HS Code Subheading

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

4802.54 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 480254

This HS code covers very lightweight uncoated paper and paperboard, primarily composed of chemical pulp (10% or less mechanical or chemi-mechanical fiber), used for printing, writing, or graphic purposes, with a grammage of less than 40g/m2. This specialized paper is designed for applications where minimal weight and bulk are crucial, such as airmail stationery, bible paper, or very thin inserts. Its trade involves paper mills exporting to specialized printers, publishers of lightweight books, and manufacturers of specific stationery items. Key characteristics include high opacity despite its low weight, often high brightness due to the chemical pulp content, and a fine, smooth surface. Environmental certifications like FSC, PEFC, and compliance with EUDR/EUTR are increasingly important for market access.

Products Under This Code

Airmail paper, bible paper, lightweight dictionary paper, thin prospectus paper, specialized lightweight printing paper, onion skin paper.

Real World Examples

Domtar lightweight opaque paper, Sappi lightweight coated paper (base), UPM lightweight printing paper, ArjoWiggins Conqueror (some lightweight grades).

Common Misclassification

Easily confused with other uncoated printing/writing papers in 4802.55-4802.58; however, the critical differentiator is its very low grammage (less than 40g/m2) combined with low mechanical pulp content.

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 4802.54

Lightweight printing paperWriting paper

Related Codes

4802.10 Hand-made paper or paperboard 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 4802.40 Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); wallpaper base, 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

Finland, Sweden, and Germany are significant exporters, while the USA, UK, and Japan are major importers for specialized lightweight applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 480254?

HS code 480254 covers: 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. This HS code covers very lightweight uncoated paper and paperboard, primarily composed of chemical pulp (10% or less mechanical or chemi-mechanical fiber), used for printing, writing, or graphic purposes, with a grammage of less than 40g/m2. This specialized paper is designed for applications where minimal weight and bulk are crucial, such as airmail stationery, bible paper, or very thin inserts. Its trade involves paper mills exporting to specialized printers, publishers of lightweight books, and manufacturers of specific stationery items. Key characteristics include high opacity despite its low weight, often high brightness due to the chemical pulp content, and a fine, smooth surface. Environmental certifications like FSC, PEFC, and compliance with EUDR/EUTR are increasingly important for market access.

What products fall under HS code 480254?

Airmail paper, bible paper, lightweight dictionary paper, thin prospectus paper, specialized lightweight printing paper, onion skin paper.

What are common misclassifications for HS code 480254?

Easily confused with other uncoated printing/writing papers in 4802.55-4802.58; however, the critical differentiator is its very low grammage (less than 40g/m2) combined with low mechanical pulp content.

How is HS code 480254 structured?

HS code 480254 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 (54) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.