sensitive chemicals, consistent caliper, and a uniform surface for coating application. Compliance with EUDR and EUTR is important for the sustainable sourcing of wood pulp.

What products fall under HS code 480220?

Photographic base paper, thermal paper base stock, electrosensitive recording paper base, medical diagnostic paper base, chart recorder paper base, inkjet photo paper base.

What are common misclassifications for HS code 480220?

Can be confused with other uncoated papers (e.g., 4802.5x) if its specific end-use as a 'base' for sensitive coatings isn't clearly declared or understood. The functional purpose as a base for further chemical treatment is the key differentiator.

How is HS code 480220 structured?

HS code 480220 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 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.