HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 4802.20 – 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

HS code 4802.20 is the 6-digit subheading for 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. It is used for photographic base paper, thermal paper base stock, electrosensitive recording paper base, medical diagnostic paper base and chart recorder paper base.

What HS 4802.20 covers

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.

Covers
  • Photographic base paper
  • Thermal paper base stock
  • Electrosensitive recording paper base
  • Medical diagnostic paper base
  • Chart recorder paper base
  • Inkjet photo paper base.
Examples
  • Mitsubishi Paper Mills thermal base
  • Kodak photographic base paper (historical)
  • Ricoh thermal paper base
  • FujiFilm base paper.

Codes often confused with 4802.20

Common mistake. 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.

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 480220, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 480220 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 17% 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 United States $12M
  2. 2 China $10M
  3. 3 Italy $9.4M

World total: $66M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Netherlands $27M
  2. 2 Belgium $14M
  3. 3 Thailand $13M

World total: $152M 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 codes for 4802.20 2

Brazil splits HS 4802.20 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.

  1. 4802.20.10 Sensitive-paper base, max 15 cm/360 mmEm tiras ou rolos de largura não superior a 15 cm ou em folhas em que nenhum lado exceda 360 mm, quando não dobradas
  2. 4802.20.90 Other photo/heat/electro-sensitive paper baseOutros

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 4802.20

What is HS code 480220?

HS code 480220 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that 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.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 480220?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 480220 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($12M, 18% of world exports), China ($10M) and Italy ($9.4M). World exports came to about $66M, 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 480220?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 480220 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($27M, 17% of world imports), Belgium ($14M) and Thailand ($13M). World imports came to about $152M, 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 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.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 480220?

Brazil splits HS code 480220 into 2 NCM codes: 4802.20.10 (Sensitive-paper base, max 15 cm/360 mm), 4802.20.90 (Other photo/heat/electro-sensitive paper base). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.